by Cole Lepley
Zander flops back down on the couch and flips the TV on. “Such a rebel.” He pauses for a moment to lock eyes with mine. “You can act bitter all you want, but eventually you need to get out there and date like normal people do.”
My stomach clenches at his words, but I don’t let it show on my face. “I’m perfectly happy being alone. I have a lot of things going on right now and I don’t need any distractions.”
He waves his hand at me, dismissing my protest. “Whatever. You can’t lie to me, Mack.”
I huff a laugh before carrying my clothes back to my room. I set the basket down on the chair beside my bed and reach for my phone. My fingers scroll to the photo saved in my messages. No matter how many times I see it, it still makes my heart jump into my throat.
With an angry sigh, I toss my phone to my bed and head for the shower. It doesn’t matter how cute Judah is, or any other guy at school, I’m done dating. At the ripe, old age of nineteen, I think my heart has suffered enough. Especially from footballs players with cocky smiles and attitudes to match. Never again.
My last class of the day was exhausting and I wish I never signed up for this. If I didn’t need the extra money, I wouldn’t have agreed to tutor this semester. I only hope it isn’t some hopeless jock in danger of losing his scholarship. They never take things seriously. How could you blame them though? Why would you work hard for something you barely earned in the first place?
Irritation pricks the back of my neck as I check the time on my phone again. He’s already five minutes late, and it’s only the first session. Not exactly a great start.
Another ten minutes later I’m about to leave altogether when a familiar face swaggers back to my table. He has his hat flipped backwards and is wearing a Cornell football T-shirt. I grit my teeth.
“Fancy seeing you here, babe,” Judah says, sliding into the seat across from me.
“You’re my appointment?”
He nods. “It would appear so. Sorry, I’m late.” He cocks his head to me and smiles. “I couldn’t find anywhere to park.”
“I bet you think you’re funny, huh?”
He shrugs. “I have my moments.”
Shuffling my papers together, I let out a laugh. “Well, I’m not wasting my time.”
His thick brows rise in disbelief as I stand. I’m guessing this is the first time someone walked out on him.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m leaving.” I sling my bag over my shoulder and stare down at him. “I think my time would be better spent helping someone who wants to learn something.”
He grabs my arm. “Hey, that’s not fair. You don’t even know me.”
“Oh, but I do.” The icy tone of my voice causes him to pull back and I readjust my bag. “Guys like you are all the same.”
Judah stands too and runs his hand across his sculpted jawline. It’s cut and chiseled with a faint stubble. The attraction is undeniable. You’d have to blind not to see it—but I know better.
“Guys like me? Don’t you think you’re being extremely judgmental right now?”
“I like to call things like they are. I don’t have time for bullshit.”
He laughs, shaking his head. “It’s not bullshit.”
There’s a sincerity in his eyes I didn’t expect to see. I ignore it though and step around him. He follows me through the library quickly and I silently pray he doesn’t make more of a scene. After we pass through the front doors, I feel his hand on my arm.
“Hey, wait.” When I don’t respond he continues. “Please. I really need your help.”
Swallowing my frustration, I turn to face him. “Why would you need my help?” I wave my hands around the bustling campus. “I’m sure there are plenty of sorority girls just waiting to tutor you in your bedroom.”
That flawless smile returns to his face. “Maybe, but that’s not what I need right now. This is important to me and I already fucked up so much last year.” He lifts his arms up and messes with his cap for a moment. His warm brown eyes come back to me with a slight sadness to them. “It was terrible, and this is my last chance to change that. I’m asking you to give me a chance, too.”
Even though I’m not filled with rainbows and butterflies, I’m also not a total bitch. Letting out a sigh, I motion back to the doors of the library. “Okay.”
“Yeah?” His grin widens and I poke my finger in is his chest. His very firm chest.
“You get one chance, you hear me?” He nods, but I keep going. “I’m serious, Judah. You blow this off or mess around—I’m done.”
He crosses his finger over his heart and tilts his chin to me. This is the first time I noticed how tall he is. “I promise.”
Even though his declaration seems genuine, it doesn’t ease my concern. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
He lets out another laugh and holds the door for me to enter. “You’re a tough one, aren’t you?”
I step back inside and give him a look over my shoulder.
“My expectations are just very low.”
Nodding, he walks beside me for a moment until we need to weave back through the tables. “I get that. I’m kind of feeling the same way.”
Raising an eyebrow, I retake my seat near the back of the room. “How could someone like you understand how it feels to be let down by something?”
He sets his notebook on the table and locks eyes with me again. There’s an intensity to them I can’t turn away from. “Like I said, you don’t know me. It would surprise you.”
“Fair enough.” I pull my pen from my bag and he’s still staring. “What?” I tuck my hair behind my ear and can’t help but blush a little. Stupid, perfect face.
His voice is soft when speaks again. “You never told me your name.”
“It’s Mackenzie.”
He reaches his hand across the table. “Well, Mackenzie, it’s nice to meet you.”
The churning that swells in my stomach makes me think I’m not so sure about that statement. I guess we’ll see how serious Judah really is.
Chapter 3
Betting On The Edge
Judah
“Come on, man. Where’s your hustle?” Preston complains, his fingers vigorously working the controller in his hand.
Holden grits his teeth from the seat beside on him on the couch before giving an aggressive elbow to the ribs. “I can’t say yours is too much better. Even when we’re actually on the field.”
I just sit back and smile from the recliner, a bottle of water clutched in my hand. They’ve been involved in a serious game of Madden for the past two hours now. You’d think they were playing for real.
Preston pauses the game and reaches up to adjust the long dreadlocks piled on his head. His teeth gleam against his dark skin as he grins. “Who you fooling, boy? I doubt you’ll even start this weekend.”
Holden tosses his controller to the coffee table, before grabbing his beer. “You’re just jealous I had Tara Camden all over me last night.”
“Shit,” Preston breathes out with a laugh. He stands and lifts his shirt mid-way, exposing the washboard abs he’s known for. “You know you can’t compete with this.” He lowers his T-shirt with another chuckle and walks toward the kitchen. “She wasn’t my type.”
Holden scoffs and then nods to me. “You’re awfully quiet over there, Holloway.”
“I’m just taking it all in,” I say, leaning back into the worn cushion. “Girls are too much work. You two can have all the stress they come with.”
Preston whistles from the kitchen as he grabs another six-pack. “Sounds like bitterness to me, player.” He swaggers over to us and plops down on the couch, cracking the top of his beer before turning to me. “You need to let that shit go.”
My eyebrows knit together. “What are you talking about?”
Holden and Preston exchange a mocking glance. Preston eyes me with a grin. “You know how you were last year when you were acting a fool over Elliot. My momma would have kicked my ass
if I got put on academic warning in my first semester.” He leans back and shudders a little. “You don’t fuck around with college in my house.”
“Trust me. My dad’s pissed too. That’s why I have a tutor.”
“Yeah, how’s that going?” Holden chimes in. “You didn’t even mention it at practice the other day.”
I shrug. “There’s nothing to tell.”
Preston tips his beer to me. “Well, I’m proud of you. You can’t let a girl ruin your future.” He turns and gives Holden a nudge. “Even if she is hot.”
I grit my teeth before taking a long pull from my water bottle. It doesn’t matter if it’s over between us, I still don’t like guys talking about Elliot that way. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I reach for it. The smile spreading across my face surprises me.
Mackenzie: I’ll be running late tomorrow. Should still make it there before you.
For some reason, I find her sarcasm adorable.
Me: I’ll save a parking space for you ;-)
Her response is immediate.
Mackenzie: I bet you will. See you at 4:15.
I’m still smiling as I set my phone on the arm of the chair after typing back a quick reply. Holden catches me grinning and his eyes light up. He holds his hand out when Preston reaches for the controller again.
“Hold up,” he says to him before turning to me. “Who were you texting?”
“No one.”
He gives me a skeptical look, calling bullshit. “Then why do you have that stupid look on your face?” He lunges toward me, trying to steal my phone. “It better not be Elliot.”
My reflexes are quicker and I snatch it back before he can get to it. “It’s not. Chill, dude.”
“Then who is it?” He reaches for my phone again, and I push him back with a laugh.
“It’s just the girl that’s tutoring me. Mackenzie.”
Preston bites his bottom lip, stifling a laugh. “She offering you some extra credit?”
“No, it’s not like that,” I blurt, securing my phone back in my pocket. Holden retakes his seat and looks up at me expectantly. I sigh. “She’s a nice girl… kinda. She lives in the building, actually.”
“I see,” Holden says, running his hand along his jaw. “And does Mackenzie have a last name?”
My eyebrows pull in, and I shrug. “You know, I’m not sure what it is. We got off on the wrong foot the other day in the parking lot.”
“She took your spot, huh?” Preston remarks with a nod.
“I know, right?” I stand up from my chair and walk in front of the television, pacing. “And she acted like I was a complete asshole about it. I mean, I’ve lived here for over a year. Everyone knows that’s my spot.”
“Of course, how dare she?” Holden laughs, heavy sarcasm lacing his tone.
I glare at him and consider grabbing one of the beers taunting me from the table between us. Truth be told, I’ve been trying to avoid drinking so much since I got back. It’s been a struggle, but somehow, so far, I have been successful. No one’s perfect.
Instead, I reach for my water again and land back in my chair with a huff. “Maybe I was being a dick, but I’m not used to people not knowing who I am.” I lean forward and give them a serious look. “She didn’t even give me a second glance. And then when I showed up for our session, she almost ran out on me altogether.”
Preston clicks his tongue. “This sounds like trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
“Dude,” he says, leaning forward. “You love a difficult girl. Before you know it, you’ll be chasing her ass around campus and acting like you hate it.” He pauses to give me a knowing smile. “When we both know how much you’ll actually enjoy it.”
“Will not,” I scoff.
“Bet me,” he says in challenge, extending his hand to me.
I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m not betting you shit.”
Preston smiles, his hand still hanging in mid-air. “You scared, Judah?”
“Not at all.” My response is firm, even though I’m not sure what he’s asking.
“Then you won’t mind a friendly wager.”
With a sigh, I raise my hand but keep it inches from his. “Okay, what are the conditions?”
A grin spreads across his face before speaks. “If you fall for this girl, then you have to be the mascot at homecoming.”
“You’re fucking crazy. That’s only two months away.”
“And I bet it won’t even take that long.”
Putting on a bear costume and running around like an idiot would be humiliating. The guys would never let me live it down.
He waves his hand mockingly in front of me. I grit my teeth before giving it a firm shake. “You’re on, dick.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” He chuckles to himself. “The sound of you losing.”
I shake my head as I pull my hand back. “I’m not losing. That girl serves one purpose to me and that’s getting me back on the dean’s list before finals.”
“We’ll see,” Preston says, reaching for his controller again. Holden shoots me a wavering look, but says nothing. It says a lot about me that two of my closet friends think I would let myself fall for someone who doesn’t want me.
The next morning, I walk to my truck just as the sun’s peeking through the clouds. Whoever came up with 8am classes is an asshole. I set my energy drink on the roof of my truck while I throw my bag in the cab. I feel her behind me before I turn around.
Mackenzie also has a sleepy look about her as she lazily strolls to her car. Her hair is a sea of damp, caramel waves and the T-shirt she has on over her cut-off denim shorts looks like it’s been through a shredder. It always amazes me how girls still can look sexy even when they dress borderline homeless.
“Morning,” I say, reaching for my can.
She gives me a nod, adjusting the strap of her bag. “Early day too I see.”
“My schedule this semester is bullshit. I had to double up on electives to make up for last year.”
“What’s you major?” she asks, taking a sip from the thermal cup in her hand.
“Architecture.”
Her eyes widen like she’s impressed—or maybe she didn’t expect me to have a major that lead to an actual career. Either way, I hope this information will allow her to take me more seriously.
“Interesting,” she says after a pause. “I can see why you’re so concerned about grades.”
I nod. “Yeah, my father is an architect. It’s very important to me I don’t let him down.”
The lightness in her eyes fades a little and I worry I said something wrong. I know nothing about this girl, but I can’t help but feel like there’s something wrong. Something she’s trying to hide.
“What’s your major?” I ask.
“Art.”
I smile. “That explains it.”
Irritation spreads across her face. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I shrug, draping my arm over the open door of my truck. “It explains why you seem extra moody. Art majors are kind of gloomy people. They’re always so in touch with the deeper meanings of life and all that bullshit.”
“Art is not bullshit,” she says defensively. Her face twists into a cynical smile. “And weren’t you the one who was on me about being judgmental? It seems you’re no better yourself.”
I pull my keys out of my pocket and wink at her. “Prove me wrong then.”
Her eyes flare in annoyance before she turns away from me. “I could say the same about you,” she says over her shoulder before climbing into her car.
Still smiling to myself, I do the same and slide into the driver’s seat. I pause with my hands on the steering wheel, recalling Preston’s words from last night. I can’t let this girl get to me, no matter how sexy I think her attitude is.
Chapter 4
Passing Judgments
Mackenzie
The subtle breeze blowing around campus is enough to make the hairs on the back of my n
eck stand on end. I’m on edge today. I should have just stayed in bed, but here I sit up against a tree trying to find inspiration. With the sketchpad propped up on my knees, I stare at the blank page. Empty as usual.
Letting out a lengthy sigh, I drop my pencil to my paper and reach in my bag for my phone. I curse under my breath when I see Judah’s name pop up on my screen. I shoot a text back before scrambling to pick up my stuff. I can’t believe I let myself get so lost in my thoughts I forgot about our tutoring session today.
I almost run through the quad toward the library. When I reach the stairs his unmistakable profile comes into view. He’s wearing that backwards cap again and a fitted T-shirt. It showcases his arms in a way that can’t be ignored. The muscles in his biceps flex as he bends to adjust his bag. When Judah turns to smile at me I almost blush.
Shaking out my temporary loss of sanity, I give an apologetic smile back. “I’m really sorry. I completely lost track of time.”
“It’s cool.” He leans down close to me as I step up beside him. “Nobody can be perfect all the time, Mackenzie.”
I know he meant it in a joking manner, but his words cut through me like a dull knife. There’s so much truth to his words. As casually as possible, I dismiss it with another smile.
“Did you do the assignment?” I ask, as we step through the double doors into the library.
Judah lowers his voice while we walk back to an empty table. “I did. I was hoping you could look it over and make sure I didn’t mess it up too bad.”
“Sure.” I place my bag on the floor beside my chair after pulling out my laptop.
He passes me his paper and I grab my pen. My eyes scan it over for several minutes before I look to him in confusion.
“Can I ask you a question?”
He smiles again while chewing on the tip of his pen. “You just did.”
“No, I mean, why do you need a tutor? During both of our sessions, you haven’t missed a single question.”