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“Evie, that bikini looks amazing on you.”
“Thanks.” I slid off my jean shorts. “I don’t think I’ve ever owned a bathing suit with this little bit of fabric on it.”
“That’s what happens when they don’t have your size. You’re welcome.”
Tessa and I didn’t hang out a lot, but she was always inviting me to sorority and fraternity parties. This was the first one I’d attended since the incident with Ryan. I wanted to enjoy college and not live in fear. I decided today was the day to give this social scene another try.
My school load was intense, and I was busy with classes, therefore hadn’t made any friends yet. Despite parties not being in my comfort zone, I was hopeful I’d meet some new people to bring into my life.
Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of friends. I was definitely more of a loner, being raised as an only child. It was hard on me. The older I became, the more I wanted to know Jax in hopes of having a sense of family in my life. It was why I was adamant to meet him, and waiting eighteen years was long enough.
Now that Jax was living in Miami for the season, I couldn’t continue to isolate myself anymore. I depended solely on him, and it wasn’t fair. Like everyone else my age, I had to step out of my comfort zone to enjoy the college experience or I’d regret it.
It was nice feeling like there were new opportunities that would arise. It was easy to connect with people at the party. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. It was reassuring that I’d made the right choice by attending.
I don’t know how I got dragged into playing “chicken” with a couple of people in the pool, but there I was…
Sitting on Josh’s shoulders.
At least he was in my economics class, so we weren’t complete strangers. Josh had a great smile and laugh. His body wasn’t bad either. We quickly hit it off, getting to know one another. When he asked me if I wanted to go out to lunch with him the next day, I told him I’d get back to him.
Dating was just another thing I needed to do.
I hadn’t been in a relationship since dating Kyle my junior year of high school. Though, for some unknown reason, every time I thought about dating again, I saw Caleb’s handsome face.
As much as I wanted to forget about him and the night we shared, I couldn’t. The last time I saw him was at Jax’s place. However, he did end up getting my phone number from Jax that afternoon. Caleb began texting me a few times a week, asking me how things were going. I never responded. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of my time and energy.
I silently chastised myself for thinking about him while I was sitting on another guy’s shoulders. Instead of focusing on things I couldn’t change between us, I shook away the thoughts of Caleb and concentrated on kicking this girl’s ass in “chicken.”
“Yes! Get it, babe!” Josh celebrated our win, turning me around on his shoulders. My core was now in his face.
“Josh!” I exclaimed, surprised by the turn in events. Jolting back, I lost my balance and fell into his arms.
I swear there was a drastic shift in the air. It was the weirdest sensation I’d ever felt. One minute, I was laughing and having fun. The next, I was in Josh’s embrace with my legs wrapped around his waist.
I felt him before I actually saw him. Subconsciously, my stare shifted behind Josh, finding the man I least expected. Who was glaring at us with such disdain.
“Oh, shit,” I breathed out, pulling away from Josh.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“I’m saving your life.”
“Wha—”
I swam away from him, going toward the stairs. When I lifted my head out of the water, there was a white towel in my face, and I didn’t have to wonder who was holding it. Shoving the towel away, I stood in front of him.
He immediately started off on the wrong foot, snapping, “What the fuck are you wearing?”
“Are you always this aggressive, or do I just bring out the worst in you?”
“Evie, you need to put some fucking clothes on.”
“Or what?”
“You’re going to answer to me.”
“What’s your problem? I haven’t seen you in months, and you show up out of nowhere, barking orders at me like I’m your dog.”
