He hadn’t heard from her since last Tuesday at The Rock. They rarely went days without speaking, so deep inside, Braxton knew that she was mad at him for crashing her party. In hindsight, he probably was a douchebag for ignoring her the majority of the night. But when he’d seen the beautiful redhead sitting with his best friend, his heart had stopped for a moment before kicking into high gear. It had felt as if the organ was going to burst from his chest cavity and fall on the floor.
The mystery goddess had green eyes that had pierced his soul, sending electrical shocks straight to his dick. When he’d made it to their table, he’d had to sit down quickly before either of them noticed he was halfway to a full erection. The time he had spent with her had felt effortless, the conversation coming naturally, and he’d truly enjoyed her company. She was all he’d been able to think about since last week.
Braxton didn’t want to seem too forward and ask Alissa for her number at the table, so he’d played it cool and walked her to her dorm. When they’d reached her building, something had come over him, and he had been at a loss as to how to end the night. Did he kiss her? Did he shake her hand? What was the proper protocol for someone he’d just met but wanted to spend more time with? So, like an idiot, he had fumbled for the words to say good night and then forgot to ask for her number.
Now he was kicking himself because he had no way to reach her. When he’d gotten home, he was confident that for sure he’d hear from Paisley.
He continued to glance at his phone every five minutes, finally giving up when a reply didn’t come after an hour. With a heavy sigh, Braxton tossed his phone on the sofa beside him. And as if that was what his phone had been waiting for, it vibrated with an incoming text.
PAISLEY: What, Brax?
His heart sped up. Maybe he’d be able to see Alissa after all without having to stalk her around campus. Camping out in front of a woman’s dorm tended to get you harassed by security.
BRAXTON: I was wondering if you and Alissa wanted to grab something to eat at The Snack Shack? They have killer burgers.
PAISLEY: You do know I’m not your dating pimp, right? Just call her yourself. You don’t need to take me along as a third wheel.
BRAXTON: Tricycles are awesome.
He hit send and then laughed at his comment.
BRAXTON: Besides, I didn’t ask for her number so I can’t call her. I need you.
Once again, Paisley went radio silent. What the hell had he done this time? She seemed okay when she’d finally replied; she’d joked about being his dating pimp. Or, maybe she wasn’t joking. Maybe the comment was meant as a dig at him. He was about to call her instead of waiting for her text when she finally responded.
PAISLEY: Saturday, seven o’clock. We’ll meet you there.
BRAXTON: Thanks, Paisley. You’re my hero. I owe you one—anything you want.
PAISLEY: How about your heart?
Braxton read and reread her comment. What an odd thing for her to say. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but he didn’t spend much time deciphering its meaning and decided to dismiss the comment.
“Oh, fuck!” Braxton said he was supposed to meet Paxton for their weekly dinner on Saturday.
BRAXTON: Paxton, about dinner on Saturday. I have to cancel.
PAXTON: No way, motherfucker. You are not ditching on me because of a girl.
BRAXTON: Bro, how did you know it was a girl?
PAXTON: Why else does someone bail on their best friend?
BRAXTON: This girl is hot. I can’t mess up this opportunity. Sorry, but I have to cancel, best friend or not.
PAXTON: If this girl is so hot, I have to meet her. How about I bring a friend with me and we meet the two of you?
Braxton took Paxton’s comments into consideration. It couldn’t hurt having additional people there; in fact, he’d be able to get his Paxton’s seal of approval and Paisley would feel better not being the “third wheel.”
BRAXTON: Hey, that could work. Your sister will be there, so yeah, bring a friend. We’re meeting at The Snack Shack at seven. It’s on Hearst Ave by campus. See you then.
Excited by the news that Paxton and his friend would be joining them, Braxton quickly texted Paisley to let her know. He was sure she’d be ecstatic to spend the time with her brother. She’d missed the last two meetups with Paxton.
BRAXTON: Hey, Paisley. Pax and his friend will be joining us. Can’t wait for us all to get together.
PAISLEY: Just fucking awesome.
Chapter 5
Lillian and Paxton walked into The Snack Shack. A redhead sitting at the table with Braxton immediately stole his attention. If it weren’t for Braxton raising his hand to signal him and Lillian, he’d still be gawking. His friend was right. Alissa was one smoking-hot girl.
Paxton placed his hand on the small of Lillian’s back, guiding her toward the table where he pulled out her chair for her. Paisley looked at her brother with a questioning glint in her eye.
Paxton introduced his guest to everyone. The redhead who had enchanted him the moment he walked through the door was bouncing in her seat with an enormous smile on her face. He couldn’t help but wonder what she was so excited about.
“Oh, my,” Alissa squeaked, her voice hesitant and her head turning to scan the restaurant before she spoke in a very low voice. “My father is Richard Ivey. He did work for your father many years ago. It’s such an honor to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well.” Lillian was pleasant in her response, but she shot Paxton a glance that let him know she didn’t appreciate being outed by
