Page 20 of Notorious Man on Campus

“Why are you doing this?” My voice is quiet.

“Because it’s truly my pleasure.” His serious face holds for a second before the devilish grin pops up. “Plus I owe Brick.” He pats my knee.

I wait for him to expand on that, but he doesn’t.

“Why? Why would you owe Brick such a big favor?”

“It’s a long story. I’d say I’ll tell you some other time, but it’s also a big secret.” I can tell he’s half kidding and half very serious. Now I’m truly curious. And because it’s about Brick, I’m not likely to let it go. But he jumps up and takes my hands, pulling me back to the mirror.

“You look spectacular and there’s no way I’m going to let you take these clothes off tonight.” He winks. “Unless you’re a very naughty girl and you score one of these hunks for—”

“I get it. Don’t worry. I won’t be scoring anything tonight.” He nods.

“I know. You’re not that kind of girl are you?” I’m not sure what kind of girl he’s talking about and I’m even less sure what kind of girl I am, when every time I see Brick or even sense his presence, his unmistakable scent or hear the rumble of his low sexy voice, I want to beg him to take me and ravish me. Even knowing it would be just one night, I want it so intensely sometimes it’s scary. I don’t even understand it. But I don’t get to tell Dooley about the confusing mess of my emotions because there’s a light knock on the door. He flings it open and I see Allie standing there.

“Come one in,” he says and pulls her inside my now crowded room, then closes the door again, cocooning us from the ruckus outside.

“Wow. Cool room, Nyla. I can’t say I wasn’t curious to see it. I like what Majik did here.” Allie looks around and wanders to my bed to sit.

“Well?” Dooley shoves his hands onto his hips. “What do you think of my masterpiece, our little Nyla?” She looks me up and down, smiling and nodding.

“You did good, Dools, but let’s face it. You had a scorching beauty to start with so you can’t take much credit for this one.”

“Harsh critic,” he says. “But when you’re right, you’re right.”

“Are those Gianvito Rossi ankle boots?” Her eyes widen.

“I… think so?” I try to remember Dooley’s hysterical runway-model monologue and he glares at me with mock disapproval.

“Girl, you need some fashion education. Yes, of course they are. And they fit perfectly I see. You’re welcome.”

“Oh my God, Dooley,” Allie says. “You bought these clothes for our Cinderella?”

“No,” I say.

“Yes,” Dooley says at the same time.

Allie laughs and waves a hand. “Whatever. Even if the outfit is a one-night rental, you have to wear it, Nyla.” I know she’s right, but not because I look more sophisticated than the sorority girls from ethics class. Because Dooley was so thoughtful and went to so much trouble, I know he’d be truly disappointed if I didn’t wear his outfit tonight. I’ll figure out how we can return them later.

“Of course I’ll wear the outfit. What kind of Cinderella would I be if I turned down the glass slippers?”

“Are we ready?” Allie says.

“Not quite yet. I have one more surprise in my bag.” He goes to the third bag and pulls out a frosty bottle of Jägermeister and three shot glasses. Allie screeches and takes a glass.

“You’re the best, Dools. I love Jägermeister.”

I have no idea if I love it because I’ve never had it and have barely heard of it. But I smile and take a glass and Dooley pours us each a shot.

“Let’s drink to Nyla’s coming-out party and a kickass football season,” Allie says. “Go Wildbeasts!”

“I’ll drink to that.” Both Dooley and Allie down their shot in one gulp before I can bring the glass to my lips, but when I do, I squeeze my eyes shut and dump the liquid down my throat and try not to cough as it burns and my eyes water. There’s a note of black licorice flavor left in my mouth that makes me smile.

“You okay?” Allie asks. Dooley pats my back.

“I’ve never done a shot before,” I croak out. “Guess I can check off that bucket list item.”

“Our girl Nyla is more virginal than I imagined,” Dooley says.