We make our way to the keg through the sea of people, and with all the confidence in the world, Halston casually cuts through the circle of girls surrounding her newest victim.
“Hey,” she says simply.
Frat Boy looks her up and down, obviously liking what he sees before he tips his chin at her. “Hey back. Thirsty?”
She nods, and he fills a cup for her, all but ignoring the other girls. I laugh softly. It’s that easy for her. I hang back while the girls pout, but their despair doesn’t last for long because suddenly, the energy in the room shifts, and their gazes are fixed on someone else. I look over my shoulder to see none other than Jesse Shepherd walking through the door. A couple of guys high-five him, and girls throw themselves in his path for a hug.
“Shep!” the guy with Halston calls out. Jesse gives him the bro nod, acknowledging him, and makes his way toward us. I quickly spin back around, hoping he doesn’t notice me standing here.
“What’s up, Sully?” Jesse asks.
Halston wrinkles her nose. “Sully?”
“Last name’s Sullivan,” he informs her. “But you can call me Daddy.” He tosses a wink at her.
I roll my eyes. That’s embarrassing.
I take a step backwards, trying to slip away without being seen, and accidentally back up into the girl behind me.
“Shit, sorry—” I start, but when I see who it is, the apology dies on my lips.
“Watch it,” Sierra snaps, shooting me a dirty look right before she tips her beer to slosh all over my Doc Martens. She doesn’t deem me worthy of any further attention, her focus quickly shifting back toward Jesse…who is now looking right at me, thanks to my clumsiness. Amusement gleams in his eyes, and I know he’s about to put on a show.
“That’s no way to talk to my girlfriend,” he admonishes, curling an arm around my hip, bringing my side flush with his. Halston’s eyes widen comically, shooting silent accusations my way. I didn’t tell her about what happened at Blackbear.
“I’m going back to the dorm to change shoes,” I tell Halston, lifting a foot to shake off the excess beer that’s now starting to seep into my socks.
“Do you want me to come?” she asks, torn between wanting details and staying to jump on her chance with Sullivan.
“It’s fine. I’ll be right back.”
She shakes her head, setting her cup down on the table. “It’s late. I’m not letting you walk back to Manzanita alone.”
“I’ll walk her,” Jesse says, and I whip my head around, shooting him a glare.
Halston smiles triumphantly. “Deal.”
“What…” I start, confused, but Jesse takes my hand, locking his fingers with mine. Like we’re a real couple. All eyes are on us, the odd pair, as we make our way toward the door. Me with my black, ripped skinny jeans, my dad’s jean jacket tied around my waist, and Doc Martens. Him with his backwards hat, fitted jeans, and a maroon shirt with his school’s name emblazoned across the front of his wide chest.
Once we’re outside, I drop his hand. “Thanks…for that,” I say, heading toward the girls’ dorms.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” he says, falling into step next to me. “Trying to ditch your boyfriend already?”
I stop short, cocking my head to the side as I study him, trying to figure out his angle. “What are you doing?”
“Walking y
ou to your dorm,” he drawls out slowly, like the answer should be obvious.
“Why?”
“It’s late. Manzanita is across campus.” He ticks off the reasons.
“I’m not going to fuck you.” I narrow my eyes at him, crossing my arms over my chest.
Jesse’s lips tug upward into a grin and he chuckles as he looks me up and down. Jesus, he’s hot.“Okay.”
“Okay?” I ask, lifting a brow.