Beg You to Trust Me (Lindon U #2)(72)

It seems silly to me to quit so close to getting to the finish line, but I guess that just shows he’s passionate. “You said football wasn’t your endgame, so what do you want to do after Lindon?”

There’s a pause between us. “Grad school, probably. Started looking at different programs here and at a few other places. I haven’t quite got it figured out yet.”

“No football at all?”

His body stiffens, making me pull back to study his tense expression. “No. Not all of us are cut out for it like Aiden.”

The change of his voice makes me realize we’re stepping in dangerous territory, so I change the subject. “Remember that girl from my math class I told you about before? Alba? She’s an RA for Ellis Hall and found me a room. It’s a single on the first floor by the door. I sort of already took it, I just need to sign off on some things at Morris and tell Becca before packing.”

His brows dart up his forehead. “Shit, Sky. When did that happen?”

“It only happened this week. I’ve tried bringing it up to Becca, but she hasn’t wanted to hear me out.”

“So, don’t tell her. That’s on her.”

“She’ll be pissed.”

“She’s already pissed.”

He has a point. Still… “I don’t want her to come after me worse than she already has. I think…some of the stuff she said about me tonight makes me think my assumption that she’s the reason the rumors about me have spread so much is right. I know you’ve heard them. Lindon is too small not to have heard.”

A dark look shadows over his face, which tells me he knows exactly what things people have been saying. I’ve closed myself off from the rumor mill because I didn’t want to acknowledge it. But the discomfort while I’m out by myself has gotten tenfold to the point being with Olive or Danny are the only times I want to make appearances anywhere.

“Yeah,” he mumbles. “I’ve heard. I’ve also threatened to knock a few assholes’ teeth out if they keep feeding into it.”

“You did that?”

“Don’t act so shocked. I like you, Skylar. I don’t like to see you upset. I know shit people say isn’t true, and it pisses me off that more people don’t. I mean, shit. Sleeping around isn’t that uncommon on campuses worldwide. Your roommate shouldn’t have made you an isolated target like you did something wrong, especially because she’s spreading lies. So, yeah. I’ve thrown around some threats. Nearly punched a fucker who was talking smack to his buddies. And I’ll keep doing it until they stop.”

I swallow past my words. What can I say to that? Olive has hinted that Danny was doing this, but I wasn’t sure if I should believe her. I never asked him to defend me—never expected it. So, knowing he is makes me feel…

A lot. I feel a lot.

Nervous over the tension between us right now, I bring my drink to my lips and take another healthy swig. It tastes bitter as it slides down my throat, and I make a face as I take a third sip while my dance partner watches closely.

I’m halfway done with it when he reaches up and plucks it from my fingers. “You might want to slow down.”

Heat creeps under my skin. “I…”

“Am I making you nervous?”

“It’s not you.”

“Do you want to head out?”

My eyes go to the people around us. They’re all having a good time, laughing, talking, drinking, and dancing. Then there’s me. Despite the person holding onto me and obliging my silly quest for comfort, I’m not having that much fun.

Because I suck at dancing.

And obviously suck worse as conversing.

“I was kind of hoping the alcohol would help,” I mumble dejectedly.

“Look at me,” he says softly, eyes burning holes into my face as I slide my gaze toward him shyly. “Alcohol should never be used as a coping mechanism. Okay? If you’re uncomfortable, tell me. If you don’t want to stay, tell me. I don’t want you to drink to get through it.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, fighting the heat prickling my face.

He flicks my nose playfully. “Don’t apologize. If you’re not having fun, we can head out and do something else. You wanted to go to a party—” He gestures around us. “And you did. Mission accomplished.”

“You wouldn’t think I’m lame if we left even though we just got here?”

Instantly he shakes his head. “I don’t think that’s lame at all. There’s more to college than parties. Plenty to experience outside of this sort of thing. It gets old after a while anyway.”

I think about it. Study the room. Look back at the person waiting patiently for my answer.

“Want to watch a movie?” I ask him.

“Only if it’s the next movie in that magical pants series you got me into. I need to know what happens to Lena and her Greek God of a boy toy.”

I laugh, shoving his shoulder playfully.

When he takes my hand, I happily weave our fingers together and let his steer us out.

Nobody stops us as we exit, but plenty of people stare.

For once, it doesn’t make my skin crawl.



The entire suite is pitch black when we arrive, and I’m able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing it’ll just be us for a while. No assuming stares or expectant giggles will greet me when they see Danny trailing behind. No glares from Becca or lectures on roommate rules when it comes to guys being here.