I couldn’t hold back the laugh. “Really, that’s the angle you’re going with?”
“Yup, you couldn’t be that heartless. I’m Ella’s brother after all.” He arched an eyebrow as he removed the bag from my shoulder and placed it on his. “Come on. It’s just a quick coffee, nothing more. It’s not like I’m asking for your hand in marriage or anything.”
He was right. I was being a little over the top, and Ella did mean something to me. “Fine, but only a quick coffee.”
A triumphant grin filled his face. “That’s all I'm asking.”
“I can carry my bag though.” I reached for it, but he side stepped me and marched toward the student center.
Refusing to be left behind, I hurried and caught up. “Don't you have a class yourself?”
“Yup, but you’re worth skipping for.” He winked at me as he picked up his pace.
My heart skipped a beat, which reinforced why I needed to stay away.
Within minutes, we were heading into the Starbucks at the student center. He placed an order, and I was stunned when he knew exactly what I wanted.
“How did you know my coffee preference?”
“Ella came home the first day she met you and announced to me and Dad that she found her fated best friend. The fact that you enjoyed the drink as much as her meant that there was no turning back.” He chuckled. “She is one for theatrics.”
“Oh, I know.” That was one of the ways she became so endearing to me.
Soon our drinks were placed on the counter and I grabbed mine. “Thanks for the drink.” I moved to get my bag back, but he caught my hand.
“We're supposed to have coffee together.” He held on to my hand as he used his free hand to grab his cup. “That includes drinking it.”
“Okay.” I nodded and took my cup, drinking the entire sixteen ounces in one gulp. It burned my throat, and I hated that I wasn’t going to get to enjoy it, but gaining distance was more important. Once it was all drained, I slammed the empty paper cup on the table. “There.”
“How’s that throat doing? Is it a little raw?” Amusement once again filled his eyes.
“Nope, that’s how I prefer to drink them.” I held out my hand. “Now, my bag please.”
“Well, I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t at least walk you to your car.” He stared into my eyes as he drained his own drink the same way which I had done mine. “There, we can go now.”
I wasn't sure how I would be able to get out of this situation while facing the determined look on his face. “Fine, let’s go.”
When I turned to head into the overflow parking lot, his laughter stopped me in my tracks. I turned around to face him. “What?”
“You really went out of your way to avoid me.” He caught up and took my hand, nudging me forward. “It’s kind of cute.”
Between his words and touch, I almost felt stripped down. I couldn’t have this, and it seemed as if I was encouraging him by avoiding him. I yanked my hand out from his and took a few steps to the side so we weren’t walking close to one another.
The rest of the walk was in complete silence, and when my car came into view, I almost cried tears of relief. As soon as we reached the driver’s side, I turned and grabbed my bag off his shoulder. “Thanks.” I pulled the keys out of my pocket and unlocked the driver door. “I’ll see you around.”
Before I could climb in, he reached around my waist, turning me to face him. “You sure will.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine, shocking me to my core.
My wolf howled as she clawed inside me, wanting to be free. “Uh.” I pulled back and couldn’t prevent myself from licking my lips. He tasted way too good. Like coffee and mint. “Bye.” I jumped into the car and shut the door, squealing my tires as I pulled away from the parking spot.
As I lay in bed later that day, I felt like I’d been run through the wringer. Luckily, Mona and Kassie had gone out, so I wasn’t bothered with questions. I’d locked myself in my room and focused on getting a handle on my wolf. She was getting stronger and more out of control the more I was around Mason. I couldn’t keep going to the witch more and more frequently.
My phone buzzed on my nightstand, so I picked it up.
Hey - Let’s go out and grab something to eat. My brother is getting on my damn nerves, and I need girl time.
So, Mason was at home. It shouldn’t give me comfort, but it did.
Sorry, no. I’ve got to study.
The problem was that I wanted to go out with her. This reinforced the fact that I needed to get distance from both of them.
You’re a nerd. No go. Be ready in thirty minutes. If you don’t come out, I’ll give Connor your address.
No, she wouldn’t do that. Would she?
Go hang out with some other friends.
This is your last warning. If you aren’t outside of your house when I pull up, be prepared for Connor to show up. I doubt it would take him long to get there.
She fought dirty. But I had a feeling she would follow through. I shouldn’t be happy about it, but I was. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Jumping up from the bed, I threw on a pair of jeans and a V-neck, cut-rose patterned shirt. I put on some makeup and brushed the flaming red bush that was my hair. Right at the thirty minute mark, I was ready and rushing downstairs.
I opened the door and found her sitting on her car’s hood with her cell phone out and typing. She arched an eyebrow when she took
