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I don’t even know how, but damn. If Florida has ever done anything right, it’s whatever it did to Claire Ackerman.
Her hair looks lighter like it’s been naturally brightened by the sun, and her entire body is covered in a warm, glowing tan. The straps of her sundress don’t line up with where her bathing suit straps were, putting a couple of tan lines on display, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more thankful for anything in my life.
Taking a sip of her drink, she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “So, uh, where are your friends?”
Of course. She probably thinks I tricked her into coming here alone or some shit. Gesturing behind me, I say, “Our table is over there.”
I can’t stop staring at her.
The sun even brought out a few freckles on her nose.
“Shouldn’t we go over there, then?” She’s staring at me like I’m an idiot.
Probably because I am an idiot. Why am I drooling over her? What the hell is wrong with me? Collecting myself, I say, “Right this way,” and extend my hand out in front of me so she can take the lead.
36
Claire
Each step toward the table makes me wonder if I should have stayed home. It’s been a long time since I’ve been introduced to new people. At school, I never went out much because it always ended up causing a fight between Garret and me. At a certain point, it just wasn’t worth it. So, most of my college experience has been movie nights with Violet or staying in while she goes out with her friends from the Art program.
“Everyone, this is Claire.” Aiden quickly introduces me before taking a seat, and I follow his lead. He gestures to the rest of the group. “Claire, everyone.”
Forcing a smile, I try my best to hide how out of place I’m feeling because they’re all looking at me like they had no idea I’d be joining them. There are two girls and two guys, and their eyes keep jumping between Aiden and me.
Just as I’m about to squirm, a pretty redhead covered in tattoos reaches across the table to extend her hand. “I’m Emily.” After shaking my hand, she sits back and gestures to the guy who sits next to her. “And this is my boyfriend, Ethan.”
Ethan gives me a small wave. The frames of his large glasses are clear, and there’s a quiet calmness about him that makes me immediately take a liking to him.
Emily gestures to the other girl with long, brunette hair and says, “This is Lauren. We just met her, but apparently, her roommate is a bitch.”
Feeling a little more at ease now that I know I’m not the only new person here, I say, “Nice to meet you,” to all of them. I look over at the last guy who hasn’t introduced himself yet, but he seems to be having a hushed conversation with Aiden. It only lasts a second once they both feel the rest of the table staring at them.
Clearing his throat, the tall, muscular guy extends his hand to me. “Chad, and I’m sorry for gawking at you when you walked up. I just didn’t realize Aiden had any friends other than us.”
I can’t help laughing as I say, “That’s okay.”
Without missing a beat, Aiden looks at Chad and says, “Oh, you thought I was your friend?” He looks down at his beer before raising his eyebrows and adding, “That’s embarrassing.”
We all laugh, but Chad doesn’t seem to mind being the brunt of the joke.
“Don’t listen to him,” Chad says as he puts his arm around Aiden. “We’re thick as thieves. In fact, he loves me so much he’s about to buy me a beer.”
“Absolutely not.” There’s no emotion on Aiden’s face, but I can’t tell if he’s trying to be funny or if he really doesn’t like Chad.
“Oh, you absolutely are! Come on, grump-ass.” Chad gets up from the table and shakes Aiden’s shoulder to follow.
I have to admit, I’m impressed with Chad’s confidence. Aiden doesn’t look like he’s about to get up and follow him, but that doesn’t stop him from turning and walking toward the bar like he expects Aiden to do as he says.
All eyes are on Aiden.
He seems to have a silent conversation with Ethan because, after a long look, he sighs and gets up from the table to head to the bar.
“What was that about?” I ask the rest of the group.
Emily pops a fry into her mouth. “When it comes to Chad, none of us really know.”
37
