Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(23)

playing junior who seems nice enough. If I had to put money on it, I’d say he’s 6’4” and 240, but his size isn’t intimidating,

the big brother vibe oozes off him. Drew is a huge flirt, but you can tell he’s harmless.

They have wine coolers “for the ladies” and a sweet but pathetic attempt at a spread of finger foods. I take a seat to talk with

Zach comfortably; it’s like talking to Parker. He’s quite funny and even finds a marker and fixes my nametag when I tell him that

story.

“Hey, blondie,” Drew says from the couch, where he’s sitting with Bennett, “what’s your story?”

So many options on what to do with this...”What, you mean besides the color of my hair? I mean, what more is there really?” I bat

my eyelashes at him, cocking one shoulder up to my chin.

“Ya, like you got a boyfriend? Where you from?

Whatever.”

“Um, actually, Bennett, my shoes are killing me.

Let’s go so I can change them.”

“Smooth, uncomfortable flip flops?” Zach smirks, his green eyes teasing me.

I look at him quizzically, he’s on to my BS excuse to leave.

“I have sisters.” He flashes me a beautiful smile, straight white teeth and a dimple. “It was very cool meeting you Laney with

an e-y. Nice to meet you, too, Bennett. You girls have a nice night.”

Zach doesn’t seem bad at all. I could see being friends with him.

I’m past ready to “crawl” back to my bed with book, but B keeps begging me into another room, and another one. Bennett, of

course, is enthralled with everyone she meets. “It’s about meeting new people, Laney, everyone is different and special.” I

secretly think she’s just looking for material for her poems.

Next up, Room 114.

“Hello, ladies, come on in, please.”

We’re greeted by a guy who even I notice is attractive, which doesn’t even come close to what Bennett thinks, judging from her

absolute and very uncharacteristic silence. I mean yeah, he’s got a preppy-meets-Adam Levine vibe going, but we’re not making me

the spokesperson for damn sure.

Plan B. I guess we are. Bennett is literally a statue. “Hi, I’m Laney, and this Chatty Cathy is my roommate, Bennett.” I shake

his hand and then drag B in further.

“Nice to meet you both. I’m Tate Kendrick, and those two in front of Call of Duty are Sawyer, my roommate, and Dane, my little

brother.” His voice drops to a whisper, “the blonde is Whitley, the shadow.”

Looking over I see two guys engrossed in a video game, and sure enough, a blonde girl sitting on the couch, watching them. It doesn

’t appear that either of them acknowledge her existence, but, there she sits. I wonder which one she likes, both maybe? Hell, at

least she does it openly.

She’s pretty with huge breasts that she clearly wants noticed, judging by her shirt. She purses her huge, blood red lips, catching

my eye and giving me the once over.

“Make yourselves at home. I’ve got beer, vodka, soda, water...” Tate offers kindly.

“So you live three to this room?” I ask.

“No, Dane doesn’t technically live here, but I don’t think he knows it. Right, bro?”

“What’s that?” Dane has finally realized they have new company and breaks away to come over to us in the kitchenette area. Well,

it’s more like space for a small table, mini fridge and a strip of countertop that folds up and down; UGA’s got nothin’ on

Southern dorm rooms. Whitley is right behind him...guess that answers my question on which one she’s after.

“I was telling Laney and Bennett here that you can’t stand to be away from your big bro.”

Dane turns to us, and Good Lord...I hope their parents are breeding professionally because they’d make a fortune! If big brother

is hot, then little brother is illegal, immortal, and too damn pretty not to be a girl. This guy seriously belongs on the cover of

“World’s Sexiest Reasons to Drop Your Panties.”

WTF? Where did that come from? It may be the dirtiest thought I’ve ever had and I feel vulgar that it crossed my mind. But

seriously, you’d have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to notice this guy...or a lesbian.

Nope, pretty sure a lesbian would at least do a double-take.

“Hey, I’m Dane. Nice to meet you both.” He’s looking at me when he says it; right at me.

“Laney...Walker, nice to meet you, Dane. This is Bennett.” I nudge her with my shoulder.

“B-B-Bennett Cole. Freshman. Drama. Single. Room 128.”

The boys both laugh while I cook her with my eyes. Seriously, blabber out bio and MY room number much?

“Really?” Whitley says in the nastiest voice I’ve ever heard. I don’t say anything, but this girl is pushing it. I won’t let

her dog on Bennett again.

“Ok, well now you know Bennett,” I laugh. Awkward. What do I do? “Um, can I use your bathroom?”

“Sure, door’s right there.” Tate points.

“I’ll show her.” Ah, roommate Sawyer speaketh. “Bennett, would you come with me, please?” It’s not really a request, as I’m