I’m leaning against my car, cigarette dangling from my fingers, watching the crowd shuffle in and out of the building. The college is buzzing, most of them lost in their phones.

But I’m not in a hurry. Not today.

I exhale a cloud of smoke, watching it drift into the cool air. The tip of the cigarette glows as I check the time. She’s late.

Again.

I’m not mad. I’ve learned to expect it. Doesn’t mean I won’t give her shit when she finally walks out those doors.

I take another drag, tossing the smoke aside, eyes scanning the crowd. It’s like a game at this point—she always catches me off guard.

I hear her before I see her—her laugh cutting through the noise. Then there she is, weaving through students, a grin on her face.

A grin I can’t help but return. She’s a fucking mess, and I love it.

“Took you long enough,” I call out, crossing my arms.

She rolls her eyes. “You always say that.”

I chuckle. “Well, it’s true, isn’t it?”

She sticks her tongue out at me, and my heart skips a beat. Even now, after everything, the sight of her does something to me.

She reaches me, tossing her bag in the back seat. “What, you missed me?” she teases, half-sarcastic, but her lips curl up at the edges.

I lean against the car, softening as I take her in. “I missed you not being late.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Funny, I don’t remember you waiting this long for anyone else.”

I step closer, smirking. “Well, you’re worth the wait.”

She looks at me for a beat, something soft in her eyes. “You always know how to make me feel special.”

“Special?” I snort, my grin growing. “You are. Even when you’re running late.”