“It’s a weird year,” she says. “Who knew you should have gotten laid over the summer like everyone else?”
“I wish someone would have let me know it was a race.” Grinning, I bump her shoulder. “I could have been a contender.”
“If I’d known, I would have held out a little longer.” Kenz blushes.
“No, you wouldn’t have.” I laugh. “Besides, it’s not your fault deflowering horsemen rule our school.”
“Oh my god. You should offer them your precious flower. Maybe they’ll be so confused they’ll let you go.” Kenz laughs again, and I join her.
“I can almost see Luke’s disgusted face at me calling it that.” I take a deep breath to settle my insides. “They’re lucky I’m not a prude, just someone who didn’t want to get swept up in the drama.”
“So you think it will happen soon?”
“That I’ll give them my precious flower?” I can’t even get the words out before I dissolve into giggles.
“Harper?” a male voice asks.
I’m still smiling when my gaze collides with brown eyes in a very familiar face. Surprise fills my voice when I realize who it is. “Nico?”
He climbs the stairs two at a time as I stand. His arms go around me and pull me into his hard chest. Last time I saw Nico Lee, we were in sixth grade. Shocked, I let him hug me close and draw in his scent, fresh, like rain.
When he left, we were the same height, but now he’s as tall as Luke, and from the press of his body against mine, just as cut with muscle. I draw back and smile at my old friend.
His black hair and dark eyes are familiar, but his face is more angular with a square jaw. He definitely grew into his Korean father’s looks. His hands remain on my arms as he looks me over.
Fortunately I remember where we are and who might come out at any moment.
“What are you doing here?” I step away from his hands and glance down at the field. The guys should still be inside, but I don’t want to risk it. I don’t want Nico to get hurt.
Nico was my best friend once upon a time, until his family moved for his father’s work. The horsemen won’t care about that though. All they care about is keeping me their property.
“Dad’s company transferred him back here, so I’m back for our senior year.” Nico runs a hand through his thick black hair and gives me a flirty smile. “You grew up well, Harper.”
Heat courses through me at the look in his eyes. I’m way too familiar with that particular look. I’m just not used to it coming from someone who isn’t a horseman.
“Hi, I’m MacKenzie.”
I completely forgot Kenz is here. “This is my best friend, Kenz. Kenz, this is Nico. My best friend who left me to go to New York.”
While Nico holds his hand out to Kenz, I try to rein back in my weird feelings. Nico is attractive and built like one of my horsemen, but I already have four guys trying to get in my pants.
If Nico had stayed, I might not have had to hide from the assholes. Tingles rush through me when he reaches out and touches my arm. If he’d stayed, I might have had a boyfriend. I did have a crush on him when he left.
“I was hoping to find you here.” Nico’s dark eyes fall on me again, and my heart kicks up a notch. “I don’t start school until Tuesday. When I called your house, your mom said you’d be here.”
He talked to my mom. What all did she tell him?
“So much has happened.” Nico smiles, and it’s a really good smile that makes my heart beat a little harder. I’m hopeless. “I was hoping we could hang out tonight and catch up, or sometime this weekend.”
Before I can open my mouth, Kenz says, “There’s a party. You should totally come with us. I was worried about leaving Harper alone, but if you come, then I can wander off with my boyfriend.”
Nico turns to her. “That sounds great.”
Meanwhile, I’m mouthingwhat the fuckto Kenz behind him. When he turns back to me, I smile. “Yeah, you should totally come with us.”
“Great. Let me go tell my parents. I’ll come back and find you.” Nico grabs my arm and his hand trails down to squeeze mine. Sparks follow his touch. What the hell is wrong with me? I’ve already got four men. “I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve missed you.”
My pulse kicks up another notch. “I’ve missed you too.”
