Brody
I hoist a beer to my lips and glance around the room searching for Natalie, but I don’t see her anywhere in the thick crowd. Before I dropped her off at her apartment the other night, I talked her into meeting me at the Kappa party. I figured it would be a good place to start our publicity tour.
We had a great time ice skating at the rink. At least I did. And if the perma-smile plastered across Natalie’s face was any indication, so did she. I was just happy to take her mind off what had happened with her father.
Am I hoping something has shifted between us? Of course, I am. We actually conversed while skating without her taking my head off. And you know what? I like Natalie. I like being with her. I like her sense of humor. It only makes me more antsy to see her again. Which is definitely a first for me. Instead of fighting the feeling, I pull out my cell and fire off a text.
Where r u?
I stare at the phone in my palm, willing her to respond. Five minutes later, my hard work pays off.
Not there
Even though she can’t see me do it, I roll my eyes.
Why does she have to be such a smartass?
Bigger question—why do I find that trait so freaking attractive?
Yes, I c that. When r u getting here? I miss my fake girlfriend. Having a hard time fighting off the chicks…
*eyeroll* that sounds terrible for u
It is
Wasn’t in the mood 2 go out 2nite
Davies…
McKinnon…
All right. This isn’t getting me anywhere, so I’m pulling rank. Not that I have any to pull, but whatever.
U have ten min 2 get ur arse here or I’m coming 2 find u
Good luck with that
I’m totally serious, Davies
No response…
“Brody!” a high-pitched voice squeals, interrupting my back-and-forth with Natalie. “I’ve missed you soooooo much.”
A raven-haired girl with red-slicked lips and matching talons stares up at me as she strokes her hands over my chest. She has long, straight hair that hangs down her back and a slender body that is showcased in a tight, low-cut shirt and even tighter skinny jeans.
“I haven’t seen you in so long!”
She looks familiar, but her name eludes me. There’s only one chick on my mind tonight, and this isn’t the one.
“Hey, how you doing?”
“Cassandra,” she supplies when I don’t say her name.
I nod. “Right. Cassandra. Got it.”
When she tries snuggling against me, I gently, but firmly pry her hands off me. Whatever this girl is looking for, she’s not going to get it from me.
Her brows wing up in disbelief. “So, the rumors are true? You have a girlfriend?”
“Yup. Totally true. I’m a taken man,” I add in case she doesn’t take the hint.
She pouts. “That’s too bad.” Her fingers go to the round scoop neck of her shirt and trail leisurely over the edge, which lies against the creamy skin of her chest.
I raise a brow.
Such an obvious ploy. I’m onto you, girl. Trying to get me to check out your tits by drawing my eyes there…Not happening today.
Her lips curve into a sly smile. “I won’t tell if you don’t,” she whispers huskily.
I shake my head. “Sorry, if I wanted to fool around with other chicks, I wouldn’t be in a relationship.” I give her a penetrating look. “I’m sure you can appreciate that.”
She sighs. “Natalie is a lucky girl.”
I give her a little wink. “You be sure to tell her that the next time you see her.”
“I will.”
I chuckle at the image of Natalie flipping her lid if people actually start telling her how lucky she is to be dating me.
Just as I’m trying to come up with an exit strategy, I spot Luke coming through the front door. He and Zara have been attached at the hip lately, so I hope Natalie is with them.
“If you’ll excuse me, there’s someone I need to talk to.”
“Okay,” she says wistfully. “Bye, Brody.”
I give her a wave and take off. I don’t have to push and shove my way over to them. The crowd parts as I move through it. Once I reach Luke and Zara, I’m disappointed to see that Natalie’s not with them.
Damnation, that girl vexes me.
“Where’s your roommate?” I ask Zara.
“Well, hello to you too, Brody,” she says in greeting. “Always nice to see you.”
I raise a brow and wait impatiently for an answer. “I thought Davies would be with you.”
Zara shakes her head as Luke slips an arm around her and pulls her close. “She needed some time to herself.”
What does that mean? “So, she’s at your place?”
Because if she is, then that’s exactly where I’ll be heading. My threat wasn’t an idle one. I’m going to find that girl if it’s the last thing I do.
“No.” She bites her lip and glances at Luke. “I think she just wants to chill by herself. It’s been kind of a shitty week for her.”
Zara’s giving me the runaround, and I don’t like it one bit. I want to know where Natalie is. “If she’s not here or at your apartment, where the heck is she?”
Not taking kindly to my tone, Zara narrows her eyes. She may be tiny and sprite-like, but she’s an ass-kicker. It’s not difficult to understand why she and Natalie are such good friends. They both subscribe to a take-no-prisoners mentality. “Why do you want to know?”
I shrug, trying to reel in my impatience. “We made plans. She’s supposed to be here.”
When she doesn’t say anything, I glance at Luke for support.
He grins at his girlfriend. “Come on, babe, just tell him where she is. Otherwise, he’s going to hound you all night. You really want that?”
Zara sighs. Annoyance is written across every line of her face. “I dropped her off at her mother’s house a couple of hours ago, okay?” She rolls her eyes. “She’s staying there for the weekend.”
Something instantly loosens within me at the information.
“Thanks.” I head for the door.
“You’re not going over there, are you, Brody?” she calls after me.
I turn and flash her a grin. “Of course, I am.”