Shared

The door swung open and just as quickly slammed shut. I was left standing alone in the hallway with Colin.

“Sorry about that,” he apologized. “He’s… well, he’s pissed.”

I rubbed at my wrist. “I take it it didn’t go well?”

“No,” he confided. “It went miserably. They’re not reinstating the chapter, and won’t even consider it.” He looked down at the floor and sighed. “Omega Alpha is finished.”

I went to him and put my hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry honey.”

“It’s alright,” he shrugged. “I knew it would be like this. Brandon too. Hunter was the only one who’d actually kept his hopes up, though I don’t know why.”

He looked me up and down, and I was suddenly aware of my outfit. I was wearing one of Brandon’s T-shirts with his football number on it, and nothing else. It was so big it hung down to my knees.

“At least some of us had a good night,” Colin winked.

I stood on my toes and kissed him. “Some of us had a good afternoon too,” I said. “If I remember correctly.”

“Best afternoon of my life,” he grinned. “A day I’ll always remember.”

I flushed red with pride. “Day’s not over yet,” I said slyly.

He pulled me close, and I rested my head against his chest. Hunter had been a bit of an asshole, but in light of what happened I could forgive him. Besides, right now it felt safe and wonderful in Colin’s arms.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” he asked.

I held out the bottoms of my T-shirt like a dress and courtesied. “Practice?”

He lifted me easily in his big strong arms, and carried me into his room.

“Something like that.”

Twenty-Five

CLAUDIA

Colin’s side of the bed was still warm when I woke.

I smiled and stretched, inhaling deeply. It smelled like him too. Like us now. Especially after what we’d done in it.

Showering quickly, I headed downstairs to see if there was any coffee yet. Hunter was usually the last to leave, but he’d taken to putting on a fresh pot for me before heading out.

I arrived in my bathrobe and stopped in the doorway. Hunter was sitting at the table, two steaming mugs laid out in front of him. He offered me one as I approached.

“Peace offering?”

I could’ve stayed mad. I would’ve been easy. Instead I mustered the best non-caffeinated smile I could and slid into the chair next to him.

“Listen,” he said. “I was a total dick last night.”

I took my first sip. It was glorious.

“Yeah you were.”

He laughed halfway. A concession. But his expression was still full of regret, and sorrow.

“You have no idea how much that place meant to me,” he said. “Three whole years with that fraternity. Doing great thing, having great times… all those brothers, in and out of the house. Graduating. Leaving…”

He was forlorn. Lost in bittersweet memories. I reached out and took his hand.