“It’s Killian,” he says like no other explanation is needed. Glad to know it isn’t just me that he’s a dick to.
I try on a few more tops and jeans then pick up some new shoes to go with my new clothes. I duck into the bathroom and change into one of my new outfits. When I come out Killian has returned, and he keeps staring at me. It’s making me feel uneasy. He is confusing, and I don’t have the energy to figure him out. The group follows me into Ulta, and I splurge on some new makeup. I get Hayley a few things too that I noticed her looking at. I’ll give them to her later. It’s the least I can do after the amazing gift she gave me.
I’m waiting to pay when I see that Jackie girl sauntering up to Killian. Her dark hair is in a high ponytail and she is dressed like she is about to take to a pole and start gyrating. She’s wearing a lime green tube top and a black leather miniskirt. If that’s what he is into, it’s no wonder he thinks I am such a dork. I glance down at the white sleeveless button down top and skinny jeans I am wearing. I look like a nun in comparison.
Hayley rolls her eyes at the skank. I turn my attention back to the cashier and pull out my black card. “Holy shit. Is that what I think it
is?” Hayley’s eyes go wide.
I don’t want her to think differently of me, and I shake my head and laugh. That’s another reason I had a hard time making friends back home. I never knew who was genuine. “No. That’s the design I chose for my bank card,” I lie and guilt churns in the pit of my stomach. I don’t want to lie to her, but I don’t want it to change the way she sees me. Money makes people stupid. I witnessed that firsthand with Uncle Cooper’s ex-wife. All she was after was his money. She didn’t love him. Their divorce was nasty and costly.
Classes start tomorrow, and I purely want to get out of here and grab some food so I can get a good night’s sleep for the first day. “We still on for dinner?”
“Yes, we are. Liam and company,” she grits the word company, “are leaving.” Liam squeezes her hip and pecks her on the lips.
“I’m hungry,” he complains.
“We’re talking about actual food.” Hayley giggles.
“Me too. I feed off you.” He nips at her neck, and I look away as we make our way toward the exit.
“None of your fucking business,” Killian snaps at Jackie and stomps toward us. The rude chick gives him the finger behind his back, and I can’t help but snort at the vulgar gesture. His nostrils are flared, and he looks troubled as his mouth pinches into a hard line.
“I’ll fill you in later,” Hayley whispers in my ear, but I don’t want to know. It’s none of my business.
Wordlessly, Killian grabs some of the bags from my hands when he notices me struggling and keeps walking.
Hayley gives me an amused look.
Killian and his mood swings are going to be the death of me. The three of us follow him to the food court. Eating here wasn’t what I had in mind but whatever. I don’t think it’d be wise to argue with him right now. He stops at a table and places my bags in an empty chair.
“Um thanks,” I mutter as he stares at me. He nods and jerks another chair out and takes a seat.
“Liam and I will get the food,” Hayley says, tugging him toward the restaurants. I didn’t even tell her what I wanted.
I take up the chair on the other side of my bags. I pull out my phone and pretend to check my email because I can’t stand this awkward silence between us. I hope he doesn’t expect me to make conversation.
“Are you dating Woodrow?” Killian narrows his dark and mysterious eyes on me then looks away picking lint from his jeans.
“No. I don’t even know him. I met him like yesterday.” I laugh. “Why do you care?”
“I don’t. It’s only he isn’t right for you. And why are you changing the way that you dress? Is it because I called you a nerd? I didn’t mean it. It was a joke.” His voice has softened, and it is as though he is half apologizing but half mad at me for talking to Woodrow.
“That’s not why. Well it is but it isn’t. I know I dress a bit childishly, and I’m in college now and should act like it. I want to make a good impression tomorrow. And why isn’t Woodrow right for me? He seems nice.”
“You said it yourself. You don’t even know him.”
“I think you are the last person who should be giving dating advice. I saw you making out with that Jackie chick and not even an hour later she had her tongue down Ben’s throat. Not to mention you kissed me later that same night.” I shake my head and tears burn in my eyes. I don’t know why I am being emotional and stupid. It’s not like Killian is anyone to me.
“You jealous?” He smirks.
I twist my head away from him and look for Hayley and Liam.
Killian leans across the chair holding my bags and grips my chin, his touch sears me. “You are, aren’t you?” I know he sees the unshed tears waiting to fall.
I smack his hand away and immediately regret the action. “No.” I chew on my bottom lip as a single tear slides down my cheek. “Like I said—you aren’t quite the authority for advice.” I wipe my cheek praying he didn’t notice.
Before he can reply Liam sets a tray of food on the table and Hayley starts handing out drinks. “Everything okay?” I know she can sense the tension between Killian and me.