I fall into step beside him, careful to keep a wary gaze on Dominique. He hasn’t said anything—yet. And I’m praying he keeps his mouth shut and doesn’t give us away. The look on his face is bad enough. Who knows the damage he can cause if he opens that stupid mouth of his.
“She’s got you there,” Aaron says to Dominique. “You can be prickly.”
Dominique glowers, but doesn’t answer, his attention still locked on Deacon, who seems to have adopted theif I don’t move, no one will notice meapproach. I sigh. It’s a little late for that.
“Relax, man,” Aaron says before turning to me and asking, “So, does your friend have a name?”
“Yeah. This is—“
“Deacon.” He steps up beside me and holds his hand out to my brother. “Deacon Hunt.”
Aaron shakes it, eyes sharpening. There is the overprotective brother I know and love.
“Nice. I’m Aaron. Kasey’s very protective older brother.” At least he doesn’t bother to deny it.
“I feel you there, man. I’ve got three little sisters of my own.” He chuckles. “I know how that goes.”
Aaron’s shoulders relax a fraction as he withdraws his hand, still giving Deacon a considering look. “Three. I’ve got my hands full with this one.” His smile widens. “How do you two know each other?” To me, he adds, “I thought you avoided fraternizing with ball players?”
Isn’t he funny? “Only the ones who make it a point to tell me what to do.” I give Dominique a pointed look. “And we met in class. Deacon’s helping me study while I play catch up for the days I’ve missed.”
“That better be all he’s helping you with,” Dominique grumbles, low enough that Aaron doesn’t hear.
“So you two are…” Aaron trails off, leaving Deacon or I to fill in the blank.
Only neither of us do. As the silence stretches between us, the tension in the air grows thick and uncomfortable. Dominique looks two seconds away from exploding. I need to say something.
“We’re friends,” Deacon finally answers. “Just friends.” The second statement he delivers with his eyes locked on Dominique, as though some silent communication passes between them.
Dominique nods, like whatever message Deacon was trying to relay was received.So stupid.
Rolling my eyes, I ignore them both. Men are such idiots sometimes.
Shoving his hands into his pockets, Aaron rocks back on his heels, digesting Deacon’s words before offering a noncommittal, “Cool,” and taking in the Golden-Tee set up behind us. “Doesn’t look like much studying is going on.” He nods toward the image behind us, projected on the sheet.
“Brain break,” I tell him. “Deacon is teaching me to play virtual gold. It’s actually sorta fun.”
“Golden Tee?” my brother asks, his green eyes brightening.
“Yeah, you play?” Deacon asks.
“Bro, I’m a beast. I hold the top score at the Stadium.” The Stadium is a campus bar where everyone likes to hangout when there isn’t a party or game to attend. I haven’t been but I hear the girls talk about it enough to know it’s one of the more popular hangouts.
“No shit. You’re Sk8r03?”
A broad smile splits my brother’s face. “That’s me.” And just like that, the two of them start talking about the game becoming fast friends. Deacon passes him a controller and Aaron takes over my spot as player two.
With their backs turned and their attention focused on the game, I feel more than see Dominique move up behind me, a malevolent presence intent on stealing the oxygen from my lungs.
“What game are you playing at, baby girl?” His voice is deceptively calm, but I don’t miss the thread of warning in his tone. He’s pissed. Not that I’m surprised. I know Deacon is on his list of least favorite people. But it’s not like I expected him to drop by unannounced. I didn’t plan for this.
I try not to focus on how close he is—close enough for me to smell his cologne. Cinnamon and sandalwood. And instead, pay attention to breathing, desperate to slow my racing heart.
“I’m not playing any game,” I snap, keeping my voice low so it doesn’t reach my brother.
Gripping my hips, Dominique jerks me back until I’m pressed to his front.
“Why is he here?” He leans forward, nose trailing over my exposed skin.
