“Because it’s kind of looking like you're morphing from quiet nursing student to a messy hoe who comes in between family. I heard they’re related.”
“Oh, so now I’m a whore?”
“Figure of speech, girl. You know what I mean. I of all people, know that you’re nobody’s whore. I’m just making a point. You need to be careful. You can’t just kiss Freak one night and then go out with his cousin the next.”
Of course, I know what she means, and I consider her warning as she takes another gulp of her punch. Tonight took a hard turn to the left and Kia’s right. I do need to be cautious. But I’d be lying to myself if I said that there isn’t a little something going on between me and Freak. Something unsaid. In fact, if I’m really going to keep it one hundred percent honest with myself, I think something’s been simmering between us from the moment we met in the cafe.
The frightening truth of the matter is that I was looking forward to seeing him tonight, not Aaron. I can’t explain why other than to say there’s an energy unique only to him that’s infectious. An energy that I’m inexplicably drawn to. I can’t help but want to be around him and think about him when he’s not around.
But while I’m trying to convince myself that I’m just crushing on a hot, funny guy, because he’s helping me out, I remember why this feels different.
That kiss we shared ten minutes ago on the dance floor.
Especially the second one.
I’ve never been kissed like that before and it scares me to think that I’ll probably never be kissed like that again.
Both guys find us in the small library of the frat house and Freak is wearing an unreadable expression as they approach.
“Are you ladies okay?” Aaron asks.
“We’re fine,” Kia answers for the both of us. “Just girl talk. When is your set tonight?”
“I’m actually about to spin now and Freak thought it’d be a good idea if you two stay close to me.”
“Why?” I ask, confused, looking at Freak.
“We have a big game coming up. The team isn’t on a real winter break like the rest of you are. I need to get some sleep. I have training in the morning and I need to get my run in early before I go.”
“Oh, no,” Kia says, genuinely disappointed. “You’re going to miss out on all the fun. I was saving a dance for you.”
“Next time, Scorpio.”
He flashes her his hundred-watt smile and once again she turns into a pile of goo.
Their exchange irks me.
“Stay where Aaron can see you,” he tells me.
“But–“
“You look fantastic, and I want you to have a great time at the party.” He grabs my wrist for emphasis. “But I don’t want any of these guys trying too hard with you, so Aaron’s going to look out for you tonight, okay?”
He does everything but wink at me with one eye. “Okkkkay?”
I get it, but I don’t necessarily like it. This plan is moving faster than I thought it would.
“I’ll keep her safe,” Aaron agrees.
“Are you sure?” I say to Freak, hoping he’ll get the hint.
“Take care of her, man,” he tells Aaron, although it comes off more like a warning than an ask.
“I will.”
“I’ll text you tomorrow, Willow,” Freak says.
His good bye is said with an abrupt finality, as if there’s no room for any discussion, so I don’t protest. I don’t even know what I’d be objecting to at this point. He’s keeping his end of the bargain. I just need to let it happen.
