Campus Hottie (Campus)

I press my lips together and glare.

Like I need him figuring shit out.

Figuring me out.

No thanks.

“Seems like she’s more than just a piece of groupie ass at a party.” When my expression turns thunderous, he shrugs. “I’m just giving you my thoughts on the matter.”

“Yeah, well, maybe you should keep your thoughts to yourself from now on.”

He bobs his head a few times before shrugging. “Maybe.”

A sigh of relief escapes from me when he remains silent. Asher is the last person I’d take advice from when it comes to the ladies. He doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground. Hell, just a couple of weeks ago, he pissed off the hostess at Taco Loco and we almost didn’t get a table. We were dangerously close to missing out on all you can eat tacos because of this bonehead.

So, no...I won’t be listening to him anytime soon.

“You think she’s worth it?” When I lift a brow, he rolls his eyes. “Can you please keep up with the conversation?” Before I can tell him that I want no part of this one-sided discussion he’s ramming down my throat, he continues. “Is she worth upending your friendship with Bray?”

All of the air deflates from my body.

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?

“You treat her well and I would imagine that Kendricks might come around at some point in the distant future. Like when you’re sitting around in an old folks home wearing your Depends.”

Nice image.

“I think we can all agree,” he says, “that she could do a hell of a lot worse than you.”

He chuckles when I flip him the double birds.

“You really gonna miss the opening night of her play because you’re trying to prove a point to yourself?”

I shift on the couch and glare. “Am I paying you for therapy and didn’t realize it? Is that what’s happening here?”

“Sure, I’ll take payment in beer and weed.” He points a finger in my direction. “And don’t buy the skunky shit the Sig Eps sell.”

I roll my eyes, already swamped with guilt for ditching something so important to her. It’s nearly eating me up inside. I just thought...

Aww, hell. I don’t know what I’d been thinking.

Before I can second guess myself, I rise to my feet and head to the staircase.

“That’s my boy. Now go get your girl and make me proud.”

“I’m not going to get my girl.” Elle will never be my girl. “But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t support her.” There’s a pause before I tack on, “As a friend.”

“Sure, man.” He shakes his head. “Whatever you gotta tell yourself to sleep at night.”

I scowl before stomping up the staircase.

Fucking Asher Stevens. The guy needs to mind his own damn business and stop trying to stick his nose in mine where it doesn’t belong.

Thirty minutes later, I’m freshly showered and dressed in a light blue button-down and khakis. The show is already underway as I slip into the auditorium and find a seat in the backrow. As soon as Elle steps onto the stage, my heart skips a beat and I lean forward to get a better view. The way she lights up the theater blows me away. It always has. She doesn’t have one of the lead roles and every time she disappears from sight, I grow impatient, waiting for her to reappear.

If I had any willpower where she was concerned, I would have done us both a favor and stayed away. Already I know that nothing good will come from this. In fact, all I’m doing is tempting fate. If Asher, who’s not the most astute guy on the face of the planet has figured me out, then anyone can. I need to do a better job of hiding my feelings.

Starting now.

The final act is just about to end when movement catches the corner of my eye, drawing my attention to the side. I glance over and see a guy standing near the exit with his arms crossed against his chest. Even though the theater is shadowy, I’ve been here long enough for my vision to have adjusted to the darkness.

What the hell?

I squint, trying to get a better look at the man, and hope I’m wrong. Although, deep in my gut, I know I’m not. It’s that fucking professor who took Elle out to dinner.

My hands tighten into fists as every muscle tenses.

Even though there are a ton of rational explanations as to why he could be here taking in the show, my gut tells me it’s because of the dark-haired girl, and that knowledge sinks to the bottom of my gut like a massive bolder.

What the hell is this dude doing? Is he really trying to get something going with one of his students?

I glance at the stage as Elle makes another appearance. Instead of focusing on her the way I want, I keep my attention locked on him.