After we go eat, they drop me off at my apartment. “Guys, drive safe.” I stand on the sidewalk waving as they pull away from the curb. My watch pings, and I see I have a text from Trey.
Trey: Hey, bro, party at the house. Be there … or else.
I head inside, setting my bag against the far wall.
Chance: Right… I’ll be there soon.
I quickly change out of my sleeveless t-shirt and shorts—I throw on just a plain white t-shirt and some red board shorts. After slipping on my black Converse, I grab my phone and keys before heading out.
As soon as I cross the street, I can hear the music coming from my house. This year I knew between school and soccer I was going to be too busy to be a good fraternity president, so I stepped down.
I’m still active with the Greek life and help Hunter, the current president, when I can. I step inside and move through the large house toward the kitchen. I find our fearless leader pouring a bag of ice into the cooler.
“What’s up, brother?” We exchange faux punches. “What’s the reason for the impromptu party?” I ask.
“No reason. We’ve only had a few parties this year so far.” He motions to the cooler. “Help me carry this out back.”
We each grab a handle and heft the huge cooler outside to the patio. Our brothers descend on us, grabbing beers. Hunter grabs one and hands it me.
“How are you, Chance? I feel like we’ve hardly seen you.” We grab a couple of chairs and sit down.
“Between soccer and classes I feel like I’ve had no free time.” I tip the bottle back and let the cold brew slide down my throat.
He nods. “I hear you. Hannah’s been on my ass about planning our wedding, and with everything else I’m tapped.”
Hunter’s the first of us to take the plunge, but Hannah is great, and they’re crazy about each other. “I’m sure, but I’m happy for you, man.”
Our brothers filter in and out, and the beers flow freely. I’m feeling pretty damn good. Ladies have tried to stop by, but every once in a while we have a brothers only party. They’re usually like the one going on tonight; impromptu, casual, and fucking chill.
After my fifth beer I decide it’s time head back to my place. I have class at ten and I have some homework to do when I get up. I say my goodbyes and make my way around the side of the house.
Once I’m back at my place, I collapse on my bed. It doesn’t take long before I pass out.
Chapter Six
Laken
“Is this seat taken?” I look up from my Kindle to find Chance smiling down at me. It should be illegal how good looking he is, and my body immediately perks up. I swear my nipples harden and butterflies take flight in my belly. I ignore it all, though.
“I’m beginning to think you’re stalking me,” I say with a smile. Of course, I move my bag so he can sit. We’ve done this every day this week. He always tries to buy my lunch. Oh, who am I kidding—he doesn’t try, he just does it.
I’m not sure why he’s interested in me. I don’t think it’s in a romantic way because he has never asked me out, even though I don’t know if I would say yes.
“What are we eating today?” Chance surprises me by sitting next to me instead of across from me.
My heart hammers in my chest as his woodsy scent wraps around me. “Um … I don’t know, whatever you want.”
“Whatever I want, huh…” I can’t see his eyes because they’re hidden by a pair of aviators, but his stare is powerful and is causing my body to short circuit.
I’m not interested in dating and for a while I wasn’t even interested in the opposite sex. You wouldn’t be either if your one and only relationship was a disaster from the start.
“Laken?” Chance waves his hand in front of my face. “You okay?”
I shake my head. “Sorry, I spaced out on you.”
“You were staring at me pretty hard.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
I reach out to push him, but he grabs my hands and pulls me to him. I’m not sure what’s happening right now.
A phone rings, breaking the connection. He pulls his phone out of his bag. He holds it up. “It’s my mom.” Chance pushes a button and then holds his phone up to his ear. “Hey, Mom.” He listens and smiles at me and then rolls his eyes. “I’m getting ready to have lunch with Laken.” He rolls his eyes again. “Yes, it’s the girl from the game.” Chance looks at me. “My mom says hi.”
“Ahem … hello, Mrs. Bateman,” I say loudly.
Chance nods and then looks at me. “Mom says to call her Aubrey. Mrs. Bateman makes her sound old.” He puts the phone to his ear. “Okay. I love you too.” After he sticks his phone in his backpack, he surprises me by wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
We decide to eat in the cafeteria. We go through the salad bar and then grab a couple seats at the end of a long table. People have, of course, stopped to talk to Chance, and girls flirt shamelessly with him like I’m not even here.
While he talks, I pull my Kindle out and continue reading the new Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward release. I grab a strawberry from my tray and bite into the juicy berry. Some of the juice clings to my lower lip, and I lick it off.
I look up and find Chance staring at my lips. My cheeks heat up, and I set the berry down, biting my lip.
Suddenly he’s standing. “I-I’ve got to go.” Just like that he’s gone. I’m confused about what just happened. My appetite is suddenly gone.
After I clean up my trash, I head to class.
***
I haven’t seen
