Tutoring the Player (Campus Wallflowers #1)(34)

“Let’s just say, our yard and driveway see a lot of action on big party nights.”

“People park in your yard?”

“No, but they do dump trash—beer cups, bottles, and one time we found two used condoms.”

“Two?” His brows lift. “Impressive action for a front yard.”

“They were in the back yard.”

He looks past me. “Oh right. Your back yard butts up against the action.”

I nod. “You still didn’t say why you’re here.”

“To bring you to the party.”

“The party?” Anticipation bubbles up inside of me.

He nods. “It isn’t the full home game experience without celebrating after a win.”

“We were just about to go to a friend’s house.”

“Invite your friends to The White House. That’s where everyone will be tonight anyway.”

“Violet will never go.”

My roommate storms through the front door with a scowl. “I’m completely blocked in!”

“I heard. I’m sorry.”

She looks between Jordan and me. “Are you going with him or me?”

“You don’t want to come?” I ask hopefully.

“No chance, but you should go. I’m sure Liam will be there.”

The displeasure on Jordan’s face at the mention of Liam is only there a second, but I catch it, and my stomach dips at what it might mean. If he didn’t come here for Liam, then he’s here for himself. And wait, Jordan Thatcher wants to hang out with me?

“Definitely,” Jordan says. “Liam will be there.”

There’s a knock on our door, and Violet must be expecting him because she grunts and rolls her eyes before opening it for Gavin.

“I’m sorry. I will send a freshman out to watch your driveway next time.” He waves at me and Jordan.

“Creepy,” she retorts. “And that doesn’t help me right now.”

He takes two steps backward. “I’ll figure out whose car that is, or I’ll call and have it towed.”

She rolls her eyes. “Okay, let’s not be dramatic.”

I stifle a laugh. Jordan doesn’t, but his laughter is friendly.

“I can give you a ride,” he offers.

“It’s fine. I already called an Uber.”

Gavin wisely retreats to his house with another apology.

“Ready?” Jordan asks me.

“I don’t know.”

“Uber’s here,” Violet says. “Do you want to come with me?”

They’re both looking at me expectantly.

Violet takes the decision out of my hands with a smile. “Go. If it’s awful or you just decide you want to come to Eric’s, text me, and I’ll find you a ride.”

“Okay.” My heart races.

She looks to Jordan. “If you ditch her, I will cut off your nipples.”

She rushes out to meet the waiting car, leaving me with Jordan, who’s covering his nips with both hands. “She’s violent.”

He drops his hands and motions with his head toward the door. “Ready for this, sweet Daisy?”





16





DAISY





The inside of The White House is even bigger and more extravagant than I expected. Violet would die. Or maybe she’d already seen it during those few months when she was hanging with Gavin and his friends.

I hate to be glad that things didn’t work out between them, but I’m thankful that we’ve become so close since then. We’ve always had a few core things in common: being the same age, loving art, wishing our parents were less strict, and that our fathers were less embarrassing; but because we grew up living two hours apart, we only saw each other on holidays or the rare occasion my parents stopped working long enough to join them on family vacations.

It wasn’t until Violet and I both chose to attend Valley U—the same college our fathers had attended—that I’ve really gotten to know her. Our first semester, we only hung out to study or to grab an occasional cup of coffee, but after everything went down with Gavin and her roommate, she basically moved into my dorm with me. And now I can’t imagine not living with her or seeing and talking with her every day.

Jordan rests a hand on my lower back as we squeeze through the crowded hallway to the kitchen. My body responds to the attention with far too much excitement. Especially considering his focus is everywhere. Some people call out their congrats. Others that are closer fist bump or hug him. One girl yells across the party for him to come sign her boobs.

“Is she serious?” I ask.

“Oh yeah,” he says. “Want me to sign yours?”

I don’t respond but send him a pointed look that makes him laugh.

He stops to grab our cups then tips his head toward the back yard. “Keg is outside.”

My gaze travels over the large kitchen. I want to wander around and scope out this house, but there’s a real chance I’d get lost. It’s massive.

Jordan starts outside. I stick close to him, which isn’t strictly necessary since it isn’t as crowded out here as we make our way to fill our cups with beer.

Jordan fills mine, then his, and looks around the party. “I don’t think Liam is here yet.”