“Well, the hockey team has a house on Greek Row. We’re throwing a party, and I was wondering if you’d like to come. With me.” Even though he puts in the effort to sound smooth, the words are almost rushed.
I side-eye him. “You live on Greek Row?”
Will shakes his head. “No. Everyone on the team who isn’t a freshman or who doesn’t have an alternative housing arrangement lives there. Once I get through this year, I can move in.”
“Is it like a frat?” I ask, having zero idea how this works. Partying has never been part of my plan.
“Yeah, basically. But it’s more about hockey than anything. It’s our captain’s birthday, and since he graduates this year, theywant it to be this huge, epic thing. Vinnie, me, and the two other freshmen have to help out with the organization, but once people start arriving, we usually just let the chaos take over.” He pauses and turns to face me outside the classroom door, effectively blocking me from entering.
I raise an eyebrow. “Is it themed?”
His grin reappears, even as his cheeks go a little red, and I have to admit it’s an adorable look on him. “Barbie and Ken.”
My utter horror manifests as a laugh. “No the fuck it isn’t.”
He nods, smiling. “Yep. And I was thinking I’d go as Classic Ken. I don’t own a Hawaiian shirt, and I don’t plan on owning one.”
Laughing even more, I shake my head. “So would that make me Classic Barbie?”
He holds up both hands, a serious look falling over his features. “Only if you’re comfortable. You have complete control over your outfit. All I care about is that you are with me at the party. So, what do you think?”
A hockey, frat-like Barbie and Ken party, with plenty of underage drinking, really loud music, and what I’m assuming will be way too many people for one house.
Sounds fucking horrible if you ask me.
But I told myself I’d try and see where things could go with Will. Worst-case scenario, we hook up, and I can confirm that it was as horrible as I thought it would be.
“Sure. It’ll be my first frat party, so you have to promise to look after me.”
Before I register that he has taken a step closer to me, my eyelids flutter shut as his face gets incredibly close to mine. But where I’m expecting his lips to touch mine, instead they touch my forehead.
“I promise.”
Chapter 48
Darcy
Xav:Someone else needs to do something about this.
At first, I’m confused about whatthisis, but then a picture comes through, and holy fuck, I don’t think my core body temperature has ever escalated from normal to literally steaming so quickly.
It’s a good thing I’m already sitting down in my office, otherwise I’m pretty sure my blood pressure would have laid me out flat. As it is, the graphite in my fingers trembles as I slowly lower it to the tray.
There is some kid, some fucking male child, swiping icing off Emmy’s nose, and she issmilingup at him, like he has lit up her world.
Big Daddy D:That’s the jock I was telling you about.
Did I change his name in my phone after Emmy called him that before everything went to shit? Yes, yes, I did. Makes me smile every time I see it.
Huddy-Boy:Surely she isn’t interested in him?
Me:Besides being a jock, what do we know about him?
Xav:18. Family is in the 1%, but the kid doesn’t flaunt it. Daddy is Barty Alderidge, family had the study hall named after them after they paid to have it built. Kid should have been drafted straight out of school, but from what I can tell, daddy dearest blocked that. Lives in the dorm building two down from Emery. Active on all socials, but it’s superficial. No fines, no arrests. Drives a Hummer. Older brother is on the team. Both study business management and are pre-law.
Well, fuck.
Huddy-Boy:Sounds like he would be perfect for Emery.
