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“Not terrible.” Wes barks out a laugh and I feel it vibrate through his body. Not an unpleasant sensation by any means.
“My fans will be so happy to hear you say that.” I smile weakly at the joke, his words echoing the reminder that tore me away in the first place.
I slide off his lap, already planning a quick exit strategy, when Wes grabs my hand.
“Hey.”
Forcing myself to meet his gaze, I note the strands of hair sticking up in every direction. I swallow an unexpected laugh; it looks as though I electrified him.
“You know I wouldn’t have done anything you weren’t ready for, right?” Genuine concern floods Wes’ expression and I pause, once again taken by the player’s thoughtfulness.
“I know.” I mean it, too. Wes may get around with the ladies, but when it comes to making sure his partner is comfortable and willing; there is no doubt in my mind he always pulls through. No guy who would pressure a virgin into sex would ask permission to kiss her first.
“Good. I couldn’t stand the thought of you not trusting me.” The edge in his voice makes the raw honesty feel more like an exposed nerve than a reassurance.
With a twinge in my heart, I realize this must not be the first time Wes has had this conversation. And given the sorrow in his tone, I don’t think the past left a positive mark.
“I trust you, Wes. More than anyone else on this campus.” I say the words like a conviction, leaving no room for an argument. He closes his eyes in visual relief and I can’t help but adding, “Well, you might be tied with Stella if I’m being honest.”
Wes chuckles at my admission, “Make sure Stella doesn’t hear that or she’ll be kicking my ass for first place.”
I smile and shake my head, “You’ve got that right.”
Chapter 17
Wes
“WESLEY!” The piercing shriek blasts through my phone, causing me to yank the device away from my ear. After seventeen years of living with the loudest creature known to man, you would think I’d be used to my sister’s noise levels by now.
“You’ve been at university fora monthand this is the first time you’ve called me?!” I wince against the shot of guilt.
“I’m sorry Lace, juggling classes and lacrosse has been crazier than expected.” I hear my sister scoff through the phone, the familiar sound bringing a smile to my face.
“Uh huh. So your excuse for abandoning me is too much homework?” Taking one from Trip’s book, I roll my eyes at my sibling’s dramatics.
“I’m at university, Lace, I didn’t abandon you. Not to mention the fact we text almost every day.” I pause for good measure, “And you forgot to add varsity training as one of my excuses.”
“Riiiight. So you’ve been hitting the books and the gym 24/7, eh?” I sense a jab coming my way, but I continue to play along. I have missed our sibling banters.
“You got it. When I’m not cramming papers, I’m running laps around the field.”
“I see. So, you haven’t gone outat allthis semester?” I grin as my cards fold. The only person other than Nico who can see through my BS is my younger sister.
Oh, and maybe Trip.
“That depends on what you classify as going out.” I pivot on my heel, changing my trajectory from the cafeteria to the courtyard. I’ve been meaning to send her a picture of the courtyard flowers for a while now.
“Don’t be coy with me, brother. I saw you dancing on Nico’s story a couple of weeks ago. What were you doing at a gay bar, anyways?” Waving to one of my teammates in the hall, I duck into the next corridor.
“I was Nico’s wingman.”
A laugh echoes over the phone, “We both know Nico doesn’t need a wingman.” I chuckle in agreement, memories washing over me.
Being only a year apart in age, Lacey would sometimes tag along with me and Nico. Childhood adventures eventually turned into teenage parties; innocent pastimes becoming not-so-innocent drinking games. Whenever my little sister was present, my participation in such activities was always toned down – I had a big brother reputation to uphold after all – but that also meant that in Lacey’s eyes, Nico was the troublemaker. And by troublemaker, I mean heartbreaker. In the experimental years of puberty and high school, there was no fella whodidn’tfall for my boy’s charms.
Hell, I’m straight and even I’m infatuated with the guy.
“You’re right, Nico is his own wingman. I mostly go to get compliments from attractive men.” My response sends Lacey into another bout of laughter. The carefree sound loosens a breath from my diaphragm I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.
