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“Lacey just Lacey, you can spill whatever you want on me. It’s your birthday.”
He rubs his thumb across the back of my hand, which is still being held against his chest. I feel something stir in me and try to pull my hand back, but he holds fast until my smile fades, and with more force, I yank it back to my side.
He looks into my eyes, flashing an even more charming smile, if possible, offering his own apology. “I’m sorry. I was caught off guard by how pretty you are close-up. I saw you celebrating back there with your friends.”
“Yeah, my sister, her friend, and my boyfriend. He brought me the cake,” I say like an idiot. “I’m going to get out of your way and head back to my table now.”
“I have a better idea. Why don’t you dance with me? It’s your birthday, after all.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Come on.” He steps in my way.
“Um, I can’t. My boyfriend’s going to be looking for me.”
“Are you sure? One dance. Please, think about it.”
He steps closer to me and holds my hand to him again. I start to feel closed in by his smile and every perfect thing about him. Something in me tells me to get space between us, so once again I pull my hand free, this time holding the glass between us. “I don’t want to be rude, but I said no,” I say with more force.
The warm, charming smile on his face disappears, but is replaced by another so fast that I’m not sure if he did stop smiling. He steps back, but instead of leaving, he brushes a stray hair away from the side of my face, making me shiver. “Rain check, then.”
Disturbed by his closeness and intimate touch, I turn my head away, saying, “No.” From behind him, I see Landon. Not happy. The anger in his voice and eyes lets me know he saw and heard it all.
“Get the fuck away from her. She said no.”
“You must be the boyfriend,” he says with a crooked smile, unlike the one he had for me. It’s a little less perfect. Insincere. “I’m just being friendly, wishing the birthday girl a happy birthday. You’re a lucky guy.”
“I know you?” Landon says tersely, ignoring his compliment, eyes fixed on his.
“Do you?” He takes a look at Landon, sizing him up.
Landon does the same, without a smile, his hand flexing at his side. Shoot, I hope this doesn’t end badly. I don’t want him to get into a fight over me and lose his job, plus ruin a great night.
“You’re in one of those preppy asshole fraternities. Yeah, I know you.”
“Whatever,” he replies, smile gone, straightening his shoulders to his full height. An inch and a half taller than Landon, but not too far from the same size. He turns his head back to me in a dismissive gesture to Landon. “Baby, if you ever want to step up and have that dance—”
“The next words out of your mouth better be goodbye or I’m going to put your fucking teeth through the back of your head.”
With perfect timing at a desperately needed moment, Trigg and my sister walk up, and he lays a hand on Landon’s shoulder. “Problem?”
The guy smirks, but it’s plain to see he’s oozing anger. Saying nothing, he tips his head toward them but takes one last look at me before walking away, blowing a kiss. Landon lurches toward him, causing me to yelp in alarm. Trigg grips his shoulder, thankfully halting his move. “Let it go, man. He’s just some rich asshole who thinks he’s entitled to whatever his eyes land on. You know the type—not worth it. It’s your girl’s night.” He smiles at me and winks.
As jittery as I feel after that close encounter, I smile. Maybe Shay sees something in him that we can’t.
Landon is vibrating with anger. “Let’s leave.” I can tell he really wants to go after that guy, but he doesn’t. Thank God.
He takes my hand, putting the water down on the counter. I was so shaken I didn’t even remember holding it. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Happy to see you.” I push up on my toes and pull his head down to me for a kiss.
He smiles against my lips. “I’m glad. I will protect you with my life, Lacey McQueen.” That unfortunate run-in over, he takes me back to his off-campus apartment that he shares with Trigg. Trigg and Shay follow behind in her car.
I broach the subject as we walk through the door. “You know I didn’t want to ruin it at the bar and say anything but—” He cuts me off.
“Your birthday was two months ago. I know, but two months ago I didn’t have this job, and I couldn’t afford anything for you but a cupcake.”
“Don’t you knock that cupcake. It was the best fucking cupcake I’ve ever had.”
