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on.”
    “What is it? Maybe I can help you with it.”
    I shake my head and laugh. He is persistent. “I don’t think so, unless you’re a fashion design major, and I missed you in all my classes. Or you secretly watch Project Runway .”
    He twists his lips into an over-exaggerated grimace. “Busted. I watch it every Monday.”
    “Thursday.”
    “I record it and watch it on Monday.” Brandon leans forward, his face dangerously close to mine. “See? We can go out to dinner, and I can help you with your project.”
    “I don’t think so.”
    “Why? Am I too unattractive for you?” he asks teasingly. A guy like him knows he’s good-looking, and he definitely knows how to use it to his advantage.
    “Yes, Brandon. That’s it.” I laugh and close my government book, then stash it in my bag. “You are too hideous to be seen with in public. I can hardly stand sitting here with you.”
    Brandon stands when I do. “How about I wear a paper bag over my head?”
    My eyes narrow. “Why are you so eager to go out with me?”
    My question stumps him for a moment. “Because I wasted too much time already. I couldn’t ask you out last spring because of my girlfriend.”
    “Good thing for all of us.” I mutter.
    “And then after we broke up, I kept thinking about you but had no idea how to track you down. I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw you sitting here.”
    His explanation sounds plausible.
    “Come on, Caroline. Take pity on a poor guy. Say yes. It’s one date.”
    I have to admit, my defenses are crumbling. He is persistent, and I admire that quality in a man.
    The fact he’s cute doesn’t hurt. “Okay.”
    A huge smile spreads across his face, and he pulls out his phone. “Give me your number. I’ll text you then you can text me your address so I know where to pick you up.”
    Something tells me not to give it to him, but then I remember how I was lusting after Reed before Lexi showed up. Maybe I need a date to get that guy out of my head. After I tell Brandon my number, he shoves his phone in his pocket. “I’ll pick you up at seven, and we’ll go to St. Thomas Grill.”
    “St. Thomas Grill?” It’s got to be the most expensive restaurant in town.
    “Nothing but the best for you.” He picks up my hand and kisses my knuckles, then just as quickly drops it and bolts out the door.
    What the hell just happened?
    Turns out I haven’t turned my back on guys after all.

Chapter Seven
    I stand outside the conference room in the dean’s office, my stomach twisting with dread. I’m not afraid to face Reed. I’m more afraid of how I’ll react.
    I’m only a few minutes early because I wanted as little awkward time with Reed as possible.
    When I walk in the room, everyone is present except for Renee and Wendy. Reed sits at the head of the table, tapping his fingers on the tabletop. Lexi is next to him and offers me a reserved smile as I take a seat several seats away from Reed. I plan to keep my mouth shut at this meeting, so perhaps staying physically as far away as possible will help.
    The two other girls are moments behind me, and Reed wastes no time starting the meeting.
    We all report on the jobs we were assigned. Wendy tells us that she has several graphic design students competing to make a logo for this year’s event. She plans to bring their final concepts to the next meeting. Lexi reports that tomorrow she plans to meet with the head of the local charity that the Monroe Foundation will make donations to. Megan announces that she’s lining up female and male models, but she’s still working on the children. She’s waiting on the design students to let her know what type of models they need.
    A cold sweat dots my forehead. I’m no closer to making my designs than I was last week when Ms. Carter announced the theme. If I don’t come up with something soon, I’ll never have time to complete construction of all the garments.
    “Do you care to share anything with us, Ms. Hunter, or do you