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6
Damon glanced over at me as he passed me a joint. “Ready for lectures to start next week?”
The night breeze from the open lounge windows danced across my skin as I inhaled, smoke curling through the air, before handing it back to him. “Yeah, I think so. I’ve got all the books, at least.”
“If either of you want any help, just shout. We’re all studying business here, except for Travis,” Preston cut in. “So one of us should have the answers if there’s anything you need to know.”
“Cheers. Appreciate it.” Damon glanced up at him before inhaling the joint and collapsing back on the sofa.
Liam appeared in the doorway, a can of beer in hand, his hair all dishevelled and falling into his eyes. I bit the inside of my cheek, trying hard not to notice how good he looked.
He didn’t even spare me a glance as he took the space farthest from me on the sofa. Not bothering with a greeting, he held out his hand to Damon. “Pass me that.”
Everyone exchanged glances, and Travis cleared his throat. “Alright, Liam?”
Liam just lifted his hand in acknowledgement, exhaling a long curl of smoke from his mouth, and Travis rolled his eyes before giving Preston a pointed look. He nodded, taking the hint and changing the subject.
“Hey. Damon, Noah, there’s a house party next door on Friday night if you guys want to go. Ander said it’s open house, so if either of you want to bring anyone, feel free.” He turned to me. “That reminds me—we need to set up a date for Revolve.”
“Revolve?”
“The gay club.” A grin curved over his lips. “I still need your help persuading Kian.”
I returned his grin. “Yeah, I can do that. I need to wait until my student loan gets paid, though.”
His smile dimmed. Leaning forwards, he studied me with concern. “Hey, man, I can lend you some money if you need it for anything. No questions asked.”
“Uh. Thanks for the offer.” It was so fucking awkward being in this situation. “I think I’ll be okay. I’ve just got to stay away from anything that costs me money for a bit. I should have the loan next week, and I’m looking at applying for a couple of jobs.”
“You really weren’t lying when you said you didn’t have any money?” Liam’s voice broke the sudden silence, and my eyes flew to his. He looked almost…guilty? Chewing on his lip, he fidgeted in his seat.
I couldn’t help my eye-roll. “Well, yeah. I don’t make up that kind of shit for fun.”
“Have I missed something?” Preston stared between us.
“No,” we both answered at the same time, and he held up his hands.
“Okay. I think that’s my cue to leave.” He climbed to his feet and addressed the room in general. “Donotdisturb me.”
Travis pulled a face. “Keep it down if you’re going to be having phone sex again.”
Pausing in the doorway, Preston shot him an amused look. “Wear earplugs.”
He shook his head. “I’ll bear that in mind.” Climbing to his feet, he stretched. “Actually, now you mention it, I’m taking that as my cue to leave too. I’ll be at number 5 with Kira—”
“I’m coming.” Damon immediately jumped to his feet, grinning at Travis’ amused chuckle. His gaze flicked to Liam. “Liam? You coming?”
There was silence for a minute, and then Liam slowly shook his head. “Nah, I don’t think so. Not this time. I’m gonna finish this up—” He held up the remains of the joint. “—then I’ve got shit to do.”
“See ya later then.” Damon saluted him, then disappeared out of the door with Travis. After a couple of minutes, I heard the front door close and then Preston’s footsteps heading up the stairs. Liam remained locked in position, his eyes darting around the room, landing everywhere but on me.
Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. “I could’ve banged out the dent in your car, you know. Or you could’ve waited until my loan came in. Then you wouldn’t have to feel bad.”
The guilty expression immediately disappeared from his face, and his eyes flashed with anger as he glared at me. “Do you have to be such a fucking dick? And you fucking owe me bread and milk.”
“Fine.” Downing the rest of my beer in one go, I crushed the can in my hand, threw it onto the coffee table, and then stormed into the kitchen. At this point, I didn’t even know why I was acting this way. Wasn’t weed supposed to mellow you? I was the very fucking opposite of mellow.
Liam was right on my heels as I wrenched open the door to my food cupboard, pulling out my one and only loaf of bread. I ripped open the bag, grabbed two slices, and launched them at him. One of the slices completely missed him, dropping to the floor, but the other was a direct hit, smacking him right in the side of the face.
