Lucky Kisses

by Addison Moore

  As soon as I round out the corner from the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, I enter into a sprint all the way to my dorm.

  What the hell was that all about?

  Lawson

  What the hell was that all about?

  The iced air ushers me back inside, back to the warmth of the boisterous Black Bear with its beer breath and bevy of chicks in short dresses despite the frosty weather.

  I pan the room for Rush or Grant before it hits me they’ve both taken off to get laid for the night. Getting laid. Now that’s something I can sink my teeth into. A nice, tall, blonde maybe. A horny as hell brunette. Heck, I’ll take a redhead who’s willing to set my dick on fire. I scan the vicinity and spot a redhead indeed waving me over. Only it’s not a fiery prospect for the night. It’s my sister.

  I head to where she’s seated with friends and lean in to give her a brief embrace. “Scarlett.” I nod over to Rex, my stepbrother whom she happens to be sleeping with. The idea still sends me in a tailspin, so I try to push it the hell out of my mind. In all fairness, they fell for one another prior to the day my father married Rex’s mother. But that doesn’t excuse the fact that my family is fifty shades of fucked up, and this right here is a prime example why.

  Scarlett gives my hand a tug. She’s pretty as far as girls go, and ironically the spitting image of the mother I haven’t seen in years. “Since Dad and Lynn aren’t really planning anything, Rex and I thought we’d host a surprise birthday party for the twins.”

  “A surprise?” Knox and Trixy are pretty cool, but I doubt they’d be into an old school surprise party. And knowing my sister, it will very much include balloons and streamers, and perhaps even a rousing game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Knox has mentioned a time or two his disdain for being treated like a six-year-old, even the moniker the twins wears on him. He and his sister were held back a year or they’d be here at Briggs with me right now, and I wish they were. I prefer both Knox and Trixy to Rex. Don’t get me wrong. I’m pretty proud of what Rex can do on the field, but it’s what he does behind closed doors that gets under my skin. “They’ll hate it.” There. At least someone is sticking up for them.

  “They’ll love it,” Rex counters as he stands and offers me five. “We’ll have it here at the Black Bear. I talked to Bryson, the guy who owns the place, and he said we could have the poolroom.”

  “Poolroom, huh?” I frown in that direction. A part of me wants to frown at the entire facility. Lucky and her little tantrum left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m not sure why I was messing with her so brutally other than out of sheer boredom. She’s wound tight like a nun in a whorehouse, and a part of me wanted to get under her skin. And, according to that micropenis comment, mission accomplished on that front. On second thought, Lucky is no nun in a whorehouse. She has a mouth on her, and she’s not afraid to use it. “Yeah, the party sounds good.” I’m quick to change my tune. “Just let me know when, and I’m in.” I’m sure Knox will get over any trauma my sister and Rex throw his way.

  “A month from now.” Scar tilts her head and inspects me slantways. “So, what’s new in your life?” She scours my features as if they were somehow letting her in on the unlucky situation I just endured.

  “I’ve got a game this Friday. You should come. Call Sabrina. It’ll be nice to see a few familiar faces.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” Scarlett is quick to answer. She and Sabrina have been getting along for the first time since as far back as I can remember, and it’s nice to have my sisters on the same page for once. Sabrina hit below the belt last year when she flat out stole Scarlett’s old boyfriend. But, as it turns out, I think Scarlett is a happier person now because of it. She found someone new. I glance to Rex and can’t even force a smile.

  “I’ll see you guys later.”

  A beefed-up dude with tats sitting next to Rex pops up and follows me over to the bar.

  “Hey, man. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  I turn, surprised to see him speaking to me. I’ve seen him at the football games with his blonde girlfriend, beautiful, tits for days. He’s Rex’s childhood friend. They couldn’t look more from the opposite sides of the track if they tried.

  “What’s up?” I’m curious where this might lead. A part of me wonders if he’s about to tell me to lay off Rex, and for that alone I dislike him just a little.

  “I saw you talking to that brunette earlier. Yay high?” He cuts his hand down to his chest. “Big blue eyes.”

  Rex pops up, curious to know what this is about himself, and I frown at the two of them.

  “Lucky.” I groan at the thought of her.

  “Yup, Lucky.” The tatted dude nods as if impressed I got it right. “She’s a good egg.”

  “She’s an egg all right. A rotten egg,” I say that last part under my breath, and Rex’s eyes enlarge as if I’ve just put myself in mortal danger, and I might have.

  “Good.” His brows burrow into a hard V. “I’m glad you think so. My name is Jet Madden, and I’m her big brother. And for starters, I’d like for you to stay the hell away from her—not physically, just in that sense.” Holy hell, he’s as deranged as she is. “In fact, I’d like for everyone with a dick to stay away from my little sister, and I’m willing to pump out a cool G to make sure that happens.” He plucks a wad of cash out of his pocket as I’m suddenly appreciating the crazy. “You in?”

  “A thousand bucks to stay away from that—”

  Rex shakes his head ever so slightly before I can round out the sentence with the word nutcase.

  “That lucky girl to have you as her brother? You bet.” I take the green just as fast as Jet counts it out.

  “Rules are”— he points his finger in my face until I’m forced to meet up with his terrifying eyes—“no guy is to have so much as a carnal thought about my little sister. I can’t be in those frat house parties with all the booze running loose, but you can. I’m counting on you to be my eyes and my ears. What’s your name, anyway?”

  “Lawson.”

  “Lawson.” He gives a dark laugh as he looks to Rex. “You and your preppy names.” He shifts his attention back to me and my preppy name. “All right, Lawson. You make sure all those tanked frat brothers of yours find someone else to point their dick at. Lucky Madden is off-limits to any and everyone, and I’m counting on you to make sure she stays as chaste and pure as the driven snow in that parking lot outside.”

  “You bet, man.” I stuff the bills into my pocket before slapping him five and he storms off back to the blonde waiting for him at the table. I hate to break it to him, but the driven snow in that parking lot outside is covered with soot and exhaust from a worn-out world just like his not-so-sweet little sister.

  Rex steps in with a ticked look on his face. “Why the hell did you sign up for that crap?”

  “It’s not crap. Trust me, the male population needs just as much protection from her psychotic clutches than her roided-out brother thinks she needs against them. The chick is certifiable.”

  “Shit.” He pinches his eyes shut a moment. “I grew up with Jet and Lucky. She’s a good kid. She’s had a tough time. Go easy on her, okay? Jet means well, but he’s clueless to what’s waiting for him. Lucky is growing up. This is just a last-ditch effort on his part to keep that from happening.”

  “I’ll go easy on her.” Like a sledgehammer. Micropenis. I shake my head at the thought. “Don’t worry, man. She’s in good hands.” I inch back and lock my eyes over his. “Sort of like my sister is in good hands with you.” I exit the Black Bear before he can respond. In truth, I don’t want to think of his hands anywhere near my sister—who just so happens to ironically be his sister, too.

  Something tells me I need to sleep this whole night off.

  One cool G makes it that much easier.

  The next few days drag by, and thankfully, I don’t see Lucky, with the exception of a brief encounter at Hallowed Grounds where she made a howling noise once she spotted me that sounded a lot like a de
funct engine grinding to a halt. I shot out of that place like a bat out of the armpit of hell. There’s not a cup of coffee in the world I’ll ever need that bad. But, unfortunately for me, there’s an exclusive mixer this weekend that involves Kappa G. In retrospect, maybe joining a frat house wasn’t my brightest or my best move. Rush talked me into it just like he talked me into signing up for the community interaction project. And I only agreed to the latter because Rush is spearheading the community disaster this year, and he needed another warm body. My only request was to be kept far away from his bittersweet baby sister—who happens to be Jet’s rotten egg of a sister, too.

  I head to the gym and hit the weight room. Knox is meeting me here. I’ve had him come by a few times just to kick back. It’s hard to get him to commit to anything these days. His girlfriend has him so pussy-whipped he can’t see straight. That’s the precise reason I have no intention on letting some chick pin me down. You won’t see me pussy-whipped now or ever. I like my freedom. And I happen to appreciate variety every now and again, too. But as for Knox, the gym is the only free moment that girl will give him. He’s apped to WB. He should know by spring if he gets in. The football coaches are looking at him as a prospect for fall, so I told him to hang out, get comfortable on campus. Apparently, his girlfriend didn’t have to app with him because she’s already here at Briggs. Too bad for Knox. As long as he’s with her, he won’t get to experience college life to the fullest. I really feel sorry for guys who head to school with a chain already dangling from their neck.

  I spot Grant in the corner grunting away, getting ripped like he’s getting ready for the fight of his life. Grant has already had the fight of his life, and it involved his relationship with Ava. Even though they’re solid now, they had a pretty shit ride. Ava’s sister killed Grant’s sister years ago. Neither realized who they were until they were already sunk. But it worked out. It was painful as hell to watch, though. Another reason not to get saddled with just one chick. That gives her all the power to pull your balls through a strainer, and there’s not a thing you can do about it because your ass is whipped.

  I watched my dad get his balls handed to him way back when my mother left. It was brutal. He sulked for years until he met Lynette, Rex’s mother. Ironically, it was my sister Scarlett who didn’t want that relationship to happen. Hell, none of us did. But for my dad’s sake, I’m glad it did. He deserves to be happy. I just wish he wouldn’t have settled down. If you ask me, he could have been just as content playing the field. What the hell did he need to get married for? To prove a point? What if she loses her mind like my mother did and takes off? What if she loses her mind like Lucky did the other night and makes him miserable? That was some serious psychotic shit.

  A laugh comes to me unwarranted. I still can’t believe Jet gave me a cool grand to make sure all my frat brothers steer clear. Why anyone would voluntarily sign up for what Lucky has to offer is beyond me. I have a feeling this will be the easiest money I will ever make.

  Grant waves me over just before he guzzles down a water bottle in its entirety.

  “Looking ripped, dude.” I mock sock him. “Looks like you can finally take Owen.” Owen is Ava’s big brother who apparently is just as much of a loose cannon as Jet. Figures. Lucky and Ava are best friends. It’s no wonder they stick together.

  “Hey, beautiful.” Grant lights up with a goofy grin on his face, and just as I’m about to come back with a quip of my own, he bypasses me and lands his lips over Ava’s.

  A long, dark-haired ponytail emerges from behind the two of them, and I groan out loud at the sight.

  “Crap,” I mutter.

  Lucky Madden steps up as if she’s the next batter up with a snarky look on her face that suggests I’m on the losing team, and with her attitude desecrating the entire place I just might be. Her pink perky little lips snarl at the sight of me. Those eyes of hers appear almost purple in this strained light, and I lean in to get a better look. Never in my life have I seen eyes that color—not on any human anyway. I bet they’re all that color on whatever planet she’s flown in from.

  Lucky is decked out with sweatbands on her forehead and wrists. Her pristine hot pink shorts and matching tank top look as if they’re right off the rack. Something tells me Lucky doesn’t haunt the gym all that often, if ever. I’d say lucky me—but, right now, she’s glaring my way as if I’ve just run over her favorite kitten, and I’m feeling anything but lucky.

  “What are you staring at?” Her words bite right through the air.

  I puff my chest out and take a step in to make sure she’s not missing the gun show my arms have to offer. “What are you staring at? Nothing micro here, sweetheart.” There. I’ve all but pulled my dick out and wagged it at her. I’d consider it, but I’ve already spent the one G Jet gave me on repairs to my truck. Who knew Little Miss Priss would turn out to be handy for my finances?

  “Aw.” She tilts her head to the side and feigns a sad face. Lucky is adorable in a puppy dog kind of a way, but this is one feisty bitch whose bark is just as lethal as her bite. I’m not falling for it. “Did I hurt your wittle feewings?”

  My eyes widen at the audacity this chick has. I shoot a quick glance to Grant and Ava, but they’re too busy sucking face to notice any atrocities taking place.

  “Nope. I’m made of steel. My feelings are virtually impenetrable, so any attempt to hurt them can only backfire on you.” It’s true. My own mother tried her best to burn my feelings to cinders, and I’m still standing so that has to count for something. I’m either made of steel or I’m emotionally numb. I’m betting it’s a little of both.

  I try to bypass Lucky, but she jumps in my way, and I can’t help but laugh. That little seemingly playful maneuver the other night has cost me more than I could have imagined—and paid out just as well, too. I should have let her go—sent her crashing into Eli Gates’ bed and been done with it. A vision of Eli grunting over her swims through my mind, and my blood boils in an instant.

  “Glad I didn’t hurt you—man of steel.” She invokes a tiny voice that sounds as if it belongs to a three-year-old. That about sums up Lucky nicely—a three-year-old. Great. I’ve saddled myself to a toddler for a measly thousand bucks—a million dollars might have been too little. Maybe it’s not too late to get a refund on this rotten offer?

  Lucky runs her finger down my chest in the shape of an S, and my insides quiver at the sensation. Man, this chick needs to get out of my way, and I need to get laid this weekend. There is nothing but tension building up inside of me. In no way do I want Lucky in the sexual sense—in any sense for that matter. The only thing I do want is for us to be separated by large masses of land until graduation, and then hopefully we’ll choose different states to live in. Having us on either side of the continental divide sounds like a nice buffer.

  Those lavender eyes of hers lock over mine, and for a second something goes off in my brain—most likely a warning—but it feels like something more, something frightening and worrisome on an electrifying level. Probably just a Jedi mind trick her people induce on mortals before eating their living souls.

  “Because I would never want to hurt the feelings of my ex-boyfriend, I’ve already explained to all my sisters that a micropenis is a very good starting point—especially for girls interested in losing their virginity.”

  “This shit again.” I try to move past her, but she proves stealth. If anything, we’ll get a workout doing the I-can’t-seem-to-ditch-you tango.

  “Now don’t be embarrassed,” she continues. “I myself happen to like tiny things. Tiny things are cute—everyone thinks so. You should really consider putting it up for show-and-tell on YouTube. I bet you’d go viral right up there with kittens on Roombas and puppies that nestle with babies. And don’t go getting your ego in a huff. There’s a lot to be said about invoking the aww factor in a woman. In fact, there are several girls at Kappa G who have already voiced the fact they’re willing to give your micropenis a try.”

  “Cr
ap.” I dance right around her and bump into a body. “Knox! You’re a sight for sore eyes, dude.” I pull him in and sock him. He’s built like a brick shitter and has an arm ten times better than his big bro. The football team at Briggs will be happy to have him. “Let’s do this. You ready to shred or what?”

  Knox winces a moment, and in that tiny action he looks more like Rex’s twin than he does Trixy’s. Rex, Knox, and Trixy all share the same dark hair, same sculpted features, same face as far as I’m concerned. A good-looking team. Too bad the oldest one thought it was a wise idea to bed my sister. Not sure I can ever get over that.

  “I’m ready to shred, whatever that might be.” Knox pulls a girl from behind him, and now it’s me wincing. “And so is Janelle.”

  A petite little blonde waves up at me. Janelle. I offer up my best happy-to-see-you smile, but it comes out more of a stunned-to-see-you grimace. I can’t believe the dude can’t catch a breather at the gym of all places. What is she going to do? Show up in uniform on game day?

  “Hey, man”—Grant knocks his arm into mine—“we’re going to take off. Ava says she’s coming to practice tomorrow. I vote we put a uniform on her and have her bring us a win.” He dots her cheek with a kiss as they head out the door.

  Funny.

  I shake my head as I watch them disappear. Grant is another lost cause. Too bad. He was one of the good ones.

  “Nice seeing you, Janelle.” I offer up a high five to Knox. “Enjoy the gym. I’ll be working out over there if you two need anything.”

  “You bet.” Knox slaps me over the shoulder as they take off, sneaking kisses in as if they can’t get enough of one another.

  I don’t get it. This is the one place I’m not looking to get laid. I know it works here, too, but I just want to listen to music and lose myself in the moment.