I flung the door open and pulled her from the back seat quicker than recovering a dropped ball. I held her as she tossed everything from her stomach all over the sidewalk. It was going to be a long night, which sucked for her. After I was certain she was done throwing up, I picked her up in my arms. I was disappointed it was Delaney I was carrying instead of Lexi. But after seeing her passed out in my arms, I was glad Lexi was sober.
“Are you sure they won’t tow your car?” Lexi turned off the car.
“Just make sure you turn on the hazard lights.” I glanced over my shoulder, checking to see if they came on before heading up the stairs.
Lexi hit the alarm and dashed up the stairs. She pulled out her access badge from her pocket and scanned it. The back door to Charter Hall unlocked and she held the door open for me. I quickly rounded the corner and waited for the elevator. Several students passed by us, doing a double take at Delaney lying limp in my arms.
“She’s going to hate tomorrow.” I looked down at Delaney while Lexi brushed her hair away from her face.
“Better her than me.” She cocked a brow.
“I’m sure you’ll have your turn one day,” I commented as the elevator doors opened.
Lexi hit the button for the sixth floor and we stepped in. “I don’t think that’s something I want on my list.” Her face twisted in disgust.
“Oh, come on,” I laughed, “everyone experiences drinking too much and paying for it.”
She shook her head. “Doesn’t mean I have to.”
The elevator doors opened and I shifted Delaney, trying to readjust her weight.
“Is she heavy?” Lexi walked quickly down the hall.
“Anyone that’s passed out is heavy,” I grunted. “It’s dead weight.” I didn’t want to sound like a wimp, but Delaney was getting heavier by the minute.
Lexi opened the door to her dorm and Delaney’s cell phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and glanced at it.
“Ugh,” she moaned as the phone continued to ring. “Lay her on the bed.” She pushed the bedroom door open and stepped aside. I laid Delaney on the bed and took a deep breath.
“Hello?” Lexi answered the phone. Silence filled the air for a few seconds. “It’s your sister,” she snapped, sounding irritated about the situation. “Passed out. Drunk.”
She motioned for me to help take Delaney’s boots off. As soon as we got them off, she popped up from the bed, swaying from side to side. “I need to throw up.”
Lexi pointed to something behind me and I figured it was the bathroom. I quickly scooped her up in my arms and shot through the door. I held her over the toilet, keeping her long hair pulled back as she hurled. I’d never seen a small girl throw up so much. She must’ve eaten every damn thing at the game. Poor thing. I perched on the edge of the tub as Delaney hugged the toilet bowl, heaving, coughing, and crying in between. Any chance of Lexi and me spending time together was now gone.
Lexi walked into the bathroom, frustration and disappointment lacing her face. “Sorry. It was my brother.” She opened a drawer and took out a hair band. “I asked him to come and take care of her but he got mad and hung up.”
“It’s okay.” I let go of her hair and watched as Lexi pulled Delaney’s mangled hair into a ponytail.
“He doesn’t want to help me?” Delaney slurred her words as she tried to help Lexi with her hair. I felt really bad for her, but she probably got what she deserved. I wasn’t sure what happened between her and Matt since I wasn’t watching her the entire night. I had my eye on Lexi instead. And damn, she was a sight.
Lexi filled a cup with water. “Here, rinse your mouth.” Delaney took the cup and tried to take a drink, but spilled half of it on herself. Remaining calm, Lexi grabbed a hand towel and wiped her face. The care and concern she had for her friend was obvious. It said a lot about her character.
“I think I’ve got this.” She smiled at me, giving me the cue to leave. Although I didn’t want to stay up all night taking care of a drunk girl, I’d do it if it meant I could be with Lexi.
“Are you sure?” I watched her closely. Lexi looked so damn sexy in my jersey. I would’ve given anything to see her in that and nothing else.
“I think I can manage, unless I have to carry her to the bed.” She knelt beside her friend. “Besides, you look tired…you’ve had a long day.”
Lexi was right. The game had been a tough one and I was feeling every bit of it. “I feel tired.” I glanced at the watch my mom bought me for my birthday. “Damn, it’s only twelve-thirty. I can usually hang longer than this, but I really took a beating on that field today.”
“I understand,” she replied, but her eyes said so much more. They covered me with a curiosity that had me ready to bite down on my knuckles. I was sure I could find a second wind if she allowed me to stay.
“I’m sorry…I ruined your night,” Delaney mumbled into the toilet.
Hearing that rubbed every scab raw on my body. Delaney had totally screwed up our night.
“I don’t think I drank enough.” I stretched and stood.
“What?” Lexi let out a slight laugh, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink. When I realized my crotch was mere inches from her face, I knew why.
Damn, this is too tempting.
I took a few steps back. “If I only have a few beers, I get really relaxed instead of a buzz. I think that’s what happened tonight.”
“Oh, I see.” Lexi got up from the floor after making sure Delaney was okay. “I’m sorry you didn’t drink more.”
Her voice wrapped around me and I wondered if she was ready for that permanent change in status. Was she ready to try a new flame? My flame? I touched her lips with my thumb and stared deep into her eyes. We stood there, looking at each other, eye to eye. Her warmth spread up my arm and pure desire hit me. “Don’t be sorry. I wanted to make sure I remembered this night with you.”
A tiny whimper escaped her lips and I couldn’t wait to claim them. Taste their sweetness all over again.
“It was my decision not to get wasted.” Lexi spoke softly and I felt myself getting caught up in every word. She was consuming me one word at a time.
“In that case, thank you.” I winked and then kissed her forehead, both cheeks, and the tip of her nose. I was dying to cover her in tender kisses, taking time to cherish and stimulate every section of her body. And as much I hated to say goodnight, I knew I’d better go before I lost all control. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
She nodded, not saying a word. I dropped my hands to her waist and drew her in closer. My hardness pressed against her and she shifted her hips closer to me. God, this was killing me! Her hands rested on my chest and her fingers splayed across my pecs. I silently begged her to give me a tight squeeze, but her fingers stayed glued in place. I lowered my lips to her and just as we were about to kiss again, Delaney proved she owned this night.
***
Light filtered through the window and I rolled to my other side. I moaned, feeling the blows of Saturday’s game on every part of my body. I needed to get some cryotherapy soon. The coach had two cryogenic chambers installed at the rehab center for players to use and it was the best thing for muscles and joint pain. It was better than submersing in ice water, even though I still froze my balls off in the damn thing.
I reached for my phone and scrolled to the picture of Lexi and me. She was so beautiful. Everything about her spelled perfection. I closed my eyes for a moment. It all felt like a dream. At any moment, I was sure I’d wake up and find myself in bed with Macy, Jennifer, and Shannon. My body shuddered at the thought.
Glancing at the time, I wondered if Lexi was awake. I felt bad for leaving her to take care of Delaney, but she had made it clear that things were under control. Part of me wondered if she really wanted me to stay or was just scared to see what might happen between us. Then I remembered what she said about taking things slow. I was definitely going full speed. I had to get off the fast lane before I caused a devastating crash
.
I really wanted to see her today and thinking about the paper I had due made for a perfect excuse. I reasoned I would not be overbearing and let her make the moves. If she wanted to speed things up, I’d let her press my accelerator. Even if it meant flooring it. I chuckled at that thought. There was only one way to find out. I pressed my messages icon and sent her a text.
Me: Are you awake?
I waited a few minutes, watching for her message to pop up. My phone buzzed and I smiled.
Lexi: Barely.
Me: Did you stay up all night with Delaney?
Lexi: No. My brother showed up a little while after you left. Thank God.
It was good to hear she had some help.
Me: He’s a good guy.
Lexi: Do you know my brother?
I thought about it for a moment, but I didn’t even know his name.
Me: I don’t think so. I just meant he was a good guy to take care of his girl.
Lexi: Oh.
Me: How many finals do you have?
Lexi: Four. Two this Friday, one on Tuesday, and one on Thursday of next week.
She had a full load. I kind of felt bad for wanting to ask her to help me, but I knew she wasn’t tutoring anyone at the moment since she’d quit the writing center.
Me: Are you ready?
Lexi: No. I haven’t really given school enough attention the last month.
Me: Me either.
I hated to lie, but I didn’t want to brag about how hard I’d been studying when she was struggling to get by. It just didn’t seem right. I wanted her to know I missed her help and how much I still needed it.
Me: Could I ask for a favor?
Lexi: Of course.
With a deep breath, I tapped out my request.
Me: I know you have to study, but I really need your help with a paper.
Lexi: Sounds serious.
Now she was flirting with me. I loved it.
Me: Haha. It is. I could fail.
Lexi: I guess I better help you.
Oh yeah, she was ready to hit the accelerator.
Me: I promise you won’t regret it.
I propped myself up against the pillows. This conversation was about to get interesting. By the way she was responding, I could tell she was hungry for my teasing. I’d give it to her and so much more. All she had to do was ask.
Lexi: When and where?
Shit. She was starving.
Me: Damn, you’re easy.
Lexi: Crap. I forgot I’m talking to ‘The Raven’. Maybe tomorrow.
Now she was playing hard to get. But it wouldn’t last long. I grinned as if she could see me through the phone and I thought about Facetiming her, but figured she might not appreciate that first thing in the morning.
Me: Don’t make me beg.
Lexi: Maybe I want you to.
Hell yeah! I ran a hand down my face. She wanted me. It was obvious.
Me: I’ve never had to beg a woman for anything.
Lexi: There’s always a first.
If she wanted me to beg, I would. I’d even get down on my knees if that helped. Dying to hear her voice, I dialed her number and cleared my throat. It rang two times before she answered.
“Hey.” Lexi’s soft voice soothed every part of me.
“Hey,” I said in a sexy, deep tone. “So, you want me to beg?”
A slight whimper filtered through the phone and I knew I had her wrapped in my trap. But the last thing I wanted was for her to feel like one of the other girls who got caught up with me. No, Lexi meant so much more to me.
“Well, I do have a lot of studying to do.” Her voice was firm, but the eagerness seeped through, despite her efforts to hide it. “You know I could call Dr. Philips and ask him if Kyler could help you.”
I shook my head. She loved playing this game with me.
“But I don’t want Kyler or anyone else to help me.” I gripped the phone, feeling my own tension increase.
“Oh, well, then I guess you’ll—”
“No, Lexi, that won’t work.” I couldn’t hold back any longer. She needed to know how I really felt. “Because I want you. Only you.”
Aside from taking a beating on the field, I was sure my body was aching for her. It wasn’t something I was used to, but I liked it and was eager for her to soothe it. All she had to do was give me the green light and I’d show her what it feels like to be worshipped in my trap.
“Are you sure?”
I sensed the slight hesitation and that meant one thing. I’d have to prove it to her.
“Definitely.”
∑
Chapter 17
Love is something you find. Love is something that finds you.
~Loretta Young
Lexi and I decided to meet at the student union. I think we both knew meeting at my apartment would’ve been dangerous, her dorm room too tempting, and the study rooms in her dormitory pointless, especially since they had small sofas. Instead, we sat in the dining area of Chick-Fil-A, even though it was closed.
I handed Lexi a tall cup of coffee. After an hour of us working on my paper, we both needed a little pick me up.
“Thanks.” She took the cup from my hand and blew into the slit on top of the lid.
“You’re welcome.” I slid into the booth.
“Are those any good?” Lexi pointed to my silver can of Red Bull.
“I guess.” I popped the top and took a sip. “They seem to keep me awake and give me a boost of energy.” I knew something else that could give me a burst of energy. At the thought, I licked my lips a few times, keeping my eyes firmly on her.
“Stop.” She kicked me under the table.
“What?” I held up my hands in surrender, even though I knew what she was getting at.
“You’re staring at me again.” She scowled at me and it was so adorable. “I can’t study if you keep looking at me like that.”
A grin slipped from my lips. “And how’s that?”
“Um, like…well—”
“The Raven is in the house!” Josh, Marcel, and Quinton marched in, tossing a football.
I got up and we took turns bumping fists, patting each other on the back, and even ramming our chest into each other. We had played a great game yesterday.
“Hey, Lexi, did you have a good time last night?” Josh spun the ball in his hand.
“Yeah.” She shrugged. “I guess.”
“Your friend Delaney sure had a good time,” he snickered.
“Don’t remind me.” Lexi slumped forward and placed a palm to her cheek, sighing. I guess she was embarrassed by her roommate’s behavior of dancing on top of the table with Matt. Or maybe that we had to practically carry her out of there when she fell.
“How’s Shelby?” I leaned against the booth. “She was pretty wiped out last night, too.”
I hadn’t seen Josh after he left the party last night. He didn’t come to the apartment so I assumed he’d stayed at Shelby’s place.
Josh shook his head. “Hung over and crying for me to go take care of her.”
I rolled my eyes. “These girls, they think they can hang with the big dogs, but they can’t.”
“Tell me about it.” Josh continued tossing the ball.
Marcel and Quinton grabbed the ball from Josh. “We’ll be outside.”
Josh motioned for me to join them. “C’mon, let’s go throw a couple of passes.”
I looked at Lexi, hoping she’d give me her okay. After all, I was the one who asked her to meet.
“Go ahead. I don’t mind.” She adjusted the book in front of her. “I’ll be here studying.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Yes. Go.”
“We’ll be on the lawn.” I unzipped my backpack and gathered my books and papers.
“It’s okay. You can leave your stuff here.”
“Thanks.” I smiled as I stuffed my books in my bag. “I’m just going to play for a while…ya know, get the blood flowing. I’ll study bette
r.”
“That’s fine.” She smiled and it felt good to know that she didn’t mind.
Josh and I followed the guys to the lawn area. “So, what happened last night?” Josh nudged me.
“Nothing.”
“Yeah, right.” By the sly grin on his face, I knew what he was thinking. “I see the way she’s looking at you today.”
I laughed. “I swear, other than a kiss, nothing happened.”
He rolled his eyes. “I still think you’re lying.”
“Believe whatever you want, but we left the party by midnight thanks to her drunk roommate.”
“Oh shit, really?” He scratched the back of his head. “We went back to Shelby’s because I figured you might want some privacy.”
“That would’ve been nice, but Delaney ruined it for us.”
“Shit, that sucks.”
“Tell me about it.”
Quinton tossed the ball to me as we passed by them. He and Marcel started to hike up the incline, but I motioned for them to stay. “We’ll go to the top. Ya’ll can stay down here.”
“Alright.”
“You got all the girls crying, that’s for sure.”
I turned and glared at him. “What girls?”
“Yeah, dude, it’s all over Twitter and Facebook. Haven’t you seen?” He pulled his phone from his back pocket. In a high-pitched voice, he read from his phone, “‘The Raven’s taken — I’m so sad.’ ‘Who was that bitch with Raven last night?’ ‘I’m so caught up in The Raven’s trap, I don’t know what I’m going to do.’” He shook his head. “And I love this one: “#TheRavensTrap is too addicting. I’m already having withdrawals.’”
“What? Let me see that.” I motioned for him to hand me his phone. I hadn’t bothered to check my feeds — maybe because I was too consumed by Lexi to even care what people were saying. He was right. Girls were apparently really torn up about me being with Lexi last night.
“Oh well, too bad.” I handed him back his phone. “You said a status change would be good for me.”
“I’m not the one complaining. Just thought you’d like to know.” He shrugged and then jogged down the makeshift field. I threw the ball and he caught it, running it in for a score.
A Different Side (University Park #4) Page 20