PROLOGUE
CALLIE
“But sweetie,the tracking says the postal service delivered your package yesterday!How are you supposed to get it if you don’t even know where to look?”My mother’s shrill voice made the phone crackle.
I rolled my eyes as I descended the stairs.The ancient elevator that Marco and I had affectionately named Otis had broken down before the first week of classes began.The stairwell was hot, reeking of stale beer and dirty laundry.At the bottom, I pushed through the heavy door and entered the lobby.It was dingy and cluttered with ripped old couches, but the air was cooler and fresher.
Despite only moving in ten days ago, my mailbox was overflowing.I rifled through junk mail and flyers until I spotted a small slip of paper.My eyes narrowed as I peered at the mailman’s scrawl.
“Mom, it looks like I have to pick up packages from the building next door.I’ll go grab it, then call you back, okay?”
“Sounds good, sweetie.”
Slipping the piece of paper into my hoodie pocket, I turned around and jumped out of my skin.“Mother fuc?—”
A dark silhouette loomed in front of me, haloed by the waning sunlight filtering in from outside.The shadow strode forward, resolving into the figure of a man.He was tall, well-groomed and drop-dead gorgeous.
My heart pounded under my hand as I clutched at my chest and tried to slow my breathing.At his approach, my sandpaper tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth.He smelled divine, sophisticated and manly—not even a hint of Axe body spray.
“Everything okay over here?”The low, smooth voice made all the blood rush from my head.
Mr.Smells-Like-Grown-Man quirked an amused eyebrow.
Lost for words, I surrendered to my inner thirst-monster.My eyes roamed over him, drinking him in.His god-like body had been poured into an elegant designer suit.
Painful seconds ticked by while I stared, mouth opening and closing like a fish.
“I, uh...I’m fine.”I gestured at the mess of papers, cheeks burning.“Just waiting on a package from my mom.”
“Need some help?”He took another step closer, eyes roving over me in a way that made my stomach twist.He was so close, I could feel the heat radiating from his body.
I lifted my chin, refusing to be intimidated by some rich pretty-boy.“With finding my mom’s dumb box of makeup and snacks?Thanks, but I think I can handle it.”
“I’m Emmett.”A devastating smile crinkled the corners of his eyes.“I’m here to pick up my sister for dinner.”
“Good for you.I’d really just like to get my package now so I can go.”
He cocked his head, looking at me with undisguised interest.“In a hurry to get away from me, are you?”
“Don’t flatter yourself.”I crouched down and gathered the scattered mail into a neat pile.“Some of us have more important things to do than impress random guys in the lobby.”
“You’re right, I’m sure your evening is just packed with...studying?”His chuckle was like velvet.Despite my best efforts, I shivered.
Glaring, I rose to my full height—it brought my nose level with his chest.“Actually, yes.Not that it’s any of your business.”
His eyes danced with amusement.“Fair enough.Though you have to admit, I’m a bit more interesting than whatever’s in that box.”
“I highly doubt that.”I stepped around him, my papers clutched to my chest.“Now, if you’ll excuse me?—”
He shot out a hand and grasped my upper arm, sending an electric tingle down to my toes.“Don’t be so sure.I could show you a good time, if you’d let me.”
Something stirred inside me.My heart thudded erratically as, for one delirious moment, I considered his proposition.Then I snapped out of it and managed to scoff.“Yeah, I’ll pass.Thanks.”
His smile widened as if he found my refusal entertaining.“Playing hard to get, huh?I like a challenge.”
I tugged my arm free of his grasp.Who did this jerk think he was?“You’re barking up the wrong tree, buddy.I’m not interested in whatever game you’re playing.”
“Who said anything about games?”
