AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’ve known Blue since the day she was born at the shelter, to a stray mom who was brought a few weeks earlier. We used to call her Smiles, and I still do sometimes, though Blue suits her, too.
The knots tightening my stomach, my neck, and shoulders lessen a little as the puppy lets me pet her, tail wagging. It’s like she knew I needed comfort. Dogs are too good for this world. I’d have one if I could, but pets aren’t allowed in the dorms.
At least, I sort of have Blue, by proxy. I saw her grow up, I helped with her training, and I’ve watched her every other week, during the football team’s away games.
“I think she loves you more than me,” a deep voice says.
I recognize it at the back of my mind, but I still jump a little. I glance up to see her owner approach; Roman Greene, one of the hosts.
He’s flanked by a couple of his usual buddies, handsome, colossal piles of muscles I stay away from. They’re the athletic type, so they often hang out though they don’t play the same sports.
I tense. I can’t help it. I know they’re not going to do anything to me, but unease is my reaction to everyone with a cock, these days.
His friends walk past me, never stopping their conversation, but Roman sticks around.
He keeps his distance, as he usually does with me, shoving his hands in his pockets. I don’t know if he does it with every woman, or if he just senses I don’t want him too close. Either way, I appreciate it.
“She adores you,” I disagree, rolling my eyes. “I’m just more likely to give her treats, and she knows it.”
He allows me to give her whatever I’d like within reason, while he’s pretty strict with treats himself, sticking to the healthier kind, like carrots and crushed bananas, and those in moderation. Blue’s too fond of food, so he’s watching her weight.
“Sarah Andrews, the terrible influence,” he teases, knowing full well that I’m the opposite.
I don’t do anything I’m not supposed to. I don’t make waves. I don’t stand out. I study, work, and stick to myself otherwise.
Life is just safer that way.
“That’s me,” I mutter, only half amused.
I don’t particularly like the fact that I’m boring; I wish I could find the courage tobea bad influence, or even just to let myself do something…daring.But that’s not me.
Sipping a cocktail although I’m only nineteen is the extent of my rebellion so far. And I’ve been nursing the same drink for the last hour.Violet’s drinks have a hell of a kick.
“Listen, no pressure,” Rom says, scratching the back of his head. “But if you want to pet sit, I’ll be gone Friday evening in two weeks. Violet and Rhys tend to make that their date night. Blue can handle being alone a few hours of course, but if you’re available…”
“I’ll do it,” I’m quick to agree, not even pretending to check my schedule.
I know it’s clear. How depressing is that? But he pays very well, and I love spending time with his pup.
“You’re the best. I’ll leave cash on the counter; you know where everything is.”
I smile gratefully and nod, expecting him to immediately return to his friends since he got what he wanted from me. Instead, he lingers by my side.
“You’re having fun?”he asks dubiously, likely because he can likely tell I’m bored to tears.
“It’s a nice party,” I answer diplomatically. “You guys always have the best food.”
I inhaled at least three tacos and a full plate of fresh sushi.
“You should mingle.”
I bob my head up and down rather than argue.
“But you won’t,” he guesses.
“Yep.”
Roman’s not judgmental; he just grins conspiratorially. Wouldn’t want to ruin the whole mysterious vixen thing you have going on, right?”
