She’s out of her damn mind. “I don’t want people thinking of me like that. I don’t want people thinking of me at all.” I clutch my chest, forcing myself to breathe. “Thanks to your big mouth, Casey wants to kick my ass.”
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry. The bitch can’t fight for shit. You can take her.”
She doesn’t get it. “I don’t want to take her. What I want is—”
“My brother?” Before I can argue, she adds, “Good news, Church. I think he wants you too. For what it’s worth, I’d much rather him be with you than Casey. Jace is already dating someone I can’t stand, and the thought of both my brothers—”
“Hey,” I growl. “Dylan is amazing.”
“Yeah, an amazingly manipulative cunt.”
Seriously? Has Bianca met herself?
“If it isn’t the pot calling the kettle black.”
Another eye roll. “Whatever.” She snatches her purse off the sink ledge. “I tried to help you.”
“That’s not how you help a friend,” I shout as she walks away. “You could have at least told me—”
A cruel laugh silences me. “Wow.” Hand over her heart, she turns around. “You thought we were friends?”
Not exactly, but I didn’t think we were enemies. Plus, why would she go through the effort of helping someone she didn’t like?
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Honey, no.” Her pretty face scrunches. “I don’t have friends. At best, I have temporary allies who don’t make me want to bash their skulls in with my heels.”
Slowly, she walks toward me. “Casey is the head of the cheerleading squad, and therefore thinks she runs RHA, but she doesn’t.” Eyes narrowed; she studies her nails. “The twat also made the unfortunate mistake of texting someone who’s not my brother nonstop during practice last week. When I find out who it is and I have proof she can’t deny, I’m going to ruin her life.” A wicked grin lights her face. “Then I’m going to take her place…and make her and everyone at RHA my bitch.”
Well, shit.
She gets uncomfortably close to my face. “Word of advice? I suggest you stay on my good side.” She takes out her lip gloss for a second time. “And stay still. You could use a little color.”
Before I can protest, she starts applying some to my lips. “My brother is an asshole, but for some reason he’s fond of you.” Sticking the wand back inside the tube, she holds my stare. “I think you’d be good for him, Sawyer. But I should warn you, if you ever cheat or intentionally hurt him, I’ll slit your goddamn throat like you’re my very own sacrificial lamb. Understood?”
Jesus. “I—”
“Understood?”
When I nod, she smiles. “Great. Now quit talking to me and go get your man.”
My man? Bianca must be delusional. Girls like me don’t get our men…because they usually don’t want us.
They want girls like her.
But what if Cole isn’t like the rest of them? What if he actually likes me?
It sure as hell seemed like he did the other night.
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Wait,” she calls out behind me.
“What—what the hell are you doing?” I try to swat her hand away, but she manages to undo the first button on my shirt. “You have great tits. You shouldn’t keep them covered all the time.” She does a once-over and makes a face. “Take that stupid headband off. It makes you look like a ten-year-old on school picture day.”
God grant me strength. She is such a brat.
After tossing it in the trash and running her fingers through my waist-length dark hair, she shrugs. “It’s not great, but it’s the best I can do on such short notice. You should seriously consider getting contacts…and some highlights. Wearing makeup wouldn’t hurt either.”
“I am wearing makeup.”
I put mascara on this morning. Because I knew I’d be talking to Cole.
Her nose wrinkles. “Next time try the kind that makes you look better, not worse.”
“Gee, thanks.”
Casting her an irritated glare, I walk out of the bathroom.
The nerves I was trying to stifle nearly burst out of my chest as I amble down the hall. However, I quickly come to my senses when I notice Cole’s still talking to his teammates.
Probably not the best time to declare my strange feelings or bring up our hookup.
It should be done in private. That way no one can eavesdrop and start more rumors.
I’m about to walk back to my locker, but his gaze catches mine.
My knees buckle as I take in his piercing hazel-green eyes, tousled dark hair, perfectly structured jawline, and cheekbones so razor-sharp they’d cut right through granite.
It’s not fair. Boys like him shouldn’t be so damn beautiful.
Self-doubt creeps in again, but I force myself to stuff it back down.
He likes me.
Sure, he didn’t call, but you don’t share the kind of things he did if you don’t feel a connection with someone.
And you definitely don’t kiss someone the way he kissed me if you’re not attracted to them.
Drunk or not, Cole gave me a glimpse of the real him that night.
Perhaps it’s time I silence the negative voice inside my head for good so it doesn’t ruin this thing between us before it even starts.
Because maybe, just maybe… a girl like me can get the guy.
COLE
I sense her the moment she walks out of the bathroom.
I’m not sure what she did in there, but those pouty heart-shaped lips are red and shiny.
I barely manage to suppress the groan of irritation lodged in my throat.
She’s trying to impress me. Which can only mean one thing.
Christ. My mistakes are piling up by the second.
I shouldn’t have gotten so drunk this weekend.
I shouldn’t have wandered upstairs.
And I most definitely shouldn’t have talked to Sawyer Church—Little Miss Bible Thumper—and let her see that side of me.
I grind my molars so hard I’m surprised they don’t turn to dust.
According to the rumors, there are a few more things I shouldn’t have done with her.
Things I have no recollection of because I blacked out mid-conversation.
Fuck.
Behind a pair of black-rimmed glasses, her big brown eyes hold mine…seeking answers to a slew of unspoken questions.
Answers I can’t give her, because I don’t fucking remember.
All I know is whatever we may or may not have done that night is ruining her untainted, pristine reputation.
And mine.
Peeling my gaze away, I direct my attention back to Dwight and Cortland.
As usual, Cortland’s being his dickhead self. Beating around the bush in a pretentious mocking way that annoys the shit out of me.
“So, how was it?”
I stuff my blazer inside my locker. “How was what?”
I’ve been dealing with his stupid innuendos for the last five minutes and I’m reaching the end of my fuse.
He exchanges a glance with Dwight. “Come on, Covington. Don’t be shy. Tell us how your little hookup was.”