Alex nods knowingly.
I guess I was right. Which means Lily’s got some explaining to do.
As we step onto the elevator, I peek over at Lily and Hank. She’s gazing up at him, and he’s smiling down at her. While part of me is thrilled for my best friend, another part of me is a little sad, maybe even envious of the ease of their friendship. I honestly don’t ever see that happening for me. No, I seem to make everything harder than it has to be. Look at me and Bradley. Nothing was easy for us. Example, I thought Bradley wasthe one,but now I know nothing could have been further from the truth. Heck, we weren’t even friends.
I look over at Alex who’s preoccupied with his phone. Alex and I are friends. Friendship is nice, but I want something more. I don’t dare wish for more with a guy like Alex, though. He’s way out of my league.
Chapter Ten
ALEX
As we walk to the cafeteria, I place my hand on the small of Stella’s back. Hell, I just love touching her. As we walk through the buffet line, I notice that Stella is up to her old tricks again. She’s got a plate full of lettuce and a lemon wedge. Who eats that shit?
“Babe? If you get a piece of grilled chicken, you can cut it up into your salad for a boost of protein. It’s light, and it tastes good. As a matter of fact, I think I’m going to have that. Care to join me?”
“Yeah, that sounds good. Where do we get the chicken?”
I lead her over to the grilling station and order us two grilled breasts. As she waits, I head over to the dessert station and grab a slice of strawberry cheesecake. When I return, she spots my sweet treat and rolls her eyes. “Hey, I can’t help it. I’ve got a sweet tooth. Besides, I was gonna share.”
“Alex—”
I don’t let her finish because I know she’s going to turn me down. “Who doesn’t love cheesecake? You’re going to share it with me, right, Pixie?
“You can just eat the whole thing yourself,” she mutters.
“Now, what kind of boyfriend eats all the dessert without sharing with his girlfriend? A selfish one, that’s who. And, Stella, I am not a selfish boyfriend.” I look down at her with a determined expression. When I see her brows furl, I have to wonder if she missed me labeling us. Hmm, I think she did.
I hear Lily whisper in her ear, “Holy shit, girl. You’ve got a live one there!”
Stella looks dumbfounded. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Oh, you will. I promise you that,” Lily responds.
I chuckle. They’re a pretty entertaining duo. This is going to be fun.
“So, what do you girls have planned for tonight?” Hank asks after we all sit at the football table.
Lily tells us about their plans to watch horror movies and hang out.
Hank’s pretty excited. “I love horror movies. What are you going to watch?”
“I brought the classics because little Miss Scaredy-Pants can’t take the good ones, so there’sThe Night of the Living Dead,Psycho, andScream.”
“Those are classics, but have you seenParanormal Activity? What aboutThe Ring? Ooh,Sawis crazy too,” replies Hank.
“I’ve seenThe Ring, but I haven’t seen the other two,” Lily says.
“What about you, Stella? Have you seen any of those?” asks Hank.
“No. I don’t really care for horror movies. I plan to spend the entire time underneath my blanket.”
Damn, I’d love to join her under there.
“Well, I have the best idea ever. As in e-v-e-r,” says Hank. “Why don’t you girls come down to our place tonight, and we’ll watch those scary movieswithyou? That way Alex can protect you, Stella.”
“Oh, I don’t know.”
What’s this? Stella’s trying to get out of hanging with me?
