“Does that mean you’re in?” he asks.
“Yes,” I reply.
Chris takes my hand as we step into Omega Li Delta frat house.
A guy dabs him up. “Hey Chris. Great game yesterday.”
“Thanks.”
He peeks at me briefly. “This is Serenity. The only woman I’m interested in.”
Chris says it like he’s warning him not to mention other women.
He shakes my hand. “I’m James. It’s nice to meet you. Can’t believe you got this guy’s full attention. Chicks wait for him on the sidelines of the field after practice.”
Clearly, this guy didn’t pick up on the not-so-subtle warning.
Chris releases an uncomfortable chuckle. “Man, don’t tell her about that. Stealing time with Serenity has been a struggle.” He pulls me into his side.
“I’m only interested in dating her.”
I flick my gaze to Chris and smile, feeling better about him for the first time in a while. Pushing Nico to the back of my mind isn’t easy, but necessary.
My eyes drift to the crowd pressed against the wall, each clutching a red cup. On the dance floor, bodies sway in time with the music. I glance back at the guys engrossed in their conversation. A smile tugs at my lips. “James, it was great meeting you.” I squeeze Chris’s hand tightly. Thank goodness Nico isn’t around. He’d flip if he saw us holding hands. “I need a drink.” He guides me through the throng. A favorite song blasts from the speakers, and I find myself singing along. “Hey Serenity,” calls a woman with jet-black hair. “Hey Nila. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.” She beams in response. “Okay.”
She’s in my advanced algebra class, and I think she’s pretty cool.
We step into the kitchen, packed tight with people lined up at the keg. My bodyguards stay close, blending seamlessly into the crowd with t-shirts, baseball caps, and sneakers. A few of Chris’s teammates nod and greet him. I slip my hand from his and head toward the counter, where rows of liquor bottles glisten. I grab a red cup, fill it with vodka, and add plenty of cranberry juice. I toss the drink back, feeling nothing at first, then make another. This time, I barely add any cranberry juice. I take a big sip, feeling the burn spread through my throat, and smile. My phone buzzes inside the small purse hanging from my shoulder. The yellow bag matches the tiny, spaghetti-strap yellow dress I’m wearing tonight. I chose comfortable white sneakers over heels.
I retrieve my phone and peer at my screen.
Mullins: He’s at a party on Penn State campus.
Me: And?
Mullins: Serenity…
Me: Tell me
Mullins: He’s surrounded by women
I squeeze my eyes shut.
Serenity, you can’t be jealous.
Me: How’s the security detail going at the other location?
Mullins: Well. No disturbances tonight.
Keeping Rod safe is a full-time job. Nico still wants his head on a stick.
And Rod still wants me for himself.
“Are you okay over here?” Chris asks.
“Yes,” I reply.
Me: thank you.
