Trusting Tanner (The Collins Brothers)

by Lexi Lawton

  “Let’s figure out what we’re eating, then I want to hear about this new roommate of yours.” He leaned back in his chair and grinned.

  “I really am glad to be back on campus,” she said. It had been an excruciatingly long, lonely summer. As usual.

  The waitress was at their table before they could grab the menus tucked behind the napkin dispenser. “Can I get you two something to drink?”

  “I’ll take a large Pepsi, extra ice, please,” Devon said.

  “Me, too.” Instead of fighting the downtown crowds, they’d opted to have lunch at the diner located within walking distance of campus. It was quaint, and they had the best food.

  “Do you need some time with the menu?” the waitress asked.

  “Nope. We’ll have an order of chili cheese fries, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, and a double order of chicken quesadillas.”

  “Oh, um, we no longer have quesadillas.” She looked up from her pad. “We took them off the menu a couple of months ago.”

  Devon’s eyes widened, and he gave an exaggerated gasp. Then he covered his mouth with his hand for dramatic effect. “No,” he said, drawing out the word. “I demand to speak with your manager.”

  The girl’s face turned bright red. Juliana kicked his leg under the table and turned to her. “He’s kidding. Bring us everything else, please.”

  The waitress nodded then rushed off.

  “You’re rotten.” Juliana shifted in her seat.

  Devon grinned. “The quesadillas are my favorite. I’m seriously bummed.”

  “So I’ll make you some this weekend.”

  “Deal.” He leaned forward and folded his arms on the table. “So, how was your summer?”

  “Oh, you know. The usual. Spent the days falling head over heels in love with a sexy stranger who rocked my sexual world every night only to leave me heartbroken and alone. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to love again.” She gave a dramatic sigh.

  “I hope that’s your way of saying you’re single and not your way of telling me you’re still hung up on Zach.”

  God, she was so over Zach. She might not be over what he’d done to her, but she had no lingering feelings for him. Except maybe anger and hatred and disgust.

  “Please tell me you didn’t spend all summer alone again.” He frowned.

  “You get on my case about this at the start of every semester, and I’m not going to listen to it again. So just don’t, okay?” She changed the subject before he could harp on her anymore. “How was your summer?”

  “Not bad. I met someone. We had a good time, but that’s all it was. She wasn’t looking for anything serious.”

  Juliana shook her head. He always said that. “They never are, are they?”

  “No.” He sighed. “But you have no room to judge. I haven’t seen you even look at another guy since Zach.” His tone was kind and compassionate.

  That wasn’t true. She’d been looking at Tanner quite a bit. “Zach proved boyfriends are more trouble than they’re worth.” She frowned, fighting back the hot anger that boiled her blood every time his name came up.

  “It’s been six months, Jules. You’re never going to be able to move on if you don’t even try.”

  “I’m not ready, okay?” Her tone was curt, and she crossed her arms, hoping he knew enough to let it drop. Zach had completely shattered her—emotionally and mentally. There was no way she was going to risk her heart again.

  “Okay, so maybe it’s still too soon for you to date, but that doesn’t mean you can’t expand your social circle. I am literally your only friend.”

  She flinched. “No, you’re not. I’m friends with Mariah.” She smiled sweetly. “And even if you were my only friend, you’re the only one I need.”

  “You’re completely hopeless without me, aren’t you?” There was a spark in his eyes, a challenge to deny the truth of his words. “Okay, tell me about your new roommate. You never did answer me. Is she hot?”

  He was relentless. Jules swatted at him. “You’re an ass.”

  “Sorry.” He frowned. “But seriously, how is she?”

  She shrugged and fidgeted with the decorative edge of the paper place mat. “I don’t know. She’s…outgoing. Definitely not someone I’d be friends with if I didn’t have to live with her. She’s boisterous and doesn’t seem to have a brain-to-mouth filter.”

  “It might not be as bad as you think.”

  “What makes you think I’m making it worse than it is?” She scowled.

  “Because I know you, Jules, and you always do this. You jump to conclusions and formulate worst-case scenarios before you ever give anyone a chance. You’ve become so comfortable with being alone that you’re terrified of letting anyone in, so you find reasons to keep them out.”

  “Okay, that’s not fair.” She pointed at him. “I always have reasons to keep people away, and before you even think about bringing my parents’ deaths or my shitty childhood into this, I’m declaring those topics off-limits right now.”

  He held up his hands in surrender. “Okay, take it easy. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “As for my roommate… I left the room for an hour, and when I got back, she was giving one hell of a blow job to some guy. I ended up sitting in the lounge for hours.”

  “Oh shit.”

  “You’re telling me.”

  He reached across the table and patted her hand. “Try to keep an open mind, okay? Maybe this chick will turn out to be a good friend. Not like me, of course. I’m the shit and no one can replace me.”

  She shook her head and laughed. He was right about that. There was no one in the world who could—or would—ever replace Devon in her life.

  The waitress returned with their drinks. “Your food will be out in a few minutes. Can I get you anything else while you wait?”

  “No, we’re good,” Devon said with a wink, which caused her to blush.

  Devon had a way of making girls trip over themselves in his presence, and that blush told her the waitress wasn’t immune to his charm. Juliana couldn’t deny he was handsome with his classic all-American, boy-next-door looks: blond hair; blue eyes; natural, sun-kissed tan courtesy of the Florida weather; and a body indicative of his many years on the lacrosse team. Too bad she didn’t feel any spark toward him. Her life would be so much easier if she were attracted to someone like him as opposed to a guy who turned out to be a douchebag, lying cheater.

  He opened his straw and stuck it in his cup. “You and Collins seemed to be getting awful friendly today. What’s up with that?”

  Her heart raced at the mention of Tanner. The side of her face still tingled from where his fingers had been. She shifted in her chair, praying Devon didn’t see how rattled she was. “Nothing. We’re in the same pre-med classes, and we were assigned as lab partners.” She gave a noncommittal shrug. “Besides. You just got done telling me I need more friends. What’s wrong with being friends with Tanner? Is there something I should know about him?” She took a sip of her drink, letting the ice-cold liquid cool the heat rising up her neck and face.

  “I don’t really know him that well.”

  “I thought he was in your frat?” Was she coming across cool and nonchalant? She didn’t want to let on she was way more interested than she was willing to admit.

  “He is. But he doesn’t live in the house. He moved out a while ago so he could have more quiet to study. I think he lives in an apartment with another pre-med student. Jason Ambrose.”

  “Oh.” She’d heard Jason’s name before, probably in some of her classes, but she couldn’t picture him. “Well, it’s not like it matters. I’m not in the market for a relationship, remember?”

  “Not yet, but you will eventually, and when you are, I want to make sure you’re ready.” Devon folded his arms on the table and leaned forward. “I was there for the whole Zach thing. I know what he did to you.”

  She cringed, wishing she could crawl under the table and hide. She knew Devon wasn’t saying that
to be mean, but knowing she wasn’t good enough to satisfy the guy she’d given almost a year of her life to? No amount of time would lessen the blow her self-esteem had taken.

  “You know everything that happened is on him, right? You’re not to blame. For any of it.” He gave a quick shake of his head to punctuate his words.

  “I know.” Devon hadn’t let her forget that for a single day.

  “I don’t want you to give up on men and dating because you had one bad experience.”

  “What does this have to do with Tanner?”

  “Nothing.” He straightened. “Maybe everything. I don’t know. Tanner seems like he’s a good guy, and if you were looking to get back out there, he’s probably a good choice. I just want you to be careful, okay?”

  She took another drink. “Well, you don’t have to worry about it. I’m not interested in dating Tanner or anyone else.” Liar, liar, pants on fire. She sipped her Pepsi. Sure, she was attracted to Tanner. What living, breathing woman wouldn’t be? And if she were looking to date again, it would hands-down be with Tanner. No question about it. But if the situation with Zach had taught her anything, it was that a guy like Tanner would never be happy with just one woman, and she was not going to sign up for another broken heart.

  “Jules.”

  “It’s not because of Zach or what he did to me, all right? I have a full class load this semester, and I need to focus on my grades. And getting into a good med school. Dating is a distraction I don’t need. Now can we please drop it?”

  “Fine.”

  Their food arrived, and Juliana was grateful to have something else to focus on. They ate in silence for several minutes before Devon spoke again. “Fifty bucks says you and Tanner hook up before Halloween.” He lifted his head and met her gaze, an arrogant, knowing look crossed his face.

  She narrowed her eyes. “Are you seriously betting on my love life?”

  “You betcha.” He shoved a jalapeno popper into his mouth. “What’re you gonna do, Shea? Put up or shut up?”

  “Hmm.” She dipped a mozzarella stick into the marinara sauce then took a bite. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him to shove it because she was not going to base her dating decisions on some stupid competition. But the familiar tingling in her veins was present, filling her with excitement and kick-starting her competitive nature. “Define what you mean by hook up? Like casual sex or dating?”

  “Both.” He laughed.

  She took a drink. For the first time ever, she couldn’t tell if he was serious or not. “Are you fucking with me right now?”

  “Kind of. It was more of a flippant comment because I really don’t think you’re immune to the charms of Collins but…” He gave a lazy shrug.

  “You’re a jerk.” She laughed. Tension eased from her shoulders.

  “Have you made up your mind about the frat party this weekend?”

  “No.” Tanner had said he was going, but she wasn’t sure if that was a valid reason to go or a flashing neon warning to avoid it.

  Frat parties weren’t her thing, and the only reason she even considered going was for Devon. She hated to disappoint him, but the idea of loud music, too much alcohol, and a breeding ground for meaningless hookups was not appealing. And she hadn’t been to a frat party since the night she’d walked in on Zach fucking some sorority chick—a.k.a. the second, and final, time she’d caught him cheating on her. Devon had been encouraging her to get back out there, promising her a party with him, at his frat, would be a safe way to dip her toes back into the dating pool. Deep down she knew he was right. She simply wasn’t ready to put herself in a situation that would bring all those memories rushing back to her.

  …

  Juliana twisted the doorknob and was both relieved and worried to find the door unlocked. Either Rebecca was home or she’d left and didn’t bother to lock the door. Jules walked into the room and dropped her heavy bag to the floor. Six pairs of eyes stared at her. What the fuck? Rebecca was having a party?

  “Oh, hey, Jules.” Rebecca waved. “Come on in.”

  “Uh, what’s going on here?” She tried to keep her tone light and friendly, but she wasn’t sure she succeeded. Pizza boxes, half-eaten slices of pizza, soda cans, and dirty napkins littered the floor, nightstand, and desks. Both the desks. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

  “We’re just hanging out. This is Paul.” She motioned toward the guy sitting on the bed next to her. “Down there on the floor are Gary and Patrice. And over there”—she pointed at Jules’s bed—“are Phillip and Mandy.”

  Jules jerked around to stare at the couple on her bed. They were practically in each other’s laps, and Phillip had his hand up Mandy’s shirt, while her hand was covering his crotch. There were two complete strangers making out on her bed. Anger ignited in her chest, and she curled her hands into fists, her fingernails biting into her palms.

  “Would you two mind moving?” she asked them, her tone clipped.

  “Sorry.” The girl, Mandy, giggled. She and her boyfriend moved from the bed to the floor.

  “Chill, Jules. Sit down. Relax.” Rebecca grabbed a pizza box. “Hungry? There’s a few slices left.”

  “I already ate, but thanks.” Jules sat on her bed and blew out a breath. She could feel a headache edging its way behind her eyes.

  “So, which parties are we hitting this weekend?” Patrice asked.

  Rebecca shrugged. “The Alphas are having their first big party Friday. We can check them out.”

  Alpha house was Devon’s frat, but Juliana kept her mouth shut. She grabbed her bag from the floor and set it beside her on the bed.

  “Oh, the Deltas are having another bash. Those are always fun.” Mandy giggled again. She was now sitting on Phillip’s lap, and his fingers were down the front of her jeans.

  If they start having sex… Juliana rubbed her temples. She should’ve taken Devon up on his offer to check out the Student Union. They were having an activities fair this evening, and he’d suggested going to see what events they had planned for this semester. But she’d wanted to go home, shower, and get a head start on the reading for Dr. Shaw’s class. Fat chance of that happening now.

  “No reason we can’t make an appearance at both,” Paul said.

  “What do you think?” Rebecca looked at Jules. “You up for some parties this weekend?”

  She was shocked by Rebecca’s invitation. “Uh, I don’t know. I hadn’t really thought about it.” That was a big fat lie. She didn’t want to go to any party, least of all with this group of people. Not that she’d say that aloud; she wasn’t going to be rude. But Devon’s words swirled through her mind.

  There’s nothing wrong with expanding your social circle. I am literally your only friend.

  The people currently taking up residence in her room might not be the type of friends she’d seek out on her own, but they were making an effort to be nice and include her. Shouldn’t she do the same?

  The night progressed with talk of parties, sororities, the frats with the hottest guys—the Alphas were the clear winners—professors they hated, Halloween costumes, and what everyone was planning to do during the four-day weekend coming up in early October. She didn’t think it was possible, but Juliana had fun talking with them, and she’d even laughed quite a bit. The clock now read 10:02 p.m., and no one appeared to be ready to leave.

  Juliana’s eyelids where heavy, and she yawned. Taking out her cell phone, she sent Devon a text. Roommate is having a party. I need sleep. Can I crash with you tonight?

  His response was immediate. Be there in 5.

  And that’s why Devon was her best friend. She could count on him no matter what.

  Chapter Four

  Tanner glanced at the door and waved at Juliana. She hesitated, glanced behind her, then back at him as if she weren’t sure he was looking at her. God, she was adorable. He grinned and crooked his finger at her then pointed at the empty seat next to him. She made her way toward him, her curls bouncing with each
step.

  “Good morning,” he said.

  “Morning.” She sat, propping her backpack between her feet. “How was your night?”

  “It wasn’t bad.” Would’ve been a hell of a lot better if he’d been with her. “Yours?”

  “Long.” She yawned and stretched, arching her back so her breasts were pushed out.

  He really tried not to stare, but it was hard. Normally he hated how close the lecture hall seats were, but right now he was thanking God for the room’s design. He eased back, letting his leg rest against hers.

  “You stay up too late last night?” He gently nudged her leg with his knee.

  “Not by choice. My roommate decided to have a never-ending party.” She leaned forward and pulled down the hem of her shirt then sat back.

  “I remember those days.” He laughed. “Before I pledged Alpha house, I had a horrible roommate. I don’t think he knew what a trash can was.”

  “I could deal with her being messy.”

  Tanner reached into his bag and grabbed a box of assorted donuts. He held it out to Jules. “Want one?”

  She chose a cinnamon-powdered donut. “These are my favorites.”

  “Mine, too.” He grabbed the same kind and took a large bite, watching from the corner of his eye as she took a much smaller bite from hers.

  She licked the cinnamon from her lips, and his eyes narrowed. He eased closer until they were shoulder-to-shoulder, and he forced what was left of the donut into his mouth so he wouldn’t seek out her lips for a long taste. But then she took another bite, this time her tongue darting to the corner of her mouth, an almost inaudible moan of pleasure escaping. His cock thickened, and he subtly eased his legs apart to accommodate the aching bulge. Christ, it was like she was intentionally trying to seduce him.

  Her tongue grazed her upper lip, and he couldn’t stop from groaning. “Do you realize how damn distracting that is? And hot.”

  “It’s totally your fault.” She popped the rest of the donut into her mouth.