“But I’m hungry.” Easton blows on the roll before shoving it in his mouth while it’s still too hot based on the way his entire body shuffles around.
Theo shoots me a long suffering look. “Sometimes I think I miss when I lived at home. I actually got to eat, for one.”
“Can you get the?—”
“I’m on it.” Theo rummages in the refrigerator and sets the ranch on the counter.
“You’re team ranch, too?” Easton’s expression crumples as if his teammate has betrayed him in the worst way. “Nah, bro. How are you gonna do me like that?”
“Because it tastes better,” Theo says.
I laugh, then jolt when strong arms circle me from behind, tugging me against a firm body. Alex presses a smile against my cheek.
“Lainey.”
“What?”
“Hi.” He kisses my jawline when an amused noise escapes me and his arms cinch tighter. “What are you doing?”
I catch my brother’s eye roll and exasperated smirk as he turns his back on us.
“Making pizza rolls.” I shiver, licking my lips when Alex plays with the hem of my sweater. A sizzle of heat races through me, reminding me of what we did in his room. “They’re secret, though. There isn’t enough for everyone here.”
He hums. “Is that why you’ve got Higgins posted up in the hallway to keep people out of here?”
The huge defensive player has an intimidating permanent scowl. I was low-key afraid of him before Alex introduced his teammates at the last party. Theo insisted I had to be the one to ask Higgins if he’d redirect people from the kitchen while we worked on our secret snack project. It was the first time his scowl melted when he agreed gruffly.
“He’s being rewarded for his efforts,” Easton interjects as he piles steaming snacks in his hand. “Fuck, these are so hot still.”
It feels like our own private party when the four of us crowd around the island. Theo pretends to gag while Alex feeds me pizza rolls. Easton still insists he’s team ketchup. I’m enjoying the bubble we’ve created, feeling a sense of fitting in from the world I kept myself separate from for so long.
After our snack, Alex takes my hand and we go to the living room. It feels so natural now to hold his hand or lean against his side with his arm around me while we hang out with people he knows.
He talks up my benefit to anyone who will listen. It’s enough to make me blush. Each time he looks at me, there’s wonder in his handsome green eyes. I’m looking forward to seeing him in a suit again for the dance tomorrow night.
I put a hand on his arm while he’s having a conversation about Heston’s next game. “I’ll be back. I need a drink.”
“Want me to come with you?” He laces our fingers together to keep me by his side.
I bite my lip to hold back the smile fighting to break free. “I’ll be two minutes.”
He kisses my hand. “Miss you already.”
“You’re cheesy,” I say.
He winks. I head to the kitchen with my insides fluttering.
“Hey!” The familiar bubbly voice snags my attention.
I offer a shy smile to Candace, the sorority girl I first met at the Heston U vs UConn hockey game.
“Please, please tell me you’re going to get ready with us tomorrow?” She holds her hands in front of her like a prayer. “I’m dying to do your makeup. I just got this great winter palette with shades that would look so good on you.”
This isn’t the first time she’s asked since we met two weeks ago. I’ve given excuses because I didn’t think she’d want to hang out, but she hasn’t dropped it.
We’ve been texting since I gave her my number. I’ve continued adding to the list of book recommendations I gave her when she came to the bookstore. Part of me wonders if I’m annoying her by sending so many, but she responds with so much enthusiastic interest when I message her with another book I think she might want to try that it sets me at ease.
“Okay, but only if you don’t mind doing me first because I’ll need to leave early for the banquet hall to make sure the vendors have everything they need.”
