I arch a brow. "Ah, you saw that, huh?"
A smug grin tugs at my mouth. "Yeah, well... guess I just wanted to set the record straight. Let everyone know I've only ever had my eye on one girl," my eyes cut to Adam, sharp as a slap, "—and, you know, make sure no one else gets any bright ideas."
I slide an arm around Caroline's waist, pulling her just a little closer. "Because she's mine."
Caroline rolls her eyes so hard it's a miracle they don't pop out, but she doesn't say anything. Doesn't correct me either.
I'll take that as a win.
Adam's shoulders shake with a soft laugh, and he raises his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, man. You won't have a problem with me. Message received loud and clear."
I narrow my eyes. "Really?"
He nods, still grinning—but there's a flicker of something honest in his expression. "Yeah, really. Care and I are just friends." Adam says with a little shrug. "I mean, come on, man—I'm not stupid. I know who she really wants. I never stood a chance and that's why I never tried anything."
And for a second, I don't know what to do with that. Yeah, I still don't like the guy—but damn... now I almost feel bad for him.
I can tell just by the way he looks at her. The guy's a goner for my girl too.
And honestly? I can't even blame him.
Caroline's the kind of person who makes it real easy to fall. She's the sweetest, kindest soul, and somehow still manages to be funny, stubborn, and impossible not to love.
You'd have to be blind—or brain-dead—not to fall for her.
She's a gem. A rare one. And she's mine.
Maybe Adam Klein isn't so bad after all. Still a prick, but like...a respectable prick.
"I should probably get going," he says, tone polite, easy. "See you in class tomorrow, Care."
Caroline smiles, gives a small wave. "Yeah. See you, Adam."
He nods at me once, and I return it. A silent truce. Then he slips into the crowd, leaving just me and her.
I glance at her, letting a grin creep in. "Wanna grab a drink?"
Caroline crosses her arms, one brow rising. "Aren't you being a little too possessive tonight, Westbrook?"
"You can't blame me, sugarplum," I say, hands raised in mock defense. "Last night's stunt was supposed to make it crystal clearto everybody that I'm yours and you're my girl. Then I walk in and see him all over you—again—making you laugh."
I pout like a kicked puppy. "Can't stand the guy. He makes me jealous."
Her head jerks up a little at that, surprise flashing for a split second before she exhales in that classic exasperated-Caroline way.
"First of all, the only reason Adam and I were dancing was because he saw a few of your rabid fangirls heading my way while I was alone. He was trying to help."
Well, damn.
So the douche was protecting her.
Guess I owe him an apology for acting like a territorial jackass... and maybe a thank-you gift basket.
See? I'm not totally irrational—I can recognize when I'm being an ass. Growth. Character development.
Caroline continues, leveling me with that firm, no-nonsense stare. "Second, stop calling me 'your girl' or saying I'm yours."
"Why not?"
