“I’m not even sure what to say about what you did out there,” he says.
“How about ‘Thanks’?”
Reeve snorts. “How about no? I didn’t need help.”
“Yes, you did. You looked like an idiot.”
I feel his gaze, but when I glance at him, he doesn’t look pissed like I expected. His eyes are trained on me, a distinct glint shining in them. “Men don’t like that, you know.”
“Like what?”
“Being shown up by a chick.”
I fight the temptation to inform him how misogynistic that particular comment is, because I get the impression he’s just trying to push my buttons. “Do I look like I care what men like?” I hold his eye.
“Clearly not. You are single, aren’t you?”
I’m surprised by the sting of his words. “I am. And until I find a guy with a heart bigger than his dick, I plan to stay that way.” I cringe hearing the words out loud; that line sounded so good in my head ...
“So you like a small dick, huh? I knew we’d never work out.”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I—” I stop when I see his grin.
“No shit,” he says. “Anyway, just trying to help you understand the male perspective.”
I move past him and reach for my purse, as irritated with myself as with him. Somehow I’d thought our little moment in the alcove was ... something. But clearly nothing’s thawed between us. “And if you speak for all males, I’m declaring myself celibate for life.”
“Oh, okay.” If eyes could smile, his would be grinning. “Well, good luck with that.”
I make the mistake of pausing to search his face. Is he seriously suggesting I won’t be able to keep my hands offhim? His signature expression of cool arrogance slides back into place; clearly he relishes knocking me off balance. “I don’t need luck,” I tell him. “I’m a good judge of character. And you’re an asshole.”
SEVEN
jade
I’mlate meeting Lenni at the new tapas restaurant a few blocks off campus.
“Sorry,” I tell her as I dump my bag on an empty chair and plop down across from her.
She casts a confused look at my white collared shirt and black tie. “Were you at work?”
“Just filling in for someone for half a shift. My savings account has a long way to go before Spain is in my clutches.”
“I ordered for us.” Lenni nods at the glass of red wine in front of me. “So how’s the new recruit?”
“You mean King Reeve? You can imagine. He’s as arrogant serving customers as he is strutting around the football field.”
“Sounds about right.”
“I don’t get why he’s working there. Can’t college athletes get endorsement deals? I can’t imagine Reeve loving anything more than having his photo splashed all over billboards across the Midwest.”
“Not in this state. Cam says it’s only a matter of time, but for now I guess waiting tables is as good as it gets.”
“You know, I can’t believe Cam and Reeve are best friends,” Isay as our waiter drops a platter of bread and some peppery-looking dip onto the table. “Reeve is unbearable. He just never stops.”
“Opposites attract. Look at you and me.”
“You best not be comparing me to Reeve Dalton.”
