“Hmm.” I thought about it and my stomach tightened in a knot. “Not officially, but it is safe to assume we are together.”
“Not trying to lock down that label? That’s pretty chill. I think you’re right, though. I’ve seen you two and tonight will be a nice test. You banged like crazy people last night and tonight will tell you where you stand.”
“What do you mean?” I bit my lip, her words worrying me. She looked out for me, but it questioned the small confidence I had in whatever Zade and I were doing.
“If he’s still all over you, you’re definitely an item. If he’s not, it’ll be out of your system. She shrugged and gave me a small smile. “He will be. Don’t worry.”
I jumped when the doorknob began moving. “Now you lock the door?”
“Yeah, doesn’t make sense now that you mention it.” She marched on over to let in Aaron, Tanner, Jeff, two girls I didn’t know and Zade. My heart beat in my throat when his gaze searched for mine. His eyes lit up. Greta whispered to me, “Oh yeah. Definitely a hot-ass item.”
I shook her off and was debating if I should walk over to him when Aaron stood in front of me with a bottle of fire whiskey. “This is for you, big girl on campus.”
“Thanks.” I took it and gave him a hug. “You didn’t have to.”
“I know. But I should say, I expect all of us to drink it before we leave.” He produced a stack of portable shot glasses and I shook my head. I should’ve known better. “First ones to you.”
“Yeah, okay. Pour them out.” I slipped away to find Zade. He had the same intention I’d had and reached me first.
“Hey, girl.” I laughed at our shared inside joke. He always greeted me this way and it made me laugh. Every. Damn. Time.
“’Sup.” I attempted to be cool but everything went to hell when his lip quirked and he really stared at me. His heated gaze roamed my body, pausing on my legs, and a small scowl replaced his once joyous smile. “What is your outfit?”
“It’s called a dress, Zade. Sometimes girls wear them.”
“But you don’t.”
“Excuse me.I can wear a dress if I want.” I pushed him away, but he grabbed my wrist with an embarrassed smile.
“Shit. I handled my reaction poorly.” He ran his hand down my neck to my hips. I loved the possessive way he touched me, although he was annoying me at the moment.
“Ya think?”
“Sorry. Your dress is hot as fuck. I want to tie you to your bed and not let you leave. I want you naked and screaming my name. That is what that dress does to me.” He lowered his mouth and kissed me in front of everyone. That answered any questions I’d had.
“Well, fuck. I’ll ask Greta if I can keep the dress,” I said breathlessly after he ended the kiss.
“I’d appreciate it. So, let’s go do those shots with Aaron. He can be relentless.”
“Good call. I need something for my nerves.” I shivered and he frowned again.
“Why are you nervous?”
“I generally am when I am around you.” I patted his chest and led him to the couch. “I’m not used to feeling all these things and I get all discombobulated.”
“Yeah, I thought after last night I’d be more level-headed. I thought wrong.” He sat next to me and kept his hand on my knee, like not touching me hurt him. “I’m all over the place. I want to kiss you senseless, ask you about your entire day and at the same time hang out with you. It’s a lot to think at the same time and I don’t know what direction to go.”
“Always go with what’s natural.”
“I’m trying but I get all…how did you put it? Discombobulated.” His lip turned up when he said it. I loved that little half-smile.
“Aw, my little player has nerves, too.” I wiggled against him and his eyes became the intense coffee color I now associated with passion.
“Just with you.”Ugh. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am.My heart upped and left me and decided to take up residence within his. My brain held a little control, but the rest of me had surrendered to him entirely.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Zade
