Julian (Trinity Academy 4)

Knowing I should confirm Mason’s words, I add, “Carter, we’re only ten minutes from Trinity Academy. Jamie can call any of us if she needs to.”

Hopefully, she’ll be just fine on her own.

Glancing at Jamie, she cocks an eyebrow at me, which has me frowning.

Don’t you dare call me.

As though she can read my thoughts, she smiles brightly as if she just accepted the challenge, much to my dismay.

“And we’re right above her suite.” Kingsley grins then continues, “Not that it’s a good thing. We’ll probably get her into all kinds of trouble.”

“You’re not helping,” Mason scolds her.

Carter lets out a chuckle. “No, it’s okay. As long as it’s good trouble.”

They hug Jamie one last time and then leave.

“Why didn’t they stay at this hotel?” I ask Mason.

“They wanted space for the kids to play, so they booked in at a resort instead,” he explains. Turning his attention to Jamie as a waiter approaches, he asks, “Would you like anything else to drink?”

“I’ll just have a coffee, thanks.”

“Ahh… my sister from another mister,” Layla teases.

Lake snorts then mutters, “God, help us all. You’re probably going to corrupt poor Jamie.”

“You bet ya,” Kingsley answers, wiggling her eyebrows at him. “Guess you’re outnumbered now that there are four of us.”

Mason shakes his head and throws an arm around my shoulders. “We’re recruiting Julian, so it’s safe to say the odds aren’t in your favor.”

It’s been a long time since the three of them included me in anything, and it feels good to be a part of their bantering.

I should make a bigger effort to reconnect with the guys.

“We should do this more often,” I mention.

“Dinner?” The corner of Falcon’s mouth lifts at the idea. “I think that’s a good idea. We can make it a Sunday evening thing.”

“Yeah?” Mason asks, glancing at Lake and the girls. “Are you all okay with it?”

“Sure,” Lake answers while Lee nods next to him.

“I’m in,” Kingsley adds, then glancing at Layla and Jamie, she asks, “We’re in, right girls?”

Layla grins, then leans her head against Falcon’s shoulder. “Yes, that way we get to spend time together even if we have busy weeks.”

Jamie doesn’t say anything, which has me wondering whether she’ll join the group or keep to herself.

Finishing the last of my drink, I say, “I’m going to head up to my suite. I have to prepare for a meeting tomorrow.”

“Damn, me too,” Mason grumbles.

“Let’s call it a night.” Falcon gets up and takes Layla’s hand to pull her closer to him.

“So next Sunday, same time, same place?” Lake asks as we all rise from our chairs.

“I’m looking forward to it,” I reply, thankful that I’ll get to see Falcon on a weekly basis, at least.

“Let’s get going, girls,” Kingsley says.

They all take a turn to hug Lee, and when each couple starts saying goodbye, I begin to feel awkward. My eyes dart to Jamie and being courteous, I say, “Have a good night, Jamie.”

A look of surprise flashes over her face. “You too.” I’m just about to walk away when she adds, “I’ll definitely call if I need anything.”

Under my breath, I growl, “I prefer you lose my number instead.” Turning to Falcon and the guys, I say, “Night, everyone.”

With a chorus of good nights sounding up behind me, I leave the restaurant with a wide smile on my face.

That was nice. Now I have Sunday nights to look forward to.Chapter 7She practically fell into my arms.

So pretty, with sparkling blue eyes.

I want to keep her.JamieI’ve been going to classes for a week now, and it still feels strange. Everything is different in college. The lectures, the students, the campus life. It’s a whole new world to get used to, but I’m enjoying it.

After going for a quick jog, I shower and put on something comfortable before grabbing a smoothie and noticing I only have two bottles left.

“I’ll go to the store on Saturday.”

Shutting the door to my suite with a smile on my face because I’ve managed to find a junior who’s willing to give me piano classes, I walk to the elevator.I make my way out of the dorm, so I can meet Lisa for my first lesson. Feeling excited, I quickly open the smoothie and drink half of it before I reach the music studios on campus.

Hearing someone playing an instrument, I walk toward the beautiful, melancholy sound, and when I peek around the partly open door, I’m surprised to see Julian playing the cello.

Ugh, does he have to look hot no matter what he’s doing?

Staring at him, I’m about to forget I’m supposed to dislike him and, instead, start drooling. But then he glances up, and shock flashes over his face. It’s only for a moment before it’s replaced with an annoyed look.

Yep, he’s still an arrogant ass.

“I didn’t know you’d be here. Pretend you didn’t see me,” I say, then quickly shut the door behind me. Seeing Lisa walk toward me, I smile. “Hey, thanks for meeting me.”