I hold out a hand and she slips her fingers between mine as I lead her into the bedroom. We both know the gift is just a lame pretext to get her in my room, but it’s ramping up the energy nicely. There’s this tension between us that’s been there all night—I’ve been maxing it out, and she’s been responding, despite herself.
I shut the door behind us and watch as she crosses the room. I like having her here—especially when my mind drifts to what’s about to happen next. I’ve played this scene in my head a hundred times, and the idea alone is almost as good as pinning her against a wall.Almost.
“What the hell?”
She lingers over the gift my buddies gave me, scooping up one of my bras and letting it dangle from a finger.
“Courtesy of the Campus Drivers.”
“Why did they…” She shakes her head. “You know what? I don’t want to know. Good choice on the color, though. I’m guessing it suits you.”
“You think? Want me to try it on for you?”
“I’m good, thanks. You can do that once I’ve left—send me a selfie, like last time.”
“Your order is my command.”
She laughs, draping the lingerie over my chair, and starts rooting in her bag.
“My turn.” She pulls out the slender square box I spotted earlier. “Looks like you’re getting spoiled this birthday.”
“Now I’m curious.”
I peel off the tape and rip the paper away, my heart falling as I slide off the lid.
“A bow tie?”
“Yup.”
Okay… Plot twist…
“Do you like it?”
Luckily, I’m an expert at putting on a brave face.
“I love it! I’ve always dreamed of having one of these to… Well, you know—to wear.” I beam at her. “I’ve been secretly wanting one for years. How’d you guess?”
I yank on the elastic and slip it over my head, feeling it snap against my neck, tugging it into place and smiling back at Carrie. She’s happy with her gift, I can tell. I glance over her shoulder and catch sight of myself in the mirror. I look like a dumbass, and she’s loving every second.
“Fits you like a glove! You know, ever since we met, I’ve been thinking something was missing—now I know.”
“I’m obsessed with it. This isdefinitelygoing to get heads turning.”
“Definitely.” She nods. “You look like a total heartthrob.”
I strike a pose. “You like?”
She shakes her head. “The truth is, you look damn good in a tie—but this thing makes you look like a clown, which is exactly what I was going for.”
I stare at her, mouth opened. The girl’s pure evil.
“Your gift sucks.” I shake my head. “I want another one.”
“Sorry, that’s all I’ve got.”
“I’m sure you can think of something.”
She taps a finger on her chin absentmindedly.
