“Figures the cheerleader would idolize her. Bet she’s going to help you get a fancy job on TV.”
At her accusation, Quinn straightens and tenses. I press a hand to her chest and shush her.
“If you really want to know, on-air broadcast journalism isn’t my style. I’m more of an ‘in the field person’. I’ll learn the technique but nothing more. And I can get a job on my own. I’ve worked fucking hard to get where I am.”
Liza squints angrily and opens her mouth, but I raise my hand to shut her up. Quinn shifts to my side, but I slice my eyes to quiet her, too.
“Liza, your snide petty remarks aren’t going to ruin my night. As a matter of fact, I’m confused why we’re talking at all. It’s obvious you don’t like me, and I DON’T CARE.” There’s so much more I want to say, but I snap my mouth shut, aware of our audience.
If looks could kill, I’d burn alive from the hatred blazing in her glare. I can only hope my stare is equally as heated. Quinn tugs on my arm, forcing me into the bathroom, leaving Dani, Nicole, and Liza behind.
“Fuck me, that bitch is a true STD. The Clap that keeps coming back, the crabs that keep crawling, the—”
“Quinn, gross!” I go into a stall and shut the door.
When I walk out, my breath hitches. Bryce is leaning against the sinks with his arms and legs crossed, waiting for me.
“Let me guess? Quinn told you what happened?”
He nods slowly, his eyes raking up and down my body with unmistakable intentions. I start to walk toward him but stop when his eyes change and desire flashes on his face.
“Don’t know what you said, but it’s fucking hot to think about you unleashing your sassy mouth. Every ounce of self-restraint I have is being used right now. Even though I had a taste before we left the hotel, your body has been teasing me all night. But we have a small problem.”
“We do?” I squeak, my stomach starting to flutter.
“As much as I love it when you’re dirty, I’m not fucking you in a bar bathroom. I also have enough respect for Nate not to throw you over my shoulder and haul you out of here. So here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to go by the table, and you have three minutes to say goodbye. If you take longer, I make no promises. Do you understand?”
I nod and step past him, my own desire searing through me.
Luckily, the only people at the table are Rick and his date. The others are on the dance floor. I wave my goodbyes on our way out the door with Bryce’s hands planted on my ass.
He bends down in my ear, his voice rough. “Another change of plans. Surprise has to wait until Sunday. Tomorrow, you won’t be able to walk.”
My stomach does another flip in anticipation. Walking is overrated anyway.
Chapter 21
The weekend Quinn and I visited Norfolk, we became official members of the crew. When Nicole learned we couldn’t go home to Nashville for Thanksgiving because of a home game on Saturday, she insisted we drive over and spend the holiday with them. A few of the guys have to work, but she was catering to their schedule. We agreed to drive in and return to Charlottesville on Friday. With Bryce’s new living situation, coming and going was no longer a problem.
Bryce’s surprise was that he and Nate got the townhome they’d been waiting on that is furnished and could move in immediately. This means no more hotels. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to show me because we didn’t leave the room on Saturday and the leasing office closed on Sunday.
We did venture out on Sunday to watch football at a sports bar. Quinn started to complain after two hours, begging to go somewhere else. Bryce got up, went to his truck, and came back with a bag, throwing it across the booth. I peeked inside, finding stacks of bridal magazines, and started laughing. He ordered another round of beer, winked at me, and settled in for more multi-scree
n football action. Dean seemed to agree and handed Quinn a beer, kissed her roughly, and said something in her ear. She blushed bright and reached in the bag to grab a magazine, making a hushed comment about Bryce being ‘the most pussy whipped motherfucker on the planet’.
We thumbed through the magazines, making notes, and spent hours sending messages back and forth to my mom. That afternoon, with just the magazines, the Internet, and a few manly grunts from Bryce, we decided on colors, flowers, and invitations. Mom was working directly with the venue for set up and menu options. So, now I needed to find my and Quinn’s dresses.
When we drove away from Bryce early Monday morning, I held it together until we dropped Dean at the airport. Then Quinn and I both cried until sobs turned into laughter over our ridiculousness.
In the two weeks since Shana made the announcement about the internship program, each of the other mentors also announced their part. Professor Grant scheduled an informational meeting for anyone interested. As if by fate, Bill Tames will have his team working with him out of his corporate office, which is Atlanta. It’s a no-brainer for Quinn. As much as she’d love to work under Shana, she’s applying for Bill’s group. Dean tried not to influence her, but it’s obvious he’s happy about her decision.
Before we leave for Norfolk tomorrow, Quinn and I have one last project to finish. I’m queasy when I park in front of the restaurant. There’s no telling what Crystal’s going to do when she finds out what we’ve planned. Hopefully, this doesn’t backfire, and we demolish a friendship.
My palms sweat as I scan the room for Morgan Drake. My mouth goes dry when he gets up and gives me a small wave. His eyes lock with mine, and I’m stunned. He’s one of the most gorgeous guys I’ve ever seen. No one will ever beat Bryce to me, but Morgan comes close.
He’s tall, much taller than me, with short brown hair and deep, rich, chocolate eyes. His lips twitch a bit, and then a full smile reveals dimples on each cheek. The trimmed goatee surrounds his full lips. I never break our stare as I walk to him and hold out my hand.
“I’m Devon Harris.”