Gabriel chuckles when he sees my expression. “I just mean he used to be a frat kid before he saw the light.”
“The light?”
He tugs me into motion again. “Yeah. Bennett wasn’t willing to play by their rules. Or, more accurately, break some veryreasonable rules just because some frat jackasses told him to. Zeta Pi gave him an ultimatum. Get in line or get out. He decided to get out.”
Oh.I like him already. “Good for him.”
Gabriel’s mouth curls into a smile. “I agree.” He laces his fingers with mine. “You ready?”
“Yep,” I say, with more confidence than I feel. He nods once, kisses my temple, and leads us the rest of the way.
In the yard, we find Felix and Julio chatting with one another beside a grill. “Hey, you made it,” Julio says, holding his hand out for Gabriel. They do the handshake hug thing guys like to do and then all eyes turn to me.
“Didn’t think you’d convince her to come.” I’ve met Julio, so this one must be Felix.
“Hi.” I wave.
“Don’t be a dick,” Gabriel growls, throwing his arm around my shoulder and tugging me close.
“Relax,” Felix says, arms raised in surrender. To me says, “We’re glad you came. Want something to drink?”
“Just water. Thanks.”
Felix pulls a bottle of water from the cooler and tosses it to me, and we all fall into casual conversation. Little by little, I feel myself begin to relax. Julio mans the grill, turning over strips of carne asada and warming a handful of tortillas while the guys talk about practice and an upcoming game against Crown Point University they’re confident they’ll win.
“It’s a home game,” Felix says, giving me a look. “You going to come?” The question is casual enough, but when all eyes turn to me, I feel like a bug under a microscope.
“I—”
“Nah. She’s not really into sports,” Gabriel answers for me.
“Aw, but you’ve got to come,” Felix complains. “Who else is going to cheer for us in the stands?”
Gabriel punches him in the arm.
“What the hell was that for?” Felix rubs his shoulder, wincing dramatically.
“She doesn’t want to go. Drop it.”
I’m about to interrupt. I don’t want Gabriel fighting with his friend because of some misplaced need to protect me. I’m capable of telling Felix I’m not going myself, but then Felix gives me a conspiratorial wink, letting me know this is all a game to him. I bite my tongue, curious to see where this goes.
Julio catches my eye and takes a few steps back, silently suggesting I follow suit. I do, and we both watch as Gabriel and Felix advance on one another. “Relax, man. I’m just inviting your girl to hangout with us.”
“She doesn’t want to go,” Gabriel grinds out.
In a low voice, Julio leans over and asks, “You doing okay?”
I nod. “Yeah. I’m just a little surprised.”
He chuckles softly. “Gabriel is protective of the people he cares about. I get the feeling you’re not a fan of crowds.”
I shake my head in confirmation. “No. Not really.”
“Bro, relax,” Felix shouts.
“You relax.” Gabriel shoves Felix in the chest.
I push away from the table, but Julio tugs on the hem of my shirt to stop me. “He needs this.”
