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“Green. Like your eyes.”
Locklyn scoffs, but I can tell she liked my compliment. I get the sense my girl didn’t get many kind words growing up, and I make a mental note to step up my game.
“What do you like to do for fun?” she asks as we reach the steps of the Briar building.
“Race cars. Hang out with my friends. Watch movies. What about you?”
“Read, binge watch Netflix, and… I’d say hanging out with friends, but I don’t have many here yet. Malia and Elodie are great, and I think we could be friends as well as roommates, but...” Locklyn shrugs, and I can’t take it anymore.
I circle my arms around her hips and pull her in for a hug. She doesn’t resist, and in fact, buries her face into the side of my neck. Combing my fingers through her hair, I silently cover her with my strength, hoping she knows she’ll always have a safe place right here in my arms.
“I don’t know what you’ve been through, baby girl, but you’re safe now. You have people who care.”
Locklyn nods, then takes a step back. She blinks away a few tears, my brave girl not wanting to show me too much of her fragile heart. I’ll protect it with everything I am. I just need to convince her I’m worthy of a second chance.
“Are you going to come to the races tomorrow night?” I ask. She chews on her bottom lip.
“Maybe. I’ll have to see if Malia and Elodie want to go.”
“I’ll look for you. You could come and just hang out with me. I’ll pick you up,” I offer.
“I’ll come, but I’ll drive myself,” she says. I nod, trying not to whoop and holler out my victory.
“I’ll see you then.”
Leaning in, I brush a quick kiss across her cheek before she walks up the steps. She seems caught off guard by the kiss but she doesn’t say anything as she turns and heads inside the building.
I watch her go, and when I turn back, I spot Kade and Thorne watching me over by one of the picnic tables. I head their way, trying not to skip as I go. Kade is grinning at me and Thorne has his usual bored mask in place.
“So that’s her? The girl that has you so distracted?” Kade asks, and I nod.
“Her name’s Locklyn. She’ll be at the race tomorrow. I’ll introduce you to her then.”
“Can’t wait,” Thorne deadpans, and I shot him a look.
“She’s cool. You’ll like her.”
“You just had to fall in love with the girl who is rooming with my ex, didn’t you,” Thorne says, and I pause.
“What?”
Kade nods, giving me a warning look to tread lightly.
“Uh, what?” I try again, and Thorne looks like he’s grinding his teeth.
“Elodie. I ran into her at the last race. I didn’t even know that she was in California, let alone here at Sequoia.”
I share another look with Kade. I guess that explains why Thorne has been even more grouchy lately.
“She left with your girl, and I asked around. They’re rooming together and with another girl. Mel or Mal or something.”
“So… you’re stalking your ex-girlfriend?” I ask, and Thorne glares at me.
“Just doing some research.”
“Uh huh,” I say, not at all convinced.
“Whatever. I need to get to class. I’ll see you later.”
