Can't be Bought

Chapter 8 - Works For Me

My second week of classes went much better than the first. The girls and I have developed a good schedule, so we are able to see each other every day. Volleyball practice has been stepping up as season will be here in no time.  

I haven't seen Maddox around campus. I've seen Dash a few times but that's because I'll catch him and Justice walking together. He doesn't say anything to me, so I brush it off. I can't help but think about Maddox though, I mean I am technically required to go on a date with him. I don't know how that will ever happen as I don't ever see him and he doesn't have my number. 

It's the third week of classes and it's Wednesday. I've basically got my schedule down to the T so I head to lunch in-between two of my classes. I spot Mary in the Bruins cafe and I head in to meet her. 

"Hey!!" I say, happy to see a friendly face. 

"How's it going?" I ask, genuinely curious about her day so far.

We talk for a while, I get some food and we work on homework. My major is fashion design, so I head to the art studio where I've been sewing some designs. We keep tools in lockers, so I go to unlock mine. As I'm unloading my kit for my project, I'm startled by a deep voice.

"Hey there." Maddox greets me. I drop a few items and they fall to the ground. 

"Geez," I reply as I bend down to pick up my things. He joins me, handing me my notebook and pen. He softly brushes my hand and I feel tingles rush down my spine. 

"What are you doing here?" I ask quietly, closing my locker.

"Why are we whispering?" He replies in a hushed tone, mocking my volume. 

"Because this is a creative space and I just made a bunch of noise by you scaring me!" I whisper aggressively, poking his chest.

He pretends to be hurt or offended, I'm not sure which. He covers his chest with his hand, giving me an open mouth expression of pain, jokingly of course. 

"Well then," Maddox raises his hands in defeat and bows his head. 

"I came here to plan that date you owe me." He smirks, showing his dimples and looking into my eyes. 

I stare back, my gaze softening looking at him. He actually looks a bit nervous or maybe scared. He doesn't look as confident as usual. He rubs the back of his head with his arm and starts to talk again. 

"So what works for you?" He asks shoving his hand in his pocket, a bit more confident this time.

"Well, I have volleyball practice every weekday but on Friday. I have practice from 2:00 to 4:00 on Saturdays and my Sundays are free." His expression doesn't change as I expected it to. Most people are surprised at how busy my schedule is. He doesn't mind.

Maddox leans his arm against the locker, looking into my eyes once again. He moves his face closer to mine. I think about moving back, but I decide not to. I like being able to see him up close.

"Well, Saturday, 6 pm it is." He's matter of fact and to the point, but adds a small smirk at the end. He studies my face looking for a reaction, which I try my best not to give. 

"Works for me," I reply calmly. I reorganize my things and grab my backpack off the ground. I begin to walk past him as I notice he turns to watch me.

"Cammie," He whispers. I turn around to look at him, this time he seems more confident.

 "I need to know where to pick you up." He adds. Good point, I think.

"Where are we going?" I ask him, furrowing my brows, thinking of places it could be. 

"No need to worry about that." He jokes, still waiting for my reply to his question.

"I live in the Avalon apartments, room 110, you can get me there." For a second, I regret telling him this, but I realize I don't feel uncomfortable with him knowing. I like it actually. 

He flashes another smile.

"Perfect." He states.

I turn back around and head to the art studio to work on my project. I don't look back at Maddox but I assume he's already gone.

After practice today, I have to tell the girls. I group FaceTime them to tell them what happened with Maddox. Everyone but Mary answers, I'm sure she's at gymnastics practice still. I spill the news and tell them everything he said. I ask if it's weird that he now knows where I live. They all shut that down and think it's hot that he decided the day and time on the spot. We say our goodbyes and I head to bed.

I can't help but replay his smirk in my mind. I see the moment he was a little thrown off. I feel his soft touch grazing my hand. With that, I fall asleep with a smile.