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I scoff and follow Carson over to a bench by the fountain in front of our dorm. Yeah to make matters worse, we also live in Jhonson Hall. I expected to run into her one morning half naked in the shower room. But at this moment I’m not sure that would have been better.
“So tell me, I heard there was a kick-ass party last night at your Sorority House?” Xav asks as soon as she sits down. She winces and I don’t miss her hand trembling. She clears her throat and gives him a fake smile.
“Yeah it was something.” She takes a sip of her drink, then moves on from that topic. “So tell me how’s football going?” I give her a look, and she gazes at me with pleading eyes. What happened at the party? Yeah we’ll be talking later.
“So good, babe. Can’t wait for the big game. You’re coming, right?” Xav asks, placing his arm around her shoulders. I scoff and he tosses me a wink over her head. She bursts out in a fit of giggles. “You do know me right?” She rolls her eyes and takes another sip of her drink. Xav catches my eye and scratches his head. I shrug my shoulders and look off into the courtyard. That guy is still watching Carson. I nod my chin at him and he grabs his book and takes off. That wasn’t suspicious at all.
“Hey, you okay?” Cara asks me, placing her small hand on my arm. Tingles run up my spine, and I sigh. “Yeah I’m great.” And I really am. I’ve missed her, and now that we're together again I’ll do anything I can to keep her.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I decided to come here. I didn’t want you to think I was a stalker.”
Xav laughs loudly at that and I smack his arm, giving him a look.
Cara looks at us both and laughs. “Why would I think you were a stalker? Am I missing something here?”
Xav opens his mouth, but I cut him off. I turn my body so I can look her in the eye. “We were on route to go to Oklahoma, but Texas offered us a full ride as well. I may have made some calls after the beach.” Her mouth pops open and she turns to look at Xavier. He holds his palms out. “Don’t look at me, babe. I only followed because I wasn’t losing my best friend, plus you have the hookup here.” Her nose scrunches at that in confusion.I really want to hit him again. “Ignore the dumbass over there. Are you freaked out?” I ask hesitantly, but she surprises me with a kiss on the cheek. “I know I should be, but no. I’m really glad you're here. I haven’t been here long, but I’m already regretting coming,” she says softly. Now I’m the one confused. My brows crinkle and she laughs again, this time it’s hollow though.
“It doesn’t matter, tomorrow classes start and I can really get into college. You know how much I love school.”
I laugh at that. It’s so true. Cara has always been a straight A student. I get lost in her eyes and Xav whines, “Seriously I’m so fucking hungry. Cara come get food with us so loverboy won’t mope when you leave.”
Yep his ass is grass. Soon as we’re alone, it’s on.
Fourteen
Carson
Shoot! I’m so late. Seems to be a common occurrence since arriving in Texas. At least I know where I’m going this time. Sassy thought it was hilarious that I walked all around campus six times, but I had to, or I’d be so lost. I may have made the guys walk with me too, but I know Xavier gets lost as well. I’m still shocked that they came here. And for me. I think I like them, but I don’t want to ruin our friendship, so I hope things don’t become awkward.
I race to Lindon Hall, and find my class. The teacher has just shut the door, and turned his back, so I quietly reopen it, and slide in the back row.
“I see you Ms. Matthews, I’ll let it slide this time, don’t make it a habit. Yes?” he says, spinning to give me a glare.Crap, busted.
“Yes sir, I’ll be here early tomorrow with bells on,” I say with a bright smile.How the heck does he know my name?Some girls in the middle row snicker, and complain that I’m distracting them in a mimic of my deep south accent. Great. You would think being in Texas, my twang wouldn’t stand out so much.
A cute boy leans over and whispers, “Ignore them. I happen to be happy you were late. Since you had no choice but to sit next to me.” I give him a beaming smile, and shrug lower in my seat, giving the professor my complete attention. “Okay, now that interruptions are over,” Professor Bourne says, giving me a pointed look. Great, day one and my professor already hates me.
“This is Fine Arts 303. We will meet here twice a week, and the auditorium on Mondays and Saturdays for rehearsals. This is a small class, you all were hand chosen for your talents in the Arts. That being said, this first month will be a test to see who will make it. Don’t expect to stay if you don’t want to work for it.”
Oh right, my video.Another glare thrown my way and I blush. Out of all the classes I had to sign up for, this one I thought would be my favorite. I love performing. I had to send in a demo of a school performance, plus a USB of some of my own songs I’d written and recorded. This was a tough spot to get, and I won’t be giving it up.
He moves back to the podium in the front, and a pretty redhead asks him a question that makes him laugh.
“So tell me, what does ‘with bells on’ mean?” The cute guy asks, leaning closer so Professor Bourne can’t hear. I softly chuckle and ignore him. He nudges my elbow gently and says, “I’m just curious if you will really be wearing bells tomorrow?” That gets a louder chuckle from me. I place my hand over my lips to muffle it, and turn to give him a glare. I open my mouth to scold him but pause.Wow.He is wow. Yeah, even my thoughts are mesmerized by this adonis beside me. I took a small, cursory glance earlier but now that he’s all up in my space, I can’t believe he’s real and what is that delicious smell? I stare for a moment taking him in and he smirks.Crap.He totally knows I’m checking him out. But I mean, how can I not? Tall, dark and handsome, has nothing on this guy. Yes he’s gorgeous with dark brown hair, and some stubble on his chin, that I want to rub up against like a cat on a scratching post, but it’s his eyes that pull me in. I have never seen anything like them. Hazel, but instead of green and blue, they are green and grey. He turns his head, snapping me from my trance, and I see the small gauges in his ears and a small tattoo of an infinity sign just below his ear. I feel flushed, and tear my eyes away before I embarrass myself more. He turns to look at me and I know I’m bright red at this point.
“I’m sorry to stare, it’s just your eyes are incredible.” I glance back his way and he’s biting his lower lip. A chuckle escapes and he shakes his head. “I’ve never had a girl, albeit a pretty one, compliment my eyes, before my body. That’s a first.” He holds out his hand to me, “Easton, but you can call me East,” he says, I run my sweaty hand over my dress, before gently clasping his, then firming my palm, because my dad taught me how to give a proper handshake when I was six.
“Carson, but you may call me Cara. And to answer your question, no I won’t be wearing bells, it's an expression,” I say with a wink. Still holding my hand he rubs his thumb over my palm in small circles. My breath hitches, and I pray he didn’t notice. His eyes heat and he gives me a small tug, pulling us closer together. “Ah I see, but I bet you look adorable with bells on.” He lowers his tone. Tingles run down my spine and my cheeks heat more. I squirm a bit and he lets me go. I pull my attention back to the teacher and try to calm my body down.What the hell was that?
“It may be the first day, but your test starts now. Pick a partner and come down to the front for your assignment. You will have no opportunities to complete this assignment during class. You’re all adults here so figure out how to do it on your own time. This will count for twenty percent of your grade, and may show who is too weak for this program.”
Wow this guy doesn’t play.I gulp and glance over at Easton. He’s biting his lip, while looking at me.
“So what do you say, partners?” he asks and I bob my head like an idiot. He laughs and hands me his phone. “Put your number in, and we can find a time and place to work. I’ll grab the assignment.” He leaves and I input my information. I send myself a text so I have his number, then push the button on the side. It buzzes in my hand, and I glance down. The screen is unlocked and the message is right there to see.
P:How’s it going? Have you met the bitch yet?
Wow. I don’t know who P is, but they sound like a real peach. East jogs back up the steps and I press the button on the side again.
