“I think we might have to opt for a place that comes with a kitchen. I know it’s more than we want to spend, but I don’t think I can take seeing another microwave and hot plate combo.” We’re trying to keep the rent low. Mostly for Nat’s sake. Sure, I’ve got a number I want to stay under, too, because despite what some think, I don’t enjoy taking money from Dad. He earned his money, and I want to as well. Of course, I wasn’t against his philosophy that he’ll cover room and board if I keep my grades up.
Nat has a job at the school library. Part of her scholarship deal—room and board stipend with a full ride if she works on campus. So far, she hasn’t had any issues with it, but I know she isn’t willing to up the budget. It either means I take on more of the rent or she gets another job. AndI really don’t want her to do that just because I can’t live with rat poop on my hot plate.
I chance a glance at her as we walk back to my car parked down the street. This place is in town and has zero parking close. Another drawback.
“At the very least, a decent parking spot.” Her mumbled response has me tripping over my feet for a second, laughing in surprise.
“Exactly. So, you in? I take on more of the rent, and we look for nicer places?” No reason to beat around the bush. I want her to know that while we might not be close, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be. It’s easier to keep her out of the know sometimes, but I still want her around. Plus, breaking in a new friend takes too much work.
She shrugs.
“How about I buy you a coffee and we talk it over?”
She turns her head and raises a single eyebrow. “Throw in a muffin and you’re on.”
I grin with a nod and turn toward my car, only to groan when I see the truck that was blocking my view of it parallel parked up the street pull away, revealing a motorcycle parked right behind me.
“Shit.”
“Problem?” Nat asks as she looks around.
I tip my chin toward what’s about to be a headache. “Just an asshole.” Sometimes keeping Nat away from the club is a problem. She doesn’t know when someone is a giant jerk compared to the others.
“Ex of yours? Want me to get rid of him?”
Seriously? This girl is shyness personified till she isn’t, and then something like that slips out of her mouth. Color me pink with shock when she even quickens her pace a bit and steps in front of me, either to block the guy’s view of me or to protect me. Whatever it is, it ain’t normal. And especially not from a girl. Women rarely do that kind of thing unless they’re family. Boys? Well, men—boys don’t do shit but play with their joysticks. But men step up sometimes. If one does for me, it’s because something serious is going on in the club, or the guy thinks it will score him points with my dad. Usually it just pisses me off, but right now, I’m too confused by Nat’s actions to do more than just walk in her shadow till we get to my car.
“What do you want, Koop?” I ask as we get close to where he’s leaning against his bike.
“Who says I want anything?”
“You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t. So spit it out and be on your way. Don’t got time to deal with your sorry ass today.”
“Mouthy one, aren’t you?”
I roll my eyes. “You just now getting that? Figured you were smarter than that. Been here over four years now. You should do better at learning shit. Maybe my old man is going lax in the recruiting bit. I’ll be sure to tell him to get someone who can spell IQ next time.”
I unlock the doors to my car and open the passenger door to let Nat in, but she doesn’t budge. She doesn’t look scared, just assessing everything. Just like Kooper. He’s eyeing her like she’s a puzzle he’s about to solve. Once he’s figured out whatever he wants, his attention turns back to me.
“Your dad put me on babysitting duty.”
“Seriously?” My hand holding the car door open falls to my side. Can we just stop with all the shocking shit today? I’ve never been off my game so much in my life. It’s one thing after another.
He pulls a cigarette from his vest pocket and lights it before nodding. “Yup.”
I cross my arms. “Next you going to tell me you’re moving in with me and I have a curfew or some shit?”
He shakes his head as he blows out some smoke. “Nah, don’t got time for all that. I’ll do the job, but I don’t believe in playing games. Your dad wants me to watch you, so I will. Do me a favor and don’t try to avoid me and shit. You see me, you acknowledge it. You stick to the rules, and we can all get through this with minimal issues.”
“And the rules are?” It’s Nat who speaks. All I do is glare.
Kooper shrugs and takes another drag of his cigarette. “Shared location on her phone. Gives me a rundown on her normal routine. No sleepovers or trips without approval first.”
“Seriously?” I wave my hands. “I’m not five fucking years old.”
“Could have fooled me.”
My mouth drops open. I’ve never been talked to like this before. Ever.
