“Where’s Jagger?” I change the subject. “I thought you were supposed to be his bodyguard.”
“He can shower without me around.” Nash crosses his arms moodily.
Something’s bothering him.
When we talked through the details before moving here, we all agreed that it made sense for Nash to take on that role. It made sense, with him being massive and all, but it’s still pushing him out of his comfort zone. Nash is a guy of few words,choosing to avoid any type of attention, and now he’s being pushed to the forefront, having to bat off adoring fans. This is a far cry from our old lives.
Until Jagger came along, our lives were utterly boring. I worked in a coffee shop—where I met Jagger—and Nash did various handyman jobs. Nash has a knack for being able to fix anything. When Jagger came into the shop one day complaining that a leaky pipe had destroyed an amp, I called Nash to fix it, and well… The rest is history.
“How’s the whole bodyguard gig going?” I ask him, dropping down onto the uncomfortable sofa. Nash’s right—it feels like my ass is perching on concrete.
“Fine.” Nash pinches the bridge of his nose. “Well, if you define fine as having to avoid fainting girls, countless questions, and selfie attempts. I’ve had to throw out over 100 phone numbers this week!”
I cackle. “Maybe it’s a new world record?”
“You’d think he was a fucking god or something,” Nash growls. “If they knew that he cries when he watches cartoons, they’d be thinking differently.”
“That was only one time!” Jagger appears in the doorway with a towel wrapped around his waist. “And the Lion King isn’t a cartoon; it’s a movie! It’s emotional, okay? Also, I think plenty of those numbers were for you.”
Nash’s cheeks color slightly as he grumbles to himself and strides toward the kitchen. “I’m gonna grab a bite.”
“I better go.” I stand up, rubbing my already sore butt. “Or I’ll be late for my… work thing.”
“Have fun.” Jagger smiles, but it looks forced and doesn’t meet his eyes, like he’s wearing a mask that’s about to crack. His celebrity status on campus must be taking a toll on him. There appears to be longing coupled with a resigned acceptance in the way he watches me grab my keys. It’s been years since he’sbeen able to walk outside without wearing a disguise or being followed by an entourage.
I hesitate at the door, hearing my packmates start bickering about where they’re going to get takeout from, wondering whether not telling them where I’m really going is a bad idea.
No, I shake my head. There’s nothing to tell. Not yet anyway.
When I get to SVU, the campus is abuzz with activity. I can see why Jagger likes it here. There’s something nice about the peaceful backdrop of the mountains coupled with the boundless enthusiasm that seems to hang in the air, practically simmering with possibility. Although I never went to college myself, this is the kind of place I would have liked to attend.
Excited voices surround me as a group of students stroll past, discussing the latestThe Valley Voiceissue. There’s no missing their giggles when one points out Jagger’s “hot bodyguard” in the background of a photo. I bite my cheek to stop myself from laughing. That’s something I’ll have to file away to tell Nash later.
“But we’ve just eaten!” I overhear an omega say to the alpha accompanying her in a line to a food truck offering loaded tacos. The smell of onions, spices, and grilled peppers, causes my mouth to water. “We’re supposed to be on a date. You promised to take me skating! Look, there’s already a line!”
The guy mumbles something in reply as my eyes land on a sign outside Club Knotty. I hadn’t decided what I was going to do with Delilah yet—that depends on her turning up—but a grin now spreads over my face. I know exactly where we’re going.
With an extra bounce in my step, I continue on, wondering whether I should have brought her a gift. I’m busy mulling overwhether she would prefer flowers or chocolate when I see her up ahead. She stands out in a cute denim overall dress paired with a fluffy patterned cardigan. I swallow hard as my gaze trails down to her gray knee-high knitted socks that frame the soft curves of her legs. She plays with the corners of her cardigan and smooths down her hair, her eyes widening when she sees me. Her dark hair has been pulled back into a bun on top of her head, my fingers twitching to push the few loose tendrils behind her ear.
“Tae.” Her beaming smile radiates warmth and makes my stomach turn to goo. She’s even more striking than I remember. “You came.” She almost sounds surprised.
“Of course, I did.” I return her smile. “I couldn’t miss out on seeing the pretty girl who likes smutty books and tells me what pairs best with drinks, could I?”
She laughs, releasing a snort that has her raising her hand to cover her mouth in embarrassment. “Sorry… I…” She drops her hand. “This is the…” She looks away from me. “First date I’ve been on in a while.”
So this is definitely a date. Fuck yes!
“Well, I’m going to make sure this is the best first date you’ve been on in a while.”
I lead us back to Club Knotty, while Delilah talks about her time here. I learn that in addition to baking, she loves music. She tells me about Omega Village and her best friends. Her face lights up when she talks about how Sabs is trying to bully her into going to hot yoga again, how Kady has recently found a pack, and that Faye is bringing her the best fresh herbs every week. She talks so fast that I can barely keep up with what she’s saying, not able to stifle a grin when she finally comes up for air.
“I’m doing that nervous talking thing, aren’t I?” She exhales, puffing a strand of hair away from her face. “I tend to babble sometimes.” She smiles apologetically. “I’d love to know more about you. Are you studying too?”
“Actually, I’m just working here full-time,” I reply. “I wanted a change of scenery, to get out of the city. I like…” I see the mountains. “Hiking.”
“Really?” She arches an onyx brow. “You came to work at SVU because you like hiking?”
It’s not exactly a lie. I do like being outdoors, but I can’t exactly tell her that I’m here because my famous packmate wanted to have the college experience. Being unable to tell her the full truth sucks, but I need to honor what my pack agreed.
