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Brynn scoffs.
“I’ve heard you’re damn good. We’re supposed to have the best team we’ve had in years.”
“Hell yes, we are,” I confirm, slapping his offered hand.
Stan beams. “Well, hey, if you’re not busy, we’ll be at Bradd’s around ten. It’s right off Alma Drive. It’s a good time if you wanna come.”
“Did Brynn say she was going?”
Stan shrugs and winks at her. “She’s supposed to make it, yeah.”
I want to rip his eyeballs out.
Instead, I cross my arms over my chest, my face a mask of cool indifference. “Then I’d love to join you.”
“Great.” Stanley starts to back away, pointing. “See you tonight?”
I’m pretty sure he’s directing his question to Brynn, but his gaze flickers between us and whatever gesture Brynn makes must be confirmation because he nods and turns, leaving me alone with her.
Several seconds pass before she spins around to face me, arms crossed over her chest, ready for battle. I meet her combative expression with an arched brow as I hook a thumb in his direction. “That guy? Really, Brynn?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Is he not jock enough for you?” she says in a mocking tone, then pokes a spindly finger in my chest. “You arenotgoing to that club.”
My smile tightens as I wonder why the hell she doesn’t want me there, other than her obvious hatred. “Well, if I’m not going, then neither are you.”
She scoffs. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think that’s how this works. Just because you made some misguided promise to Teagan, doesn’t mean you get to tell me what to do.” Her eyes slide up and down my body from head to toe and I wonder if it’s supposed to intimidate me or turn me on. The former is hilarious, the latter is trouble. “You’re not my brother, Jace, and I don’t need you watching after me.”
I shrug. “Maybe I just wanna go and dance. Have some fun.”
“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes so hard I fear for her eyesight. She makes a move to brush past me, but I grab her elbow, noting how soft her skin is, like silk.
The hell?
I drop my hand like it’s on fire. “You don’t even know that guy.” I point in the direction Stan left.
She huffs out a breath, half incredulity, half laugh. “Girls go out at college all the time, Jace. I’m not the first.”
“Maybe. But you never went to any of our parties in high school. You’re inexperienced and naive—”
“Stop talking to me like I’m a child!”
I bite my tongue, staring into her violet eyes. The truth is, even though she and Teagan are really close, she didn’t hang out with us much. Maybe a few times freshman year, and then some time during our sophomore year, she became sort of a recluse, either hanging with different people or not at all. I never understood the change. But I do know she didn’t party in high school, which has me worried that she’ll make poor choices because she doesn’t know better. I don’t want her going buck wild and doing something she regrets.
I sigh and step forward, forcing her to tip her head back so she can look me in the eyes. “I’m sorry, but it’s only been a week and I don’t like the idea of you going to some club alone with a guy named fucking Stan, who you barely know. Especially when there will be alcohol.”
“His name is Stanley,” she seethes.
“Whatever.” I wave her away like his name is inconsequential. “I know what drunk guys at parties want.”
“Oh, I have no doubt you do. Better than most, in fact.”
I ignore her statement, refusing to acknowledge the insinuation behind her words. “You need supervision.”
Her jaw tightens, the muscle flickering in her cheek. “And who said I was going alone? Not that it’s any of your business, but Charlotte’s going with me.”
My brows rise. I have no idea who Charlotte is, but I’m glad it’s not Creepy Cate. Now that would be a reason to worry.
“Well, then you won’t mind if I go, too. I mean, what’s one more friend? All I’ve done is train all week and I could use a break. My social life is feeling a littledry.”
