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Scarlet
The deep rumbleof laughter stirs me from my sleep.
My first thought: I was having an amazing dream. I was cuddled in Colt’s arms on the beach, the sun was about to set, and happiness filled my heart.
My second thought: Oh my god, I’m in Colt’s bed.
I cried myself to sleep. In his arms. At the Kappa house.
What an idiot.
I don’t even know why I came here. I fully intended to go back to the Zeta house and hide in my room. Gia is coming back today, and after filling her in on everything that went down with my parents, I promised her we’d have girls’ night tonight.
Just the two of us. Watching sappy movies, eating junk food, and bitching about life in general.
Plus, she said she had something she wanted to run by me. She sounded borderline uncertain about whatever it is. The fact she never takes life too seriously has me concerned. Of all my friends, she and Cleo are the two who never go in search of a second opinion.
They make decisions at the snap of a finger, always confident in what they choose.
Sitting up, I reach into my back pocket and slide my brand-new cell phone out to find three new texts and two missed calls. All from the one person who has the number.
GIA: You almost here?
GIA: Tried to call you. You need to set up your voicemail.
GIA: I’m starting to worry. You always answer your phone.
The last call came in ten minutes ago followed immediately by her final text.
ME: I’m in town. Had to make a pit stop. I’ll be home shortly.
As soon as I figure out how to get out of here without being seen.
Quickly moving toward the door, I press my ear to the wood. I can hear voices, but they’re faint. Moving back to the bed, I sit on the edge and slip my shoes on. Colt must have taken them off after I fell asleep.
Sliding my arms into my coat, I crack the door open and peek my head out, scanning the hallway. With no one in sight, I quickly exit Colt’s room, closing the door behind me, and rush toward the front stairs.
Descending them as quickly and quietly as possible, I’m reaching for the door handle, almost free, when I hear a throat clear behind me.
“Going somewhere?”
Shit.
“Hi, Kane,” I state as I turn to face him. He’s standing in the middle of the hallway, looking as if he’s just as surprised to see me as I am to see him. Though, he knew I was here.
“Are you planning on saying goodbye to Colt before you leave?”
“I’m in a rush. I’ll call him later.” With my back to the door, I feel around for the knob, gripping it tightly as soon as I have it in hand. “Or you can tell him I left.”
Turning it slowly, I hear the latch give as Kane shakes his head in disapproval. Without giving it a second thought, I slip out the door and hurry down the sidewalk as fast as my little legs will allow.
Pulling in the parking lot behind the Zeta house, I’m surprised to find multiple cars. I knew Gia was coming home today, but I didn’t realize any of the other girls would be here too.
Carefully stomping the snow off my sneakers in the back foyer, the sound of giggling surrounds me.
I missed that sound. That feeling. Laughing with my friends. Not having to worry about my parents breathing down my neck. Being able to come and go as I please, without a schedule dictating my every move.
“There you are!” Gia announces as I make my way into the kitchen. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
