Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Knowing my order by now, he reaches for the coffee pot warming on the burner. I never ask for the fancy stuff. Just strong Americano with one sugar.
He sighs. “I admit that I have absolutely no game.”
I reach for a lid. “You don’t, but it’s adorable.”
He pouts. “I don’t want to be adorable. I want to be…hot. Like you.”
“Aw, you think I’m hot?” I try for humor as he hands me my cup.
“You know what I mean.” He rolls his eyes. “Even Kael agrees you throw me to the wolves too often.”
I nearly burn my lip. “What would Kael know about it?” My jaw clenches, and I look away, cursing myself for acting like a child.
He narrows his eyes. “Why does mentioning Kael upset you?”
I scoff. “Maybe the fact that you guys are talking behind my back?”
“He’s just being a friend.” He arches a brow. “What, are you jealous?”
“Of course not.” I try to temper my words. “I’m glad you have a new friend.”
“Uh-huh.” He doesn’t seem convinced, and I can understand why. I’ve been feeling strangely protective when it comes to his new roommate and friend. Okay, maybe jealous is the right word. And it’s become even more obvious since I moved out.
When the next customer steps up to the counter, I wave goodbye.
After class, I have a student government meeting. I’m one of the acting senators, which means I’m a sort of liaison between the students and the council. I’ve always enjoyed serving in these roles, but the truth is, high school was way different from college. Some students don’t even realize we exist. The Poli House mixer helped a bit with that. Ian and I let most of the partygoers know about it as we made our rounds because one of our responsibilities is spreading the word across campus.
Today’s meeting is regarding a student’s complaint about the engineering club not having enough female representation. Most of our work involves mediating grievances, but when it actually transforms university policy, it feels fucking amazing. Helps me feel like I’m making a difference. In this case, the club president is amenable to our suggestions, and the women who complained leave feeling hopeful.
Not all our meetings go this well, but this time, I’m especially thankful because I’m fried and plan on relaxing before my work shift. Austin would tell me I have way too much on my plate, and it’s times like these that I miss him having my back and knowing what’s best for me. Not that I ever listen.
8
AUSTIN
It’s a quiet weekend in the dorm since Kael decided to spend most of it with Angelica, who’s feeling better. Dex has to work, but we still meet at the taco truck on the pier for a quick lunch and walk on the beach. I can tell he’s still feeling bad about the Brandon situation—he has trouble meeting my eye when talking about the party cleanup as we scarf down our food.
But really, it’s my fault for allowing myself to believe that someone might show up for me.
“Who knew people were so gross?” I deadpan in response to the used condoms he says Ian found in the bathroom. “Better you than me.”
He snickers as we head toward the shore. “You would probably gag just looking at the mess.”
“You look exhausted.” I curl my toes in the sand. “Sorry you have to work.”
“At least tonight isn’t a wedding with all the cringey marriage traditions.”
“How awful for you to see two people commit to spending their lives together.” I chuckle because I know he doesn’t truly mean it. He’s just a skeptic when it comes to relationships lasting. “What kind of event is it?”
“A fundraiser.”
“Right up your alley,” I point out as we watch two kids building a sandcastle.
“I hear that Congressman Burke might be attending.”
He represents our district, and Dex is a huge fan.
“Oh, I can almost see it now.” I clear my throat, then in a high-pitched voice say, “Yes, sir. Do you need anything else, sir?”
He gives me a playful shove. “Whatever it takes to get on his radar.”
“Whatever it takes?” I flutter my eyelashes, and he laughs.
After we part ways, I head back to my dorm, glad I’m not on the clock today. The room is quiet, and once I make sure the door is locked, I rummage around in my underwear drawer to pull out my new purchase—a dildo. I figure I need to step it up a bit if I’m ever going to lose my virginity. And thank the heavens, it was delivered in a nondescript box, as promised.
I’ve only used it once, but, no lie, it feels good. Maybe not as much as the real thing, but close enough. Not that I know.
I toss the lube and sex toy on the mattress, then glance at the door one last time before I push out of my shorts and underwear and lie down on my bed. I’d be mortified if Kael found out. And no way I’d’ve ever considered such a purchase when Dex and I roomed together. I’d never hear the end of it.