Beg You to Trust Me (Lindon U #2)(29)

I shake my head, grateful she’d keep her word and stick by my side even if the reason she showed up gave her a chance. “If he’s as popular as you say, turning him down if he’s interested probably isn’t the best way to go. But as long as you tell me you’re leaving, then I’ll go be your wing woman for this thing.”

She reaches over and squeezes my arm, clearly shocked by my answer. “You’re the best! I’ll buy you a coffee every morning from now until Friday!”

I don’t point out that Friday is only two days away because she’s clearly too excited to think straight. “Let me know when you want to meet up. I need to figure out what to wear so I don’t freeze to death.”

She’s giddy. “Thank you for doing this.”

Part of me wonders why she needs me if Ali will be there, but I don’t question her because it’s nice that she wants me to come. It makes me feel like I belong for once.

When you spend a long time wondering where you fit in, you hold on a little tighter to the people who make you feel like the perfect sized puzzle piece in their jigsaw puzzle.





CHAPTER TWELVE





DANNY





I know I’m in trouble when I see Skylar walk up to the crowd gathered around the crackling fire and think, damn, she’s cute.

She’s bundled up like it’s ten degrees instead of fifty, with a bulky jacket that does little for her figure and a knit beanie covering her loose hair. Her hands are stuffed into the pockets of her coat and her legs are covered in a pair of jeans that are a little tighter than what I’ve seen her in around campus.

Because I’ve looked. A lot.

If I see her walking by herself or with others, I’m giving her a once-over before I realize what I’m doing. Granted, she’s not the only woman I check out, just the only one my eyes linger on a fraction longer.

Cute.

Fuck.

A hand smacks into my chest. “Who you got your eyes on tonight? Going to be lots to choose from.”

I give Caleb a look before passing him one of the beers I got for us. “Don’t have my eyes on anybody,” I lie, trying to be subtle about searching for Skylar in the crowd. I lost her though. “Where’s Raine? She coming to this?”

His head shakes. “Nah, the girls had some pre-Halloween bash at their place or some shit. I was going to go but Raine told me their ringleader was in a mood and I don’t feel like dealing with her.” I’m tempted to ask, since he complains about the platinum Barbie every time he’s there, but bite back the curiosity. “Hey, did Aiden mention anything about Ivy?”

The question pulls me away from my search of the masses of people gathering around the building fire. “Nah. He hasn’t said much to me since the party.”

Caleb smothers a smile with his hand before raising his bottle to his lips. “You did promise to keep an eye out on people and then got bribed by a six pack to let things slide. Should have held out for more, you cheap fucker.”

Grinning, I shove his shoulder and say, “It was three six packs. And whatever, asshat. Why are you asking about her anyway?”

All he does is shake his head. “It doesn’t matter. Anyway, I’ll probably leave early and head back to the house. Just want to say hi to a couple people. You want a ride back or planning on getting laid for once?”

I contemplate my answer when I see Skylar pop up again. Her friend is a little shorter and a little curvier than her and looking for someone based on the way she stands on her tiptoes and scans the crowd. “Uh…can I get back to you on that?”

He nods, eyes trailing to see what’s caught mine. “Mmm. Word of advice? Be careful. You know how small the grapevine is here, and there’s been…talk.”

My spine straightens. “What does that mean?”

He holds up his hand. “I’m not judging what anyone does. All I’m saying is that the guys have been talking, and she—” Caleb’s chin dips toward Skylar. “—has been the center of their conversations. I’m not sure what’s true or not, but if there’s talk, there’s got to be some thread of truth to it. She seems nice, but you never know. Just because you basically pissed all over her in front of Malone so he’d back off doesn’t mean everybody else is going to listen. You basically made her a challenge.”

I don’t like the sound of that one bit.

When I confronted Malone the other day he’d been a smug fucker like he already won Skylar. I made sure to remind him of reality. He had no claim on the timid brunette just like I didn’t have any.

Did I want to change that? Yeah. The more I hang with her the more I like her down to earth personality. Regardless of the talk on campus, there’s been no proof of her reputation. It only enhances my need to get down to the bottom of it—of her.

My nose twitches. “Got it.”

He smacks the back of my shoulders before squeezing one. “I’m leaving in thirty. Find me and let me know what your answer is or I’m ditching your ass to fend for yourself.”

We both know I could get anyone to give me a ride wherever I need. All it takes is flashing my dimple and shooting a wink, and most of the women here would wiggle their keys and their panties at me.

Weaving through a few people who slap me on the back or try making small talk, I make my way to the small opening by one of the kegs where Skylar and her friend is. “Wasn’t expecting you here,” I tell the cozy-looking brunette. Her cheeks are already red, and I don’t know if it’s from me or the nipping wind. “Why didn’t you say you were coming?”