“Come on, Danny. I need to get to Kelly before she cuts out and finds a date.”
“A date?”
“Yes, you know what those are, don’t you?”
“A fruit?”
“Lord. There is just something wrong with you. I think sometimes Landon leaves me with you to punish me.”
“I think it’s the other way around. It’s definitely my punishment. Anyway, isn’t Miss Kelly too young to even be out dating anyone?”
“Are you interested in her?”
“No, I’m not. Unlike Landon, I’m not interested in changing diapers anytime soon.”
“Good, because you’re a big enough man-baby for a woman. She wouldn’t need a baby too.”
“God. I think it’s time I help Landon find your personal guard myself.”
“And to think I thought you enjoyed the torture.”
“Like a needle in the eye.”
“Kinky. I’ll tell Kelly.”
“I’m going to drive you into the damn lake, woman.”
“Nice try, but I can swim. I’m built country strong, and then I’m going to hog-tie your big ass and tar and feather you.”
“I’m going to tell Landon about that David guy.”
“Oh, you are an ass. You win today’s battle. Fine—no more talk about Kelly. What about Miss Williams? I want that vulture off my man.”
“Then have her replaced.”
“I can’t. She hasn’t done anything.”
“Come on, let’s get you to your friend so you can drive her insane and maybe learn something other than being a pest.”
“Whatever. Let’s go, then.” I love messing with him. I hope his replacement is just as fun, or I’m going to be upset. It’s hard to have someone be around you all day and they have a sour look on their face. At least Danny and I joke around, so even if he has a sour look, we both get to make sure he has a reason for it.
We drive to the university library, and Kelly’s waiting for me at a table with two other classmates—both boys, which earns a growl from Danny. I’m wondering if Danny’s more interested in my friend than he’s letting on.
“Landon’s not going to be happy about this.” Oh, that’s what he’s concerned about. Yes, he’s not going to be, but he deals with females on a regular basis at his company and at the parties he hosts, so if I have to handle that, he has to manage to deal with a few study partners. After all, it’s not like we’re secreting away in our dorm rooms. We’re in the middle of the library where there are at least another twenty students and faculty.
“Relax. It’s just some classmates. It’s not like they’re going to try anything.”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean your man is going to be pleased.”
I roll my eyes at him. “Remind me how many women work at his company?”
He throws his hands up in surrender. “Fair enough.”
“Hi, Kelly, guys.”
“Lara, this is Patrick, and this is Steve.” She claps the back of the guy next to her and earns a snarl from Danny. Not interested, my ass. Kelly says nothing has happened between them, but there’s something simmering under the surface.
“Hi, Lara,” they both say.
“Let’s dig in and try to get some learning in before it gets crowded in here,” Danny says.
“Who are you?” Patrick snipes at him.
“That’s Lara’s guard dog. Her boyfriend makes sure she’s always protected,” Kelly says, rolling her eyes.
“You have a boyfriend?” Oops. He actually looks dejected. I hope she didn’t bring them here in the hopes to set up a double knowing that I’m with Landon.
“Yes, she does, and he’s willing to destroy any competition,” Danny adds. I doubt Landon’s the only one who’s ready to beat down any other male.
“Okay, enough. I didn’t come to talk about my relationships. I came to study.” I set my books down and bring out my notes from class. I’m not a fan of calculus, so I hope one of these people is smart because I’m hating this more and more as time goes on. This is the worst class I’ve ever had. Numbers blow chunks, and I don’t understand the fact that they had to toss random letters with a bunch of weird symbols into the mix. It’s not cool at all.
“That’s what we’re here for,” Danny reminds them.
“So I hate this class. Please tell me someone here doesn’t completely suck at this.”
“I’m great with numbers,” Patrick says. “I can make you a genius with figures—just give me some time.” He winks, and I can’t tell if he’s flirting or just boasting, but Danny tenses up next to me. I try to ignore him, but throughout the entire session he’s grumbling something or other about trouble and how blind some people can be.
We’re about to close our books when Danny leans in and says something to Kelly. Her face turns pink, and then that’s when Patrick passes by my chair and says, “Here’s my number just in case you need any more help, or if you lose the boyfriend.”