It was painfully obvious: Emily Blair's comrade-in-arms, Elizabeth Wilson, had completely fallen for Tristan Davis's good looks.

Blinded by attraction.

Elizabeth no longer listened to a word Emily said, taking Tristan's every statement as gospel.

Emily frowned at her friend and called her name in exasperation.

Elizabeth waved her off. "Don't interrupt—I want to hear what this handsome guy has to say."

Tristan, looking both smug and pleased, arched an eyebrow. "Well, since she's too shy to admit it, I won't say any more."

Elizabeth gasped, eyes sparkling. "Wow, you're such a gentleman."

Tristan gave a casual shrug. “Of course. I'm not like some people who just lash out at others."

Emily felt a headache coming on.

Xavier Gonzalez shrank back and spoke up quietly, “Um, sir—really, Emily and I are just friends. It's not what you think."

Tristan glanced at him, the frostiness in his expression finally thawing a little. "It had better be that way."

Emily's patience snapped. "Can you just shut up already?"

Elizabeth shot her a teasing look. "Don't be embarrassed! He's ridiculously attractive —anyone could fall for him. There's nothing to be ashamed of, I totally get it."

Emily: ...

She gave up trying to argue. Pulling the textbook Xavier had bought for her closer, she ducked her head and pretended to study, her eyes moving line by line though no words really registered.

Suddenly, a slender hand reached in from the side, trying to tug the book away.

Emily reacted instantly, slamming her palm down to pin the book in place, then glaring at Tristan. "What are you doing now?"

Tristan raised his brows innocently. "Just wanted a look—is that a problem?"

Emily forced a smile. "Given our less-than-friendly relationship, I'd advise against it."

Tristan tugged at the book, but when it wouldn't budge, he shrugged. "Fine, whatever. I can see the pages just fine from here anyway."

With a huff, Emily yanked the book fully into her lap and turned her body, deliberately shielding it from his view.

Elizabeth jumped in, eager to spill the beans. "It's not like it's a secret—it's just—”

"Introduction to Computer Science?" Tristan supplied casually.

Emily blinked, then glanced down at the book. She realized she'd left it open, but there was no way Tristan could have seen the title from his angle.

She turned to stare at him, suspicion written all over her face.

Xavier voiced the question on everyone's mind. "How did you know?”

Three pairs of eyes fixed on Tristan. He curled his lips in a self-satisfied smirk, feigning nonchalance. “I read that book back in middle school. Went through it a bunch of times-I'd recognize it anywhere."

Xavier's jaw dropped. "Middle school?"

Tristan took a sip of his coffee, as if discussing the weather. "Yeah, I started learning computer science in middle school. Didn't you guys?"

Elizabeth and Xavier: ...

Emily thought to herself, Is he seriously showing off right now?

Xavier, flustered, blurted out, "Of course we didn't!"

Tristan glanced at them, smirk growing. "So what's this all about, then?"

Xavier, always earnest, spilled everything before Emily could stop him. “I majored in computer science at university and now I work in IT. Emily and Elizabeth said they wanted to learn too, so I've been teaching them. They're picking it up fast-almost done with this book."

Tristan raised an eyebrow, looking thoroughly pleased with himself. "Just starting now, huh?"

Emily seized her chance. "That's none of your business."

Xavier, who'd been gearing up to explain further, immediately zipped his mouth shut.

Tristan chuckled, leaning back against the couch. "So, Emily, you didn't major in this at college?"

Emily just rolled her eyes.

Elizabeth batted her lashes. "You mean you don't know?"

Tristan looked confused. "Know what?"

Elizabeth cast a sidelong glance at Emily, who was clearly uncomfortable, then barely managed to stifle her laughter. "She's got her entrance exams coming up in a few months. She's still a high school senior—hasn't even started college yet."