“I thought DU was the best college in the state for that?”
“Yeah, but DU will be an extension of high school. All the same kids from here will go there, and I’m looking for a change. New folks. Big city living. A better nightlife. There’s Crimson nightclub in Alexandria. I’m hoping to follow in my cousin’s footsteps and get a job as a bouncer.”
“Aren’t those clubs twenty-one and over?”
He shrugs. “My cousin is tight with the owner. He’ll make an exception for me.”
“That’s nice.”
“It is. He might let me rent a room from him, too, saving me room and board.”
“I heard that if you’re really good at a sport, colleges will give you full-ride scholarships to play for them.”
“That’d be cool.” He stops walking. I do too. We face one another. Rush jams his fingers through his hair and shifts from foot to foot. “Um, Sorrow, my parents are wondering if you’d like to come over for dinner tomorrow? I know we don’t know one another well, since we go to different schools, but my parents think you should get out more and meet new people. I was going to ask when I saw you next at the auto parts store, but since you’re here . . .” He shrugs his big shoulders. “I can pick you up.”
I should be grateful they’re thinking of me, but anger starts as a spark and flares into an inferno. “The Saints have been nothing but kind and gracious. How dare your parents think otherwise?”
I haven’t used the credit card they gave me or done anything to the bedroom that would show someone it was my room, but I won’t tolerate Rush’s parents believing the Saints are mistreating me or keeping me away from other people. I chose to stay away from them and their judgment of my parents and me.
“It’s not that.”
“It is!” I’m not sure why I’m angry, other than the fact that Rush’s comments about Trace’s parents extend to Trace.
Does he think Trace treats me like shit? Trace can be indifferent and, on the flip side, brooding and moody, but what kid wouldn’t be after having another kid they barely know move in with him and his parents? And lately, I get all his parents’ attention.
“I should go. Trace is waiting for me. He’s my ride.”
Rush’s hand lands on my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend. Say yes to dinner. You won’t regret it.”
I blow out a breath and agree, but only to prove to Rush’s parents that I’m doing fine living with the Saints.
“Great. That’s great, Sorrow.” His hand falls from my shoulder to my waist.
Rush steps into my space. Cupping my waist, he lowers his head to mine.
My heart doesn’t flutter. My insides don’t tighten with anticipation. I gently push him away. I’m not Trace. I won’t play with other people’s hearts. That’s a lesson he hasn’t taught me. It’s what I’ve learned from reading my romance novels. I’m picky about which stories I read, and love triangles and being unfaithful aren’t things I enjoy in my books. Those books are a DNF for me. Trace and I have already agreed to be exclusive during the experiment.
“I don’t know you, Rush.”
“Then take the chance.”
I open my mouth to tell him I won’t, but Trace bellows my name.
“Sorrow! Get your ass over here, now! It’s time to fucking go.”
Rush smirks. “That’s the kind of guy you’re giving a chance to?”
I don’t know what to say, so I say nothing. Taking me by surprise, Trace rushes up to us, picks me up, and puts me over his shoulder. My bag slips off and falls to the ground. Trace picks it up and shoves his arm through the handles. My big bag looks like a small clutch against his tall, muscular body. Trace walks us down the path with me staring at the ground. I lift my head and address Rush. “What time are you picking me up tomorrow?”
“Dinner’s at six. Five okay?”
I give him the thumbs-up sign. Smiling, he rocks on his heels.
“You are not going over to that d-bag’s house.”
“Sure I am.”
“What did I tell you about guys and being alone with them?”
