Connor nodded. “I’m faster than you, usually, so I’ll make you a sandwich to get you through until lunch. No one wants to see you hangry again.”
With a snort, I flipped him off, and he just flashed his perfect teeth in a smartass smile.
As I raced up the stairs, I realized that I didn’t want to leave Connor or that couch today. I could have quite happily remained in our little slasher-flick moment, vegging out with all the snacky snacks and ignoring the rest of the world.
Unfortunately, my professors wouldn’t feel the same way, and I already dreaded having to explain my absence to Ethan. Not that he should be surprised unless he completely missed his two sleeping roommates on the couch when he left this morning.
There was no time for a shower, so I just scrubbed my face, brushed my teeth, and slapped on minimal makeup. Not that I fucking needed it. This girl was glowing with her full night’s sleep, and when I had more time to break down my night with Connor, I’d analyze the reasons why he kept my dreams away. Just like Ethan. And Brodie.
Yeah, maybe that was the key. Always sleep with a gorgeous, somewhat dangerous man.
In my room, I changed into jeans and a tank, grabbing upConnor’s hoodie, before pausing to wonder if that was a little too far. He already thought I was an obsessed, trauma-bonded loser. And I wasn’t going to deny it, but best to leave the hoodie for secretly sleeping in.
Snatching up my bag and denim jacket instead, I hurried back down to find Connor in new clothes, looking far too gorgeous and refreshed for what had to have been a pretty shitty night of sleep. “Here’s your sandwich, brat,” he said, thrusting a chicken and mayo roll at me. “Now move your ass because I have a class in ten minutes, and I need to walk you into the main courtyard.”
Clutching the sandwich, and then the bottle of water he also handed over, I shook my head. “You don’t have to wait for me. I know I’m only going to slow you down. I don’t have anything for an hour or so; it’s okay to run ahead.”
He looked at me like I’d just suggested he crawl on his stomach to class while wearing a onesie. “Not a fucking chance. I’m getting you there safely, just make sure you move your ass.”
I almost saluted him. “Yes, sir.”
He paused in the process of slipping his laptop bag over his shoulder, and I swallowed roughly at the heat in his eyes. “I knew I’d tame the brat into a good girl.” He stepped closer, towering over me as I drowned in his intensity. “You want to be a good girl for me, Evelyn?”
Oh, fuck.What was the question again?
Connor’s laughter released me, and I found myself hurrying for the door as he nudged me along. “Eat,” he ordered, and I glanced down to find my now-crushed sandwich still clutched in one hand, the water in my other.
The fresh air cleared my head as we left the house, and starving, I bit into the delicious fresh bread. Connor had already finished his, but it felt like he kept an eye on me the entire way to campus, making sure I ate all of mine.
“A good night’s sleep did you very well,” he said suddenly,when the courtyard came into view. “I’ve never seen you look quite so refreshe…”
He trailed off, gaze lifting as he stared above my head, and I swore he’d just seen a ghost. Turning as I twisted the lid off my bottle, it took me a minute to figure out what had drawn his attention.
A gorgeous brunette was hurrying across the grass, a large duffel over her shoulder as she waved. “Connie,” she shouted. “Oh my god.”
When she reached us, she all but shoved me to the side as she leaped at Connor, and he reached out and caught her by instinct. Still looking shell-shocked.
“Oh, Con,” she cried, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I missed you so much.”
Then she kissed him right on the lips, and even as I hoped he was about to push her away, the shock finally wore off his face and he threaded one of his hands through the back of her shiny, golden hair and…kissed her back.
34
EVELYN
It felt like a whole damn eternity that I stood there like a creeper, watching Connor kiss some random girl whom I’d never laid eyes on before, but eventually they came up for air before the seasons changed. Okay, to be fair, it was probably only a few seconds, but itfeltlike longer. My damn hero worship was in full force after our slasher-and-sleeping-together session.
“Oh my god, where are my manners?” the admittedly stunning girl gushed as she released Connor and swung her dazzling gaze to me. “I’m Lacey. You must be Evelyn? I’ve heard so much about you, it feels like we’ve already met.”
She stuck her hand out for me to shake, her nails perfectly polished and her tasteful rings all worth probably more than a year’s tuition at Meadowridge. Dumbstruck, I shook her hand with a floppy wrist.
“Um, yeah. Eve. You’re…Lacey?” Was it rude to admit that no one had mentioned her to meat allso I couldn’t return the sentiment?
The blonde just laughed and rolled her eyes. “Lemmeguess, Connie and the boys failed to tell you about me? Out of sight, out of mind, huh?” That question was aimed at Connor, who ran a frustrated hand through his dark hair.
“It’s not like that, Lay, you know it. We’re late for class, though, so maybe we can catch up later?” He brushed a quick kiss over her cheek, then gestured for me to continue walking toward the courtyard.
The gorgeous woman—Lacey—just sighed. “Yeah, later. It was nice to meet you finally, Eve! I hope we can hang out now that I’m back.”
