“Why don’t I walk with you,” I suggest, moving to her side.
“I think I can handle my girlfriend.” Ethan cups her elbow, guiding her toward him while I grind my teeth.
“She’s drunk,” I say, well aware everyone’s still watching us, that we’re giving them a show.
Ethan snorts. “And?”
“And Tatum doesn’t get drunk.”
The smug prick raises a brow. “Have you ever thought that maybe she was able to let loose because she knows I’m here to take care of her?”
That’s exactly what I’m afraid of—your definition of taking care of her.
Ignoring him, my gaze falls to Tate, and I motion toward the house. “Come on. I’ll walk you inside.”
I make another move toward her when Ethan’s hand falls to my chest.
I freeze, staring down at it as red clouds my vision. Behind me, I hear the sound of footsteps approaching, and I know without looking it’s my friends.
“I’m her boyfriend,” he says, his tone cool. “If anyone takes her, it’ll be me.”
My head lifts and I contemplate tearing him limb from limb when Tate’s voice penetrates my violent thoughts. “Or you both could stop talking about me like I’m not here,”she says, and then she turns on her heel and leaves us both standing there staring after her.
It takes everything in me not to go after her, especially when Ethan jogs to catch up with her, and they disappear inside.
But then I remember everything that just happened, and I turn to my friends, beaming from ear to ear.
“Damn, is that a smile?” Chris whispers to Damon.
“I think it is.”
“Should we be scared?” Jace asks, eyes wide. “That’s one hell of a mood swing.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m smiling because Tate fucking likes me.”
“Uh . . .liked,” Chris says, raising a finger. “Shelikedyou. As in past tense,” he says. “But I like your enthusiasm and agree. If she thought of bumping uglies with you in the past, that means she can envision it again.”
“Seriously, dude?” I say.
“What?”
“Do you have to be so fucking crass?” I shake my head and glance back toward the house. “I can’t believe she liked me, and I had no idea.”
“Would you have made a move if you had?” Damon asks.
I think about it a minute. “I don’t know. At one point, I decided having something more wasn’t worth risking our friendship, so I’m not sure.” I drag my hands over my face, so messed up over this girl, I don’t know what to do with myself. “Fuck, I don’t trust him with her.”
Especially when she’s drunk.
“Yeah, but her roommate will be there, right?” West asks.
I shake my head. “Her boyfriend’s a Sigma Alpha, so she’s crashing here. She can barely walk in a straight line, and I just know that fucker will have his paws all over her.”
Damon frowns, following my gaze toward the house. “You think he’ll take advantage of her?”
Yes.“I don’t know. Maybe.”
“I know it sucks, man, but they’ve been dating for three months. Have you ever considered the possibility that they’ve already slept together?” Jace asks.
