A huge smile slowly moves across his chiseled face before he actually starts to chuckle. “So you’re the roommate from France, huh? Perfect.”
Gnashing my teeth together at his amusement, my narrowed gaze slices back to Dylan. He visibly pales as my eyes land on him again. Which, under different circumstances, I’d actually get a kick out of. He is, after all, a huge hulking guy. I weigh a buck thirty soaking weight. My best guess is that he weighs a solid two forty or so.
Slowly, as if he doesn’t quite understand what’s going on, he says, “Umm… I take it you’ve already met, Roan. He’s one of my roommates.” He jerks his head towards the other guy sitting quietly on a big overstuffed armchair. My eyes slide towards him. “And that’s Sam. He also lives with us.”
I give a stiff little nod to Sam who rather smartly doesn’t utter one damn word.
My eyes arrow right back to Dylan before I grit out, “Where’s Lexie?”
“Shower. We’re heading out soon. You coming?” The way he asks this has me suspecting that maybe he’s hoping I’m not.
Even though I had zero intention of going out tonight, my eyes slide to a still smirking Roan before I jerk my thumb in his direction. “Is he going?”
Dylan shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “Ummm, yeah.”
“Then no,” I shake my head emphatically, “I’m not.”
He shoots a questioning gaze towards Roan before muttering under his breath, “Lexie won’t be happy about that.”
As if on cue, the bathroom door opens and out billows a ton of steam along with my roommate. She’s wrapped in an oversized tan colored towel. Dylan yanks his eyes from the TV screen before quickly jumping to his feet. “Yeah… I’m going to help Lex get dressed.”
“Hey, babe.” Unaware of the thick tension that has descended upon us, she commands, “Go get changed, girl. We’re hitting a couple first-day-of-school parties. Plus, we have to celebrate you finally getting your ass back to America.” She makes a few hand gestures which are meant to send me scurrying to my room to change. “Shoo now… go on and be quick about it.”
Feeling absurdly aggravated that the bane of my existence is sitting in my very own living room, grinning at my obvious irritation, I shake my head. “No thanks. It’s been a long day and I’m still feeling jet lagged.” Although I’m pretty damn sure I could have been cajoled into going out for a drink or two to celebrate being back at Barnett. But there’s no way in freaking hell I’m going anywhere with that tool bucket.
That being said, I head to my room before closing the door softly behind me. Even though I want to slam it so the door rattles on its hinges, I don’t. The last thing I want is to give that egomaniac out there the satisfaction of hearing me slam my bedroom door like some two year old in the midst of a temper tantrum.
But it’s hard.
Slumping onto my bed, it finally sinks in that I’m going to be constantly running into this guy. It’s totally unavoidable. Having a class with him for the rest of the semester is bad enough. Now I find out that he lives right next door? And his friend is going out with my best friend?
Perfect.
Just fucking perfect.
God, this day just keeps getting shittier and shittier. Every time I think I’ve reached rock bottom, I somehow manage to jackhammer down to a new level. It’s enough to have moisture gathering in my eyes. Five minutes later, there’s a gentle knock on my door. Not waiting for an answer, Lexie pushes it open before peeking her head around the corner.
“Come on, Ivy-Girl, you have to come out with us. We can’t celebrate you being back at Barnett without you.” Her lips tug up into a small smile before she adds, “Well, we can but it won’t be half as much fun.”
Meeting her eyes, I halfheartedly say, “I’m just really tired. I think I’m going to shower, watch a little TV, and hit the sack. We’ll celebrate this weekend for sure.”
Silently she searches my eyes as if she’s sifting through them for the truth, which she probably is. Without another word, she steps into the room before closing the door quietly behind her. Then she plunks herself down next to me on the bed. The mattress dips under our combined weight.
Lexie and I have been best friends for a really long time. She knows me well enough to understand that something isn’t right. Plus, I’m pretty much betting that Dylan filled her in while helping her get dressed. Honestly, I’m surprised they’re out so quickly.
“So what’s the deal with Roan? What happened today?”
Before I can even begin to deny it, she arches a brow and cuts me off. “Dylan said you two had some kind of run in,” she pauses, her lips twitching, “and it didn’t go well?”
Rolling my eyes, I launch into the whole embarrassing coffee debacle. By the end of my story, her lips are doing way more than twitching. Clearly she’s having a hard time keeping a straight face.
I raise a brow before gritting out with as much outrage as I can muster, “He’s a total self-absorbed tool who propositioned me for sex.”
Those words have her bursting out in laughter.
Which only ratchets up my annoyance. “It’s not funny! It’s insulting,” I sniff before adding, “For all womankind.” Neither of us mention that I’m not exactly a hard core feminist. But still… “Not just me.”
After her laughter finally subsides, she holds up a hand. “I know, I know. You’re absolutely right. Totally insulting. Not just for you. All womankind should be highly aggrieved by what happened.”
My eyes narrow. “But you’re still laughing,” I point out. “And you don’t look the least bit aggrieved by what happened to me.”
She finally schools her features so that she looks mildly distressed. Although it should be noted that Lexie took a drama class in high school, so I’m kind of thinking she might be drawing from those skill sets instead of actual aggravation at how I was mistreated by her boyfriend’s friend. “No, you’re right. He shouldn’t have done that. But-”
Oh my god… Is she actually going to defend him?
“Don’t you dare defend him,” I cut in sharply. “Asking me to take him back to my place and have sex is indefensible.” My cheeks actually heat with embarrassment when I think about him telling me that I would do.
I would do!
He doesn’t even want to know what I would do to him! He’d be lucky to limp away with his balls still intact.
Yep…. Still seething over here.
She shrugs her shapely shoulders. “I’m not trying to make excuses for him, I’m really not. If you had been around last year, you would understand. Girls literally follow him everywhere he goes. It’s like he’s a rock star or something. It’s totally ridiculous.”
Grabbing a tissue from the nightstand next to my bed, I pretend to dab at a few tears. “Oh, poor Roan… so much attention. How does he stand it?” Then I roll my eyes. I’m sure he loves being Barnett’s golden boy. Having all those girls panting after him like bitches in heat...
She laughs. “I’m sure he was expecting you to be thrilled with the offer.”
“Well, I wasn’t,” I grumble. What girl would seriously want to be spoken to like that? He couldn’t have cared less what my name was either. He made some half-assed attempt to find out before practically admitting it didn’t matter.
My mind tumbles back to the groups of girls who were standing around with him as well as the ones in class. They were all drooling. Even the freaking professor looked a little star struck by his presence.
And the fact that there’s a website dedicated solely to him and what he’s up to is completely asinine. I’m sure it just helps feed his immense ego.
“I would hazard a guess to say that you made your thoughts on the subject perfectly clear by the fact you were moments away from slicing off his balls and ramming them down his throat. I’m sure he won’t bother you anymore.”
For the first time since she knocked on my door, I feel my lips lift. “If he enjoys his balls being attached to his body, he’ll steer clear of me.
”
“Okay. Good. I’m glad that’s settled. Roan King is no longer an issue. So now you can come out with us tonight and we can celebrate my best friend finally getting her ass back home where she belongs.” Knowing exactly how to get what she wants from me, Lexie gives me a pleading look. “It’ll be so much fun. The party we’re hitting is going to be a mob scene. You won’t even see Roan there. You’ll do your thing and he’ll do his. Trust me.”
Chapter Five
For anyone who’s interested (which is pretty much anyone with a labia), a Roan King sighting has just been confirmed at the massive house party on Hudson Street. Get your asses over there, people. KingOfCampus.com.
Trust me…
I should have known better.
I mean, of course I should have known better. This day started out as a massive clusterfuck and apparently it’s going to end as one.
Right now I’m squashed in the backseat of Dylan’s truck, tucked tightly between Roan and Sam. And they’re both big muscly guys. I’d have to guess they each weigh well over two hundred and thirty pounds. Although, oddly enough, I’m barely touching Sam, even though I keep trying to scoot my way towards him on the bench seat.
I think I scared him when I came in earlier tonight. He probably thinks I’m totally psycho and is just trying to get through this ride without making eye contact. Roan, on the other hand, is all but plastered against my side. Just when I think it can’t get any worse, he casually slings an arm across the back of the seat so it’s stretched out behind me.
And yeah, just in case you’re wondering, he smells damn near edible.
I grit my teeth together trying my damnedest to ignore him. But it’s impossible. I’m hyperaware of his powerful body shifting next to mine.
Damn him, damn him, damn him…
“So, about today…”
His breath feathers softly against the delicate shell of my ear. A slight shiver works its way through me. For goodness sake, I can’t even tolerate the guy. Why is my body reacting to him like this? It’s completely aggravating. The absolute last thing I want is to feel attracted to him.
But I do.
Unwilling to look his way, I continue staring straight ahead. “Let’s just forget it ever happened.”
Because the alternative is to talk about it in a car full of people. Umm, no thank you.
“Are you sure?” Even though I don’t make eye contact, he sounds dubious. Like maybe I’m trying to pull a fast one on him and he’s smart enough not to fall for it.
“It’s already forgotten,” I mutter under my breath.
And yes, I am a big fat liar pants because I will never forget what he was rude enough to say to me. One of my worst qualities is that I have a hard time letting things go. But it doesn’t really matter because we aren’t going to be friends. As far as I’m concerned, Roan King doesn’t exist.
Something finally settles within me as I reassure myself with those comforting thoughts.
A moment later, I feel the firm pressure of his fingers as they brush against my shoulder closest to Sam. The reverberation of it arrows right down to my nether regions. Unconsciously my thighs clench as something suspiciously similar to desire floods through me.
Son of a-
Snapping my head in his direction, I hiss, “What do you think you’re doing?”
One side of his mouth slowly slides its way upward. “Nothing.”
Pressing my lips into a thin tight line, I give him a murderous glare before turning away. But his fingers don’t budge from my shoulder. Not one damn bit. They’re still there, softly strumming over me. I can feel the tips of them though the thin top I’m wearing.
And it’s all but driving me crazy.
This car ride feels excruciating, like it’s going to last forever. I seriously need to get away from this guy. I’m almost to the point of telling Dylan to pull over so I can just jump out and walk the rest of the way.
Clearing my throat, I angle my body towards Sam. Because I’m squashed against Roan, my barely-there-boob grazes his chest in the process which has the bud instantly tightening in response to the contact. My gaze immediately flies to his to see if he’s noticed.
I’m really hoping he hasn’t…
His blue-green colored eyes are already latched onto mine when our gazes finally collide.
Yep… the boob graze has not gone unnoticed.
Grrrr.
I just can’t win today. I really should have stayed home and skipped the party. Going out was a huge mistake. I give him another icy glare before my gaze swivels to the guy on my other side.
“So, Sam, you’re a senior, too?”
His eyes swing to mine before flickering towards Roan who is now seated behind me since I have turned my body completely away from him. Although his damn hand is still on my shoulder and no amount of shrugging it off has dislodged it. I’m still very aware of him. I don’t think I’ve ever been more hyperaware of anyone in my entire life. And I certainly don’t want to think about the reasons for that either.
“Yep,” he answers rather succinctly before turning back towards the window.
Seriously?
That’s it?
Can’t this guy work with me for just a few minutes?
Hoping to draw him out, I ask about something I care nothing about. “And you play football with Dylan?” I’m pretty sure that’s what Dylan mentioned earlier. Sheesh. I’m working way too hard for this.
This time, he doesn’t even bother glancing my way. “Yep.”
Feeling exasperated, I find myself snapping before I can stop the words from flying out of my mouth, “You’re a man of few words, aren’t you, Sam.” It’s not even a question. More of a frustrated observation.
His deep blue eyes jerk back to mine before narrowing. Just when I think he’s going to turn away from me yet again, he finally cracks just a hint of a smile. And I realize in that moment that he’s rather good looking. Dirty blond hair with just a bit of curl to it, ocean blue colored eyes and a muscular body that has been honed from years of football practice and working out. Amusingly enough, I think I would have realized it sooner except it’s kind of hard to notice anyone else when Roan is in the vicinity. It must suck being his wingman.
“No, not really.”
A small smile touches my own lips in response.
Finally.
We’re actually getting somewhere here.
Again his eyes slide over my shoulder before the smile disappears and he silently turns back to the window.
I’m just about to question what the hell is going on when Dylan pulls the truck over to the curb. Feeling damn near ecstatic that we’re finally parking, my eyes sweep the immediate vicinity. People are scattered all over the sidewalk in big groups. Down the block is apparently where everyone is headed because the house in question looks to be already bursting at the seams with people. The front lawn is overflowing as college students spill onto the sidewalk and street. Already I can hear the low bass of the music as it pumps from the open windows.
Maybe, just maybe, Lexie was right. There are so many people here, there’s no way I’ll run into Roan again for the rest of the evening. Since Sam is sitting on the side next to the curb, I slide towards him. I’m actually a little surprised when his hand reaches in to help me exit the truck. As soon as my feet are safely planted on the green grass beneath me, Sam immediately lets go of my hand.
“Thanks.”
Our eyes lock and hold for just a moment as he gives me another small crooked smile along with a quick nod before the five of us head up the sidewalk towards the party. Lexie and Dylan are ahead of me and Sam is right behind them. I’m about to hasten my step when a heavy arm is slung across my shoulders all but halting my progress. The little zing of electricity that races through me only adds to my growing annoyance.
Is this guy for real?
Doesn’t he get the hint that I’m not interested in becoming one of his slutty little groupies? What do I need to do? Send h
im a notarized letter?
“What are you doing?”
He gives me a brilliant smile before stating the obvious. “Walking with you.”
I give a pointed look to his massive arm draped across me. Again. “Is it possible for us to walk to the party without you accosting me along the way?”
His grin broadens and something unwanted pings in the bottom of my belly. I don’t like the way he makes me feel. Especially since I don’t even like the guy. Someone needs to inform my body that we’re not supposed to be getting turned on by him.
“I’m not accosting you. Merely trying to make nice with my new neighbor.”
I try wiggling out from under his arm but it’s impossible. It’s like he’s anchored himself to my side and no amount of fighting it helps to free me from him. The fact I’m trying rather desperately to get away has him chuckling right before he hauls me even closer to his big body. The woodsy scent of his cologne assaults my senses. Without realizing it, I inhale another lungful before my eyes actually drift shut to savor it.
Could I seriously be more pathetic?
Don’t think so…
“I taste even better than I smell.”
My eyes fly open when I hear those huskily murmured words right next to my ear. His eyes are sparkling with both mischief and humor and I suddenly realize he’s teasing me. Instead of acting all pissy and bitchy, I decide to just roll with it and not let him ruin my night.
I have no doubt what he’s saying is absolutely true. But I have zero interest in finding out first hand.
Oh, who am I kidding?
Of course I want to find out if he tastes as delicious as he smells but I’m smart enough to know when not to play with fire and Roan King is a veritable house set ablaze. I would only hate myself in the morning for hooking up with a guy who is nothing more than a womanizing man whore. It’s almost a certainty that he would immediately forget I even existed and I’d be nothing more than one of his pathetic fangirls kicked to the curb.
King of Campus Page 4