“They’re in every nook and cranny,” Kai informed as he started towards the stairs. He dressed in his typical attire: black slacks and gray turtleneck. His dark curls were slick back, held in place with the wire glasses on top of his head. The whole look reminded me of a literature professor from the eighties.
“Do me a favor?” I called after him before he was out of earshot.
He held up a peace sign as he continued down the stairs. “I’m busy.”
“You were playing a game five minutes ago,” I protested. “I saw you online.”
Kai didn’t even give me a pity look back when I peered over the banister at him. I let out a low groan when I took in the sight below.
Tall ones, short ones, large ones, and skinny ones. Westbrooke University was home to a concerning number of cute guys. All of which were off-limits and all ruining my relaxing weekend before the semester began.
“Want something done,” I muttered under my breath. “Do it yourself.”
My mantra gave me enough courage to leave the safety of my room behind. If I timed it right, I could sneak out the front door fast enough so no one could make out more than a fuzzy blur.
At the top of the stairs, I rubbed my hands together in preparation for a sprint. If being the daughter of a retired NFL linebacker taught me anything, it was timing was everything… Also broad shoulders could get you far in life. But that last part was beside the point.
I waited for two guys to walk through the front door and towards where the food was being laid out. The scent of pasta and garlic bread permeated the air, calling my name.
I’d made a deal with Dad earlier. He’d save me a plate if I gave him another re-match in chess.
Dad didn’t enjoy the idea of me staying upstairs alone while everything else was down here. I didn’t know how to tell him that my self-quarantine was vital to my personal growth journey. My no-dating strike would reach a year next week. I had to stay strong and focused.
The foyer was empty for a moment. My window would be short, so I bolted down the stairs, almost tripping on the carpet runner. I reached for the front doorknob before I fell.
When I yanked it open, I peered out at the beginning of a downpour.
I sighed and snatched up some stranger’s umbrella near the door, “Of course, it’s raining. Why wouldn’t it start now?”
Pressing forward was the only option since I made it this far. There were so many cars in our driveway, they’d boxed one another in. We had a ton of yard space but not enough for this many people. I’m shocked so many players seemed to have their own rides.
I weaved in and out of the messy parking, looking for my beat-up Toyota. I’d parked near the fence and found it there, sandwiched between two large trucks.
Good thing I didn’t plan on going anywhere tonight.
Thunder sounded as I hurried to the car. I let out a yelp when I saw another flash of lightning.
As soon as I reached the car, I slipped inside and slammed the door behind me.
“Jeez,” I breathed a sigh of relief. “I can’t—”
I stopped short when I realized someone was in the passenger’s seat. My eyes widened and my body reacted in the only way it knew how: fight.
I shoved the umbrella in the car hijacker’s face.
“Woah, holy crap!”
The hijacker caught the umbrella, holding it firm. I tried to tug it back. It was my only weapon, and I couldn’t let him turn it against me. I would not be the girl who got owned by a stolen umbrella.
“Calm down,” he said, still holding fast. My determined yanking did nothing.
“Calm down?” I yelled. “You’re in my car!”
“Your car?” He gave the umbrella one last tug, winning our match.
Despite how large I was, outmuscling the guy across from me was impossible. Even sitting down, I could tell he was well over six feet. Both of his arms had impressive tattoo sleeves. The muscle underneath the ink looked well-defined. He possessed more than enough power to pin me down and abduct me — if that was the plan.
His dark hair was pulled into a rubber band. The expression of confusion he wore made him seem a little less intimidating. A little less like he was the kind of person who’d break into cars and knock out unassuming strangers.
