Hours of studying later.

Eventually, I forced myself to stop talking and actually get some work done.

For the next few hours, Riley and I settled into a pretty comfortable rhythm. We’d work for a while, whisper back and forth for a few minutes, then get distracted again before remembering we were supposed to be studying.

By the time I looked up from my notebook, the windows had gone dark.

“Wow,” Riley said, glancing outside. “I didn’t realize it got this late.”

I checked my phone. “Yeah. It’s definitely later than I thought.”

We packed our things and walked out of the library together. Outside, campus was noticeably quieter, with the paths lit by scattered lamps.

We reached the point where we would normally go our separate ways, and Riley adjusted her backpack.

“Well, I’ll see you around.”

I looked down the darkened walkway she’d be taking.

“Wait. I’m walking you back.”

She looked at me. “You don’t have to.”

“I know.”

I smiled. “But my dad would kill me if he found out I let a cute girl walk across campus alone in the dark.”

Riley’s expression changed immediately. She looked down for a second, and I caught the faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

“Your dad sounds very protective,” she said, trying not to smile.

“He’d probably give me a whole lecture.”

She laughed softly. “Well…I guess I won’t argue.”