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“Once upon a time, that was true,” I say, walking a step closer to his truck. “But ever since you came along, I’ve been forced to schedule time with my bestie.”
“I’ve always been around,” Chase insists. When he glances at Oakley, his eyes instantly soften.
Oakley slides her palm onto his forearm, and he lifts her fingers to brush his lips across the surface. She elevates on her toes to chase the action with a kiss.
“All right,” I say with a smile when the kiss extends, “settle down.”
They pull apart, but their eyes are still connected, burning with unmistakable fire.
After a beat, Oakley turns to walk to her car. I step onto the curb.
“Text me when you’re home so I know you made it safely,” I order.
“I’ll make sure she gets there,” Chase says.
“Humor me.”
“I’ll text you,” Oakley promises.
I pivot and walk back into the building that Oakley and I have called home for the past two semesters as their engines fade into the distance. The halls are quiet. They grow quieter each day as more freshmen move home for the summer.
I spend the next hour studying for my English Lit final and then watch television until my eyelids grow tired.
???
The next two days blur with repetition. I study, take a couple of final exams, and pack in my spare time. I turn in a paper that’s due on Friday morning, take my Economics test, and then spend the afternoon loading my belongings into my car.
I’m prepared to head home by Friday at four. But I’m not ready to go. I’m dreading what’s waiting for me at home. Brent. A stranger living in my house. I don’t want to be forced to play happy family with my mom and some man I’ve never met all summer.
So, instead, I steer my car over to Cheerz.
There are only a few vehicles in the lot when I pull in. I park and lock up the car. My feet pad across the pavement, and when I open the door to the sports bar, I see the place is mostly empty. I pick a booth against the far wall, ordering a Pepsi to sip on while I peruse the menu. When the waitress returns a few minutes later, I order chicken fingers and fries. I’m scrolling on my cell phone when the heavy wooden door opens, and in walk Ollie and Charlie.
“Mads!” Charlie booms when our eyes meet, his deep voice bouncing off the walls and catching the attention of everyone in the place. The two men walk closer to my booth until they’re standing at the end of the table. “What are you doing here, hottie?”
“Killing time. Ordering some food.”
“Are you finished with finals?” he asks.
“No, I just decided to blow off my last exam,” I deadpan.
Charlie chuckles at my sharp, sarcastic tongue. He and I have the same sense of humor, so I know he understands my wit.
Ollie stands there, silently watching me in that intense way of his. We haven’t seen each other or spoken since the night he confronted Connor.
“Where are you two coming from?” I ask.
Their skin glistens with salty sweat, like they just finished a workout. They’re both wearing athletic gear.
“The gym.” Charlie glances over at Ollie. “I’m trying to keep up with our former captain here.”
I quirk an eyebrow and glance at my best friend’s brother. I’m struck momentarily by how alike Ollie and Oakley look with their midnight-colored hair and blue-tinted eyes, which are just slightly different shades. Ollie runs a hand through his hair, slicking it back. It drops back down over his forehead in a sexy, unruly mess.
“The Hawks trainer sent me a workout program for the summer. McMann’s just keeping me accountable,” Ollie says.
Charlie snorts, and I smirk. All three of us know that Ollie doesn’t need anyone holding him accountable. He’s the most responsible, hardest-working athlete I’ve ever known.
“Well, it’s a good thing Charlie’s around to crack the whip,” I quip.
