The way he acts with Henry and his friends makes it seem like he’s an ignorant twat, but the guy is kind of a genius. He’s already completed his MBA to satisfy his father’s wishes, but he’s still taking classes to get his master’s in political science. I would never date the guy, but I might trust him to run this country someday.
He lowers his chin in an attempt to catch my gaze, but I don’t fall for it. “What are you making me?”
“I’m makingeveryonepancakes,” I tell him. “Hungry?”
“Starved.” I notice the playfulness in his voice and feel his eyes studying me as I begin combining all the dry ingredients together.
Luke is a flirt, and it gets him into trouble more often than not. Especially when it comes to a select few female professors. He’s the kind of guy who always wants the girl he can’t have. Relentless little fuck, if you ask me. Usually, he leaves me be when Henry’s around, but he’s taking advantage of his time alone with me. He should know by now that it’s a wasted effort.
“Mmm, blueberries. My favorite.” Luke plucks a few berries out of the container next to me. “I just love the way the juice explodes on my tongue when I pop one open in my mouth.”
I shudder, trying to ignore how he’s now pressed into my side. He has a way with words—I’ll give him that.
“Have some with me, Aspen.” He reaches his hand up and grazes a blueberry along my bottom lip.
My eyes flit up to meet his as I slowly open my mouth and take his offering.
“My God.” His eyes heat as his thumb brushes the soft pink skin. “Your lips are so sof—”
Henry rounds the corner, and relief washes over me. “I heard a crash.”
Luke breaks away, but not before Henry notices.
“Aye! Come on, Luke! What did I say about her?”
I take a deep breath to regain my sanity.
“Yeah, yeah. She’s off-limits. I was only having a bit of fun.” Luke rolls his eyes and laughs to himself, settling into a chair. “You should really learn to share your toys, Donner.”
Henry darts his eyes over to his friend with a look that could kill. “Sorry about him, Pen. He’s a horny prick sometimes.”
“Only sometimes?” I murmur.
Henry comes around the island and bumps his naked shoulder against mine. A pair of buffalo plaid pajama bottoms hang low on his waistline, and as many times as I’ve seen him without a shirt, I still get impressed by his tightly trimmed abdomen. Whatever secret society these boys are a part of, having washboard abs and a well-sculpted face must have been a requirement. Each of them looks like a Greek god businessman you know you shouldn’t go near unless you are looking to get your heart broken. Fortunately for them, they find a lot of girls begging for the thrill of being in their presence even if it’s just for one night.
I am the anomaly, I guess. I think I’ve seen them use their lines and tricks on women too many times to find them attractive.
Luke cocks his head at me as he tosses back the rest of the blueberries in his hand.
I narrow my eyes briefly before a thundering voice rumbles throughout the house.
“ASPEN!” My name echoes up to the tall wooden ceiling.
Henry freezes with a bag of coffee beans in hand and glances over his shoulder at me from the coffee press. “It hasn’t even been a day yet. What could you possibly have done already?” he asks, catching the amused expression lighting up my face.
I don’t have to guess to know the footsteps barreling down the stairs are Baylor’s.
I ready myself with a smile I know will piss him off. “Good morning, sunshine,” I say as he charges toward me, fisting the white shirt I wore to bed last night.
“You fucking brat! Why is my shirt all wrinkled?”
“Well, have you tried not strangling the thing to death?” I glance down at his hand gripping the shirt.
He practically shakes at my response. “I’d like it better if it were your throat!”
Heat rolls down my stomach, and I swallow as unwelcome images press their way into my thoughts.
“What is wrong with you?” Baylor’s dark brows furrow.
