My Lucky Catch (University Park #6)

by C. M. Doporto

  “Did you meet her at the party?” Forbes blew on his soup.

  “Yep.” I got up and walked to the sink.

  “So that’s what happened to you.”

  I nodded as I washed and rinsed my dishes. “Yeah, I ran into her and convinced her to come home with me.”

  “So you already knew her?” A loud slurping noise reverberated against his spoon.

  I hesitated for a moment, trying to decide if I was going to tell him who she was. Chances were he’d probably see me with her at a party and see Lexi talking with her on campus or something.

  “Yep. Met her at a party at the end of spring semester.” I grabbed the hand towel.

  “Really?” He kept his head positioned over the bowl, eating slowly.

  “Yeah, and . . . she also happens to be my sister’s roommate.”

  With a thud, he dropped the spoon. “Seriously?”

  “Yeah, man. Can you believe that?” I dried the dishes and placed them in the cabinet. “But Lexi and Collin don’t know, and I want to keep it that way.”

  “Okay, I won’t tell them,” he said with indifference. He resumed eating and then stopped. “Why don’t you want them to know?”

  “I don’t want things to get complicated. We’re just messing around, so I’d rather not go public. Besides, I have no idea if I’ll see her again.”

  “Good luck keeping it under wraps.” He stood up and pushed the bowl away from him. “I’m going back to bed. I’ll clean up my mess later.”

  “Sleep tight. I’m going to shower and run a few errands.”

  He waved, not bothering to say anything as he shut his bedroom door.

  I went to my room and picked up my phone. I had to know why Delaney left. Was she mad? Did I suck in bed? Did I scare her off? What was the deal with her? Was this truly a sexual relationship with no strings attached? Whatever it was, I wanted to see her again. I scrolled through my contacts and rolled my eyes when I realized I didn’t have her number. But I did know where to find her.

  ***

  Delaney

  “Hey, Delaney, did you still want to go to the bookstore?”

  “Huh?” I turned away from my window and looked at Lexi. “Oh, yeah,” glancing at my phone, I noticed the time. “I guess we better go before they close.”

  “I’ll grab my purse.” She scurried to her side of the suite.

  “Okay.” I rolled out of bed and shook my head, unsure why I continued to think about her brother. My heart just couldn’t understand why I constantly had Luke on my mind. But for whatever reason, he refused to leave, no matter how hard I tried to push him out of my thoughts.

  If I didn’t stop this nonsense, I was going to be in big trouble. I kept telling myself it was just sex and nothing more. But I knew better. There was something else that kept me curious. And it wasn’t just what he could do in bed. There was something about this guy that made me want to know him on a more personal level.

  We left Charter Hall and walked across the campus commons area. The sun was hot for late in the afternoon, and although fall semester was starting tomorrow, it felt like summer hadn’t ended.

  “How many hours are you taking this semester?” Lexi asked, fanning herself.

  “Fifteen.” I grabbed my shades from my purse. “What about you?”

  “The same. I’ll be student teaching, and I didn’t want to overload myself. I’ve been taking online classes during the summer, so I’m actually ahead with my degree plan.”

  “That’s great. What’s your major, elementary education?”

  “Actually, I’m an English major with a minor in education.” She smiled. “I’m not sure what grade I want to teach, but I’m leaning toward high school.”

  “Good luck with that.” I smirked. “High school kids are the worst. Or at least the ones I went to school with were.”

  “Oh.” Her smile waned. “I thought it would be fun. I was homeschooled, so I didn’t partake in the fun.”

  I did a double take. “Seriously?”

  Her chin dipped toward the ground. “My parents thought it would be best.”

  “I see.” We crossed the street and headed toward the bookstore. “So, was your brother homeschooled, too?” I had to ask.

  “Yes, and he hated it. But he managed to make lots of friends playing baseball. Unlike me.”

  I felt bad for her. This poor girl had missed out on so much, including friends. “Sorry your parents did that to you. Is that why they didn’t want you to live on campus?”

  “You caught that, huh?” She tucked the strands of her hair behind her ear.

  “Yeah.” I inclined my head toward her. “But don’t worry, my parents wouldn’t let me live in an apartment anymore.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I kind of screwed up. Had a big party and some stupid shitheads punched a hole in the wall and nearly burned the place down. Luckily, we got the fire out before it spread, but the fire trucks and police still came.”

  “Oh, wow.” She stopped walking and stared at me. “My parents would’ve died.”

  “Mine almost did.” I snickered, even though it wasn’t a laughing matter. “Now I’m paying for my mistakes. I’m just glad they let me come back to PHU. But they said I had to live on campus in a dorm.”

  “It could’ve been worse.” She held the door to the bookstore open for me. “The university could’ve expelled you.”

  “True. But it was an off-campus apartment, and it was a week after school was out.”

  “Laney, whatcha doing?”

  I turned to see Jordan and her roommate, Ali. “Hey. Came to get my books.”

  “Good luck. Two of mine are on backorder, but I was able to get everything else.” She huffed as she set her bag on the floor next to her.

  “Shit.” I frowned. “That’s what I get for waiting to the last minute. Oh, this is my roommate, Lexi.” I turned to her.

  “Hi, nice to meet you.” She shook Jordan hand and then Ali’s.

  “I’ve met your before.” Ali eyed her, still shaking her hand.

  “You’re dating Mateo Macias? First baseman?” Lexi asked, one eye narrowing.

  “That’s where I know you from.” Ali smiled and released her hand. “Collin Norris is your boyfriend, and Luke Thompson is your brother.”

  “Yes, that’s correct,” Lexi smiled. “Are you going to the open practice in a few weeks?”

  “Yeah, I’ll be there. I told Jordan she needs to go. So many hot guys.” Ali nudged Jordan.

  “You can count me in,” Jordan said as she checked out a group of guys walking past us. They were all wearing Hawaiian shirts, khaki shorts, leis around their necks, straw hats on their heads, and neon colored oversized sunglasses.

  “They must be rushing.” Ali remarked with a roll of her eyes.

  “I guess. But hey, I want to go to the practice.” I blurted.

  “You can come with me,” Lexi offered. Little did she know it would be her brother I’d be checking out. It made me slightly guilty hiding it from her.

  “Alright.”

  “I’m starving so we’re going to grab a bite to eat. Wanna come?” Jordan asked.

  “Thanks, but I ate a late lunch,” I informed them.

  “Lexi, you wanna come?” Ali adjusted her book bag.

  Lexi glanced at me, as though seeking my approval. “Go ahead if you want. I’ll be fine.”

  “Are you sure?” A tinge of guilt flashed in her irises.

  “Yes. Besides, I should’ve come earlier in the week.” I sighed as I signed into the university’s portal site to get my schedule.

  “I got mine two weeks ago,” Lexi explained. “Collin doesn’t like to wait until the last minute.”

  I glanced up from my phone. “Collin sounds like he’s anal about everything.”

  Lexi’s eyes widened. “Um, not everything.”

  “I gotcha.” I winked, but she gave me a blank stare. I wasn’t sure we were on the same page. Blowing it off, I said, “I better g
et started.”

  “Okay. I’ll head to the dorm once I’m done.” Lexi smiled sheepishly.

  “Let’s meet up in the student union for lunch.” Jordan picked up her bag of books from the floor. “I’ll text you.”

  “Sounds good.” I waved as I trotted off.

  I headed up the large staircase to the section where all the academic books were kept. Reviewing the textbook requirements for each class, I started searching for them. I found three of them with no problem but was having trouble locating the Spanish book. Shelf by shelf, I searched and just as I turned the corner, I caught sight of a guy bending down. It took me half a second to figure out the tight ass in the faded jeans belonged to Luke.

  Pensively he skimmed through the books. His white T-shirt showed the broadness of his shoulders and clung to his thin waist. The swirls of his tattoo peeked outside the sleeves of his shirt, and I was eager to touch them again. My body automatically moved in his direction and there was no stopping it.

  I leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “Stalking me?”

  He jumped as his head whipped around. “Hey.”

  “Last night wasn’t enough?” I teased, setting my basket of books on the floor.

  “Never.” His eyes roamed over my body, and a chill shot up my spine.

  “Quieres más?” I asked, noticing the Spanish book in his hand.

  A huge grin formed across his lips. “Por supuesto.” He stood slowly and then looked down the aisle in both directions. “But we might get caught.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, that wouldn’t be good.”

  “But I think we can make it work, as long as you don’t scream.” He dropped his books on the floor and placed his hands on my waist, pushing me against the bookshelf. My hands flew to his arms. I started to protest but stopped when his biceps flexed in my palms. I squeezed and then ran my fingers up his arms, following the path of his tattoos, curious to find out what he had in mind.

  “I’m not sure I can refrain.” I openly admitted, despite knowing I was heading into a dangerous zone. A zone that I swore I’d stay away from.

  “You really know how to stroke my ego.” His head tilted to the side, and his lips slightly parted. A cool minty scent escaped his mouth, and his tongue rolled across his teeth.

  Thank God his breath smells good!

  “I know something else I’m really good at stroking.” I licked my lips, preparing to devour his kiss. His body shifted closer to mine, and he lowered his mouth to mine. Our lips touched for a split second when I felt a vibrating sensation on my leg.

  “Sorry about that.” He pulled away, retrieving his phone from his front pocket.

  “I thought you had a toy in there,” I laughed.

  “I don’t play with toys.” He sneered. “Unless you have some.” A spark flashed in his eyes.

  “I don’t own any, but I can buy some.”

  He chuckled. “I’m sure you can.” The flirting ceased as he glanced at his phone.

  “Is your girlfriend wondering where you’re at?” I extended my neck, trying to catch a view of his text message.

  “Hardly.” He showed me the screen. “But my mom is probably worse than a nagging girlfriend.”

  “Oh.” I held back a smile, relieved that he wasn’t in a relationship. Not that it mattered because it never stopped me in the past.

  “What happened to you this morning?” He asked, shoving his phone in his back pocket. “Why did you leave?”

  I shifted my weight, cramming my hands in the back pockets of my shorts. “I like waking up in my own bed.”

  “Too bad. We could’ve had breakfast in bed.”

  “I’m not much of a breakfast eater.” I wanted to tell him there was something else I’d rather eat, but I kept it to myself.

  “Oh. So, are you going to give me your number?”

  “Depends.” I glanced at the book on the floor.

  “Depends on what?”

  “If you give me that book.” I pointed to the yellow cover with a big three on it. “It looks like that’s the last one.”

  “Are you taking third year Spanish on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. with Dr. Gustavo Castanella?” he asked with a calculated stare.

  “Yes, I am. That’s why I need it.”

  “I have an idea.” His brow shot up. “Why don’t we share it?”

  “Share it?”

  “Yes. You know . . . you do the homework first and then give me the book when you’re finished.”

  “Oh.” I picked it up and looked at it, trying to decide how badly I wanted the hardback. “We could always do it together.”

  “That’s a possibility.” A wicked grin appeared on his face.

  “You confuse me.” I picked up the book and shoved it in his chest. I had taken this little escapade too far and had been in the danger zone for too long. I’d figure a way to manage without it and wait until a new shipment arrived. I started to walk off, but he grabbed me by the arm.

  “Did I say something wrong?”

  “No, it’s just me.” Ignoring the warnings going off in my head, I held out my hand. “Let me see your phone.”

  He handed it to me. I scrolled to his contacts and typed in my information. “It’s under D for Delaney Dukakis.”

  “Double d.” A sly smirk formed across his face as he took his phone back.

  “I wish.” I laughed. “Just don’t blow up my phone, okay?” I picked up my basket and headed toward the register.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t.” He followed me like a lost puppy. I honestly didn’t mind. In fact, I thought it was cute. “Are you hungry?”

  “Nope, I already ate.”

  “Do you want to grab a coffee?”

  I placed my basket on the counter. “I’m not a coffee drinker.”

  “Okay. How about a frozen yogurt? There’s a place across the street.” He pointed behind him.

  “Not a good idea.” I shook my head. “Your sister is next door at the sandwich shop.”

  “Yeah, that wouldn’t be smart.” He raised his thumb and index fingers to his lips and his eyes darted to the floor for a few seconds. “Do you like gelato?”

  “Your total is four-hundred and sixty-nine dollars and twenty-three cents,” the clerk said.

  I handed her Martin’s credit card and signed the ticket. Gathering the bag in my hands, I told myself to say no. Not to go with him. Not to fall for his tactics. But it was getting harder to stay away from him by the second. Instead of saying no and leaving, I said, “Yeah, why?”

  He gave me a one-dimple smile. “I know this great place on West 7th Street.”

  “You do?” I shifted closer to him. He handed the clerk his books, and she rang them up. I waited anxiously for him to pay for his books. I was doing everything I knew not to do.

  He signed his receipt and said, “Yeah, come on.” We exited the bookstore and headed to the parking lot. The sun was starting to set, and a breeze swirled around us, blowing my hair in all directions.

  “I walked, so I don’t have my car, but we can go get it.” I struggled to keep my hair out of my face.

  “No worries.” He reached up and brushed the strands of hair stuck to my lips. “I drove here.”

  My heart switched to a funny beat. A beat I hadn’t felt in years. I told myself it was nothing, but I knew better. I loved the way Luke made me feel inside.

  I wanted more of it.

  More of him.

  More of this need rousing inside of me.

  “Great.” I followed him to a black 1969 Camaro SS. “Is this the same car I rode in last night?”

  “No.” He opened the door. “It was in the shop. I just picked it up this morning. You’ll have to roll down the window because the air conditioner is still not working.”

  “Oh, okay.” I got in, and he shut the door. Rolling down the window, I noticed how everything was original and in mint condition. The dashboard was incredible. Wood grain accents with chrome fixtures. Even the six-speed gearshift
was a shiny chrome ball. I felt nervous sitting in it. Like the sweat from my ass might leave a ring stain on the vinyl seat.

  The driver’s door opened, and Luke got in. “This is very nice car.”

  “Thanks.” He put the key in the ignition and the car came to life with a roaring engine that could probably be heard from a block away. “It was my dad’s, and he gave it to me.”

  “Wow, that’s awesome.” I fastened my seat belt as he backed out of the lot.

  “It is, but it came with some stipulations.” He revved up the engine before turning on to the street.

  “Everything in life has stipulations.” I huffed, thinking about the conditions my parents gave me after the apartment fiasco.

  “True. But where would we be without them?” He winked as he sped down the street.

  My hair flew around me, and despite my efforts to control it, it wasn’t happening. The hot Texas wind felt good, and the vibration of the motor had me thinking of what Luke and I could do in his car. I asked him a few random questions, keeping the conversation light. It didn’t take long for us to get to West 7th Street. I ordered three different types of a gelato in a cup, and Luke got one flavor, peanut butter.

  “So, you’re from Dallas?” I asked, wiping my mouth.

  “Yeah, what about you?”

  “Originally, I’m from Waco, but I moved to the Dallas area when I was eight.”

  “No shit.” His eyebrows shot up. “I used to live in Waco, too.” He licked the top of his cone, and I watched purposely, loving how the tip of his tongue curled with each swipe. “So what part of Dallas?”

  “Greenville.”

  “Why did y’all leave Waco?”

  I shoved my spoon back into the heap of gelato. I didn’t like to talk about what happened to my parents and how screwed up my life was because of it, but for some reason, Luke was easy to talk to. But I knew my limits. “After my parents died, I moved in with my grandmother until I was twelve. When she passed away, I was adopted by some family friends who also lived in Greenville.”

  “Oh.” A sullen look crossed his face. “I didn’t realize your parents had died. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Thanks. It was a long time ago.” I quickly asked him a question, not wanting him to pry for details. “What part of Dallas do you live in?”