I couldn’t get the hurt look in Maren’s eyes out of my head. She’d taken what I said the wrong way, and now she wouldn’t talk to me. She always rushed off after practice, and I was never alone when I saw her between classes. We had our first game this weekend, so maybe I could catch her afterward.
I wasn’t so lucky. Her blonde head ducked into the passenger side of Blake’s car just as I emerged from the stadium. Seconds later, they were gone. Guess I’ll hit up that party after all.
Dex was wound up when he burst through the door of the apartment we shared after the game. They won, but barely. A field goal scored in the final seconds of the fourth quarter was their saving grace.
“Get dressed, Z. It’s time to celebrate,” he announced, disappearing into his room. Ten minutes later, we were ready to go. Fraternity row was only a couple blocks away, so we could walk to the party. Music spilled onto the front lawn along with tipsy college students when we arrived. We went straight to the keg and grabbed a drink. The party was in full swing when several members of my squad arrived. I held my breath, hoping Mariah wouldn’t be with them.
Dane brought up the rear, swaggering in with his usual arrogance. I thought he was the last of them. I was wrong. He reached back, and a slender arm appeared. He gripped the hand to pull someone into the house, and my heart stopped.
Maren appeared wearing itty bitty cut-off jean shorts and a tank top that showed off her toned body. My jaw dropped. She looked incredible with her lips painted red and half her hair braided loosely around her head. I was momentarily struck by how gorgeous she was. And I’d had her. Damn if I didn’t want her again.
But she was here with him. How the hell had that happened?
I mingled with my team, greeting everybody one by one. The girls all gave me quick hugs while the guys shook my hand. When I got to Maren, she hesitated before slipping her arms around my neck. I pulled her flush against me, and she let out a gasp.
“What are you doing here with Dane?” I whispered so no one else could hear. She stiffened then pulled back to scowl at me. Shit, I’d crossed a line. I had no right to question her, but I was worried.
“Just be careful with him,” I warned, holding her gaze as she searched my eyes. Long seconds passed as I savored the feel of her body before I let her go to hug Blake who’d come in right behind Maren.
The group gravitated toward the kitchen where the drinks were. I caught sight of Maren nursing a beer, clearly unimpressed by the taste. I refilled my cup just to have an excuse to be close to her. When Dane excused himself, Maren sidled up next to me and spoke in low tones.
“What did you mean earlier? About Dane?”
“He’s not a good guy. He’s only after one thing,” I clarified, giving her a pointed look.
She studied me a moment before answering, and it was as though flames ignited beneath my skin.
“I wanted the authentic college experience. Maybe that’s how I’ll get it.” I nearly crushed the cup in my hand, fury pulsing through my veins.