That’s how Brett finds me twenty minutes later. I’m still brimming with pent-up frustration. “Let’s get out of here,” he says, slapping me on the back.
I crank the A/C to the max when we buckle up in my truck. “You in a hurry to get to the dorm?” I ask.
Brett’s jaw hasn’t relaxed since we left the practice field. “Not especially. You fancy a game at the Reitz?” The Reitz is the campus union, and it’s a sprawling building with a bunch of resources for students including a kick-ass games room we’re quite attached to.
“I wanted to check out a couple more addresses if you don’t mind tagging along?”
“Not like I’ve anything else to do,” he murmurs, and I know better than to go there. He’s pissed over what just went down, not that I’d blame him. You don’t want to draw attention as a newbie on the team for all the wrong reasons. It’s why I’m not telling him about my run-in with douche face yet. No point in riling him up further.
The first two addresses are in the same building, which is a gift. I work my usual charm—sweet-talking whichever girl happens to be at the entrance into letting me into the building—and then I knock on the relevant door, trying to temper my expectation. I come up empty on both occasions. Neither Lana is my Lana, and I make a hasty exit.
Brett sends me a sympathetic look when I haul my grumpy ass back in the truck. He slaps me on the back. “Chin up, my man.”
I drive to Broward, which is next on my list, pulling up on the other side of the road, across from the dorm. I cut the engine and stare out my window, squinting in the dark night at the historical building. The campus here is a mix of old and new, with legacy redbrick buildings residing alongside newer structures. Centuries-old oak trees and tons of green areas line the spaces in between. I love how the newer buildings have been designed with a unique and complimentary architecture that also considers the environmental impact.
I jump out of the truck and hoof it over to the dorm. A cute girl with rapidly reddening cheeks lets me into the building, and I quickly find my next target. Rapping loudly and successively on the door, I wait a good five minutes before accepting no one is home.
Back in the truck, I’m slow to move on. Call it instinct, or wishful thinking, but something is urging me to hold position. “You mind waiting a while?” I ask Brett.
He shrugs. “Go for it.”
Synching my iPhone, I line up a few U2 tunes and settle back to wait.
Chapter Five
Lana
My heart-to-heart with Liv ended in a humdinger of a row after I confirmed her suspicions about Kal. She doesn’t agree with my decision, and I refused to get drawn into discussing it. I can’t deal with that. Not when my brain is struggling to grasp the fact he’s here. So, we both went to bed mad.
She’s still pissed at me, so I’ve been avoiding her all week.
It’s not actually that hard. Between classes, study, yoga, and my volunteer work at the center, I have minimal downtime Monday through Friday so avoiding my roommate has been a breeze. Doesn’t help with the horrific guilt though. I don’t want to fall out with the best friend I have here, but I’m not ready to delve into all that other crap yet.
I know I can’t avoid the conversation forever, but I need to psych myself up for it. Truth is, I agree with her, and I can’t believe I allowed myself to be coerced into something I knew was wrong, again. You’d think I’d learned my lesson, but it’s hard when the coercers are your parents—the two people I’ve loved and admired for so long.
All week, I’ve been looking anxiously over my shoulder, expecting to discover Kal lurking in the shadows. I know it’s only a matter of time before he finds me, and that thought has my body on high alert. My appetite is virtually nonexistent, and I’ve had trouble sleeping. I look like death warmed up, and I can feel the beginnings of a cold starting.
It’s late when I leave the library on Thursday night. Yawning, I make the short stroll to the bus stop, almost buckling under the weight of my bag. I’ve taken on extra classes this semester as I’m determined to graduate as quickly as possible. I need to get my business degree and find a job, pronto. I can’t indulge in the usual college lifestyle because the choices I’ve made demand sacrifices, and I’m okay with that. It’s not just about me anymore. My parents have made the ultimate sacrifice so I can come here, and I need to make it up to them.
I’m lost in thought, so I don’t notice the rust-colored truck idling at the curb. “Hey, pretty lady,” a baritone voice booms, extracting me from my head. I lift my chin up, coming in direct contact with a pair of rich, luxuriant brown eyes I’ve seen before. It’s the guy from the frat party last Friday. The one who caught me mid-flight. Chase, I think Liv called him.
“Hi.” I wave, shooting him a cautious smile.
“Need a ride?”
“I’m good. The bus will be here any minute.”
Leaning across the seat, he opens the door with a loud creak, his shirt stretching tight across well-defined shoulders and biceps. “I don’t mind. It would be an honor.” He shoots me a lopsided grin, and strands of dirty blond hair fall into his eyes.
I don’t move position. “My mom always told me to never accept rides from strangers.” This guy is massive, his body dwarfing mine, and it wouldn’t take much for him to overpower me. I also haven’t forgotten Liv’s warning. She said this guy was trouble, and I don’t need any more of that.
He chuckles. “Your friend is dating Riley, right?”
“You know Riley?” I’m highly skeptical.
“We‘re buds.” He removes his cell phone from his jeans pocket. “I’ll call him. He can vouch for me.”
“Look, it’s fine. The bus will be here shortly,” I say, but he’s already punching buttons on his phone.
“Yo!” he hollers into the handset. “Bro, I need you to talk to Lana for me. She’s refusing to accept a ride home.” He thrusts the cell at me, and I reluctantly step forward, taking it from his hand.
“Hey, Riley.”
“Hey, Lana. I didn’t realize Chase was sniffing around you.”
“He’s not, I mean, I don’t think he is.” I look over at him, noticing the spreading scowl.
“The guy’s a bit of an idiot, and a total player, but it’s safe to ride home with him if that’s what you want,” Riley confirms.
“’Kay. Thanks.”
“Lana?” His tone makes me falter.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t know what caused the argument between you and Livvie, but she’s upset you guys aren’t talking. I know it would mean a lot to her if you could smooth things over.”
“I am too, and I’ll fix it.”
“Cool. I know that’ll make her happy.”
“Bye, Riley. And thanks.”
I land the cell in Chase’s outstretched palm. “Well?” he asks. “Am I Ted Bundy’s reincarnation, or is it safe to ride with me?”
“Wow. Way to sell it.”
He chuckles. “Come on, sweetheart.” He pats the ripped leather passenger seat. “I’m trying to be chivalrous, and you’re not making it easy.”
“Nothing in life is easy,” I deadpan, dumping my bag on the floor as I swing myself up into the cab. I pull the creaky door shut and strap myself in.
“Wow. Cynical, much?” He checks his mirrors before easing the truck out onto the road.
I shrug, folding my hands in my lap as I look around. The cab is old and well-worn, but it’s clean and smells like peppermint and smoke. The engine is a little on the noisy side, but it moves solidly, feeling more heavyweight than modern trucks. It has a certain charisma, a certain charm. “Cool truck.”
I catch a hint of a scowl before he smiles, glancing at me briefly. “Thanks. It was my grandfather’s. Been handed down through the generations.”
“That’s awesome. It’s like a piece of moving history.
”
He looks skeptical as he shrugs. “I guess.” His mouth puckers, and I fall silent. “Where to?” he inquires a minute later.
“Broward.”
He chuckles again. “You don’t give much away, do you?”
“Funny. Everyone usually says I’m an open book.” Or at least I used to be.
“I haven’t been in your company enough to comment intelligently on that statement,” he replies. “But I’d like the chance to.”
I stare straight ahead, wondering what to do with that. He is so hitting on me. I’ve given guys a wide berth this last year, with good cause. “I’m not into random hook-ups, so if that’s why you offered me a ride, you can just let me out here.” I don’t even look at him as I speak.
He busts out laughing. “Whoa, Lana. Cool your jets. I’m only asking if you’d like to hang out sometime. There’s no other agenda.”
I swivel in my seat, the leather squelching with the movement. I eyeball him, and he turns his head momentarily in my direction. “Why?”
“Why what?” His forehead creases.
“Why do you want to hang out with me?”
His lips curve into a lopsided grin. “Because you’re an enigma. You’re not like the other girls I’ve met here, and I like that.”
My eyes showcase my wariness.
“And it helps you’re pretty.” His grin turns wolfish.
“No agenda, my ass.” My eyes drill holes in his skull, and he laughs again.
Stopping in front of my building, he cuts the engine, and the truck comes to a juddering standstill. He turns to face me. “Look, I know I’ve got a bit of a rep already. I may have been a little overeager when I first arrived, but that’s not who I am. I think you’re a nice girl, and I’d like to get to know you.” He holds up his palms. “I swear that’s the extent of my agenda. I can tell you’re different, and I like that.”
“I don’t have time to hang out let alone date,” I reply truthfully, reaching down for my bag.
“Ah, come on, if you’re going to give me the finger, at least be original.”
This time I laugh. “I’m being honest, Chase. I’ve a very full schedule during the week, and I go home every weekend.”
“You do?”
“Yep. I have family commitments.” I swing my bag over my shoulder and open the door. “It’s sweet you asked, but I don’t really see the point.” I jump out, walking around the front of the truck. Chase is out on the sidewalk by the time I reach it. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime, Lana.” He runs a hand through his hair, messing it up in a way that makes him appear way sexy. “Look, why don’t we swap numbers and meet for a quick coffee next week? Everyone’s got time for coffee with a friend.” He pins me with a puppy dog expression. “Pretty please?”
I roll my eyes, fighting a smirk as I remove my cell from my bag. I hand it to him. “Add your number, and then I’ll text you back so you have mine.”
“Cool.” He winks before inputting his digits.
All of a sudden, little prickles of precognition dance across my skin. My head whips around, my eyes narrowing suspiciously. It’s been the same all week. Either lack of sleep or my epic fear of running into Kal is behind it. I shake it off, accepting my cell from Chase’s outstretched hand. He’s watching me with amused curiosity. Great, now he probably thinks I’m a freak.
I pocket my phone, gripping my bag tightly. “I’ll see you around, Chase.”
“Until we meet again.” He lifts my hand, drawing it to his mouth. His lips sweep softly and quickly across my skin. “See you soon, pretty lady,” he quips, climbing back into his truck. He waves as he maneuvers away from the curb.
Frowning, I take the steps, two at a time, wondering what the hell I’ve just gotten myself into.
Liv isn’t home, and I’m relieved. I’m exhausted and not up to broaching the subject with her tonight. But there is something I need to do, and I’m not putting it off any longer.
I haven’t talked to my friend Faye since orientation week. I assume she’s as busy settling into life in Harvard as I am here, but this conversation can’t wait. It’s been on my mind all week.
Belly-flopping on my bed, I dial her number, and the phone rings a few times before she picks up.
“Howdy, stranger,” she answers cheerfully. “Long time no hear.”
“Hey, Faye. How are you?” My tone is off, and she can tell.
“Hang on a sec, Lana. Let me get rid of the others.” Muffled voices filter through the line, until she returns a couple minutes later. “Sorry about that. I have a feeling we need privacy for this conversation.”
“Did you tell him?” I can’t disguise the hurt and disappointment in my voice.
“Back up there, Lana. What exactly are you asking?”
“Did you tell Kal I was enrolled in UF?”
“I have never discussed our phone calls with Kal. Never.” Her tone is chilly, and I know I’ve just offended her. “And I’m annoyed you’ve jumped to that conclusion.”
“I didn’t mean to accuse you. I swear.”
She sighs. “Look, for the record, I didn’t tell Kalvin you were going to UF. I’m guessing you guys bumped into each other?”
“Yeah, but if you didn’t tell him, how did he know I was here?”
“He didn’t.”
Now I’m confused. “You can’t mean to tell me it’s a coincidence?” I know I’ve been naïve in the past, but I’m not that damned naïve.
“It wasn’t a coincidence.” She sighs down the line. “I want to level with you, but I don’t want to get caught in the middle. You’re my friend and he’s my cousin. I’ve tried to respect both of your privacy and not get involved. He didn’t even know we were in contact. He keeps most things bottled up inside, but he has spoken to me in the last year about you a little. However, I can’t tell you what he said. You need to hear it from him.”
“I respect that, Faye. I do, and I don’t want to put you in an awkward position.”
“I’ll tell you what I can. Kal informed me and Ky in July that he wasn’t coming to Harvard with us—that he was going to UF. I was instantly suspicious. I figured you two had discussed it in the past and he was hoping you’d be there. I had to come clean to Ky, and he wasn’t pleased.”
She snort-laughs, and I can only imagine the argument that must have caused. I’m still reeling at the confirmation that Kal is going to school here. One part of me thought he might have been visiting on the off chance I was here, but now I know he’s enrolled, I’d like to know why.
“I’ve been talking to you in secret for months, and my boyfriend didn’t know,” Faye continues. “We made a promise never to keep secrets from one another again, and he was totally pissed off at me, especially when I made him swear not to tell Kal. And he didn’t, Lana. That’s not how Kal discovered you were there. Ky and I have been arguing furiously over this—he wanted to tell his brother, but I forced him not to. I’ve gone out on a limb for you, but I can’t do that anymore. I love Ky, and I love my cousin, and I’m not comfortable hiding the fact we are in touch anymore. Moreover, if you tell me important stuff going forward about Kal, you can’t expect me to keep that to myself. It’s not fair. I’m trying to be your friend, without being a shitty girlfriend and cousin.”
“I’m sorry, Faye. I never thought about the position I was putting you in.”
“It’s okay, I get that.” There’s a pregnant pause. “So, did you two talk?”
“Not exactly. I ran away.” Her disappointment filters down the line. “You don’t have to say it. I know I can’t ignore him forever. Waiting for him to approach me has me on edge. I … I don’t know what to do with this, Faye. He’s here, and I’m a mess all over again.”
“Oh, Lana.”
“You know I’ve always been an idiot when it comes to him.”
&
nbsp; “I can relate to that, more than you realize.” There’s another pregnant pause. “He still loves you, Lana. He hasn’t said it outright, but he doesn’t need to. Actions speak louder than words.”
“Don’t,” I whisper. “Don’t give me false hope. Nothing can happen between us.”
“But you still love him, I know you do. You don’t have to say it either. The kind of love you have for him is not the type to disappear overnight.”
“Whether I love him or he loves me isn’t important anymore,” I say, the words cleaving a line straight through my heart. “It’s too late. He shouldn’t have come here. I wish he hadn’t.”
Chapter Six
Kalvin
“I still want to kill him,” I tell Brett, leaning over the pool table and lining up my shot. I imagine the ball is Chase’s face, and I thrust the stick with more force than necessary. My aim is off and the ball narrowly misses the pocket. Brett chalks his stick, bends down, and studies the angles. A couple in the corner of the sports bar busts out laughing, and the girl’s shrill giggling gives me an instant headache.
“Like I said earlier, you need to play it cool. Marching over there all caveman-like would not help your cause.” He takes his shot, watching with a shit-eating grin as the ball whizzes into the top right-hand pocket. “I know it’s not easy when the douche has a face made for punching. I was seconds away from knocking that smug grin off his face earlier.” He pockets another two balls with his next shot.
I may as well just hand Brett victory now. My focus is shot to pieces since catching Lana with Chase. Any euphoria I felt at finally tracking her down dissipated with one look at the douche. “I want to punch his lights out. He better not have laid a hand on her.” Chase is a slimy fucker, and he has no place with a sweetheart like Lana. I don’t care what it’ll take—he is not going to touch her if I have anything to do with it.
Loving Kalvin (The Kennedy Boys Book 4) Page 5
