He drops down onto my bed, propping his elbows on his knees. “Yeah, I don’t really see that happening.”
The sharpness of his words cuts through me, and I bristle. “That’s not fair. You don’t even know him. The two of you barely spoke, and when you did, you were—” I break off, shaking my head. “You can’t just decide you don’t like him after a fifteen-minute car ride.”
Ethan leans back on his palms, offering me a smile that makes my stomach twist, but not in a good way. “I know enough to seewhat kind of guy he is. And I’m not interested in being besties with your . . .football buddy.”
Something about the way he says “football buddy” makes my skin crawl, like Brandon is some brainless jock I’ve taken pity on when it couldn’t be further from the truth.
My jaw tightens, but instead of arguing, I take a deep breath and force brightness into my voice. “Then let’s fix it. There’s a frat party tonight. I wasn’t planning on going, but it’s the perfect chance for you two to actually get to know each other. No pressure. Just fun. You’ll see he’s not so bad.”
He hesitates, clearly not thrilled with the idea, but I’m grateful when he shrugs. “Fine. If it matters that much to you, I’ll do it.”
Relief floods through me, and I rush toward him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, hopeful despite the unease curling in my stomach. “It does. I’ll text him to make sure he’ll be there.”
Ethan doesn’t look convinced, but I cling to the tiny spark of possibility anyway. At least, he’s trying.
Chapter 7
TATUM
The bass thumps through the floorboards of Sigma Alpha, vibrating up through my feet as I take another sip of the strong punch. The party is in full swing—bodies packed into every corner of the frat house, the air thick with the scent of beer, sweat, and cheap cologne.
My roommate Brit and her boyfriend hover behind us, somewhere in the kitchen, mixing up another batch of jungle juice?the frat’s signature drink?while I wait patiently for Brandon to arrive with the guys.
“Having fun?” Ethan slides an arm around my waist, pulling me against his side.
I nod, feeling the pleasant buzz of alcohol warming my veins.This is exactly what I needed after the week I’ve had.In truth, the first two weeks back on campus have been stressful. After returning to school, things with Brandon and I have felt different,and though I know having Ethan in my life changes things, I don’t want to think too deeply about the ramifications of being in a serious relationship. Especially when this might be my last semester at school with my best friend. The last chance we have to be Brandon and Tate before I become Ethan and Tate.
“Once you’re at Michigan State, we can do this all the time.” He presses a kiss to my temple, and I lean into him, grateful for his steady presence. “No more getting by with only a phone call. No more wondering what the other is doing when we’re apart.”
I swivel in his arms, turning to face him with a frown. “You wonder what I’m doing when we’re apart?”
He shrugs and flashes me a sheepish smile. “I worry about you. About us.”
“You know there’s nothing to worry about, right? Even if something happened, Brandon’s here and—” Ethan sighs, and I blink up at him as he runs his hands through my hair.
“Maybe it’s Brandon I’m worried about.”
“Ethan . . .”
“Iwant to be the one you lean on, Tatum. Not some other guy.”
My brows rise. I get where Ethan’s coming from, but . . . “He’s not just some other guy. We’ve been really good friends for a long time.”
“I know. And friends are fine. But I still want to be the only one you depend on. Is that so bad?”
I grin and bite my lip, enjoying his possessiveness more than I probably should. He’s the first man to ever really want me—atleast in this way—and it feels good to be wanted, to feel special enough he’s jealous at the thought of me and another guy, even if it is my best friend.
I rise to my toes and plant a kiss on his lips. “Not bad. Truthfully, I kinda like that you worry about me.”
“Well get used to it,” he says, hovering just above my mouth, “because I don’t expect to stop anytime soon.”
“Okay, lovebirds,” a deep voice booms from behind us. “Break it up, will you?”
I turn at the sound of the familiar voice, smiling when I meet the eyes of Chris Collins, AAU’s best running back, and one of Brandon’s best friends. His arm is wrapped around his girlfriend, Charlotte, and the rest of the gang trails behind him.
My gaze shifts, searching for Brandon in the throng, unable to fully relax until I find him.
Our eyes lock and everything inside of me brightens because the fact that he’s here means he’s trying.
