I kept a bottle of vitamin C for cold and flu season. I filled a water bottle and swallowed several vitamin C tablets, trying not to gag them back up. Only as a last resort would I resort to method number four—sex. That was what had gotten me into this stress mess of possibly being pregnant in the first place.
I showered and dressed with care. Zach was coming back. I wanted to look good, but not so good it looked like I was trying too hard. I wanted to be just the right amount of casual Double Deltsie fineness. I did my hair and applied my makeup.
The house was bustling with activity when I finally finished and came downstairs, foraging for something to appease the queasiness upsetting my stomach and my nerves.
As I walked past the living room, Kelly was hanging crepe paper streamers. Victoria and Sarah were hanging a Welcome Home banner. A balloon bouquet waved in the entryway.
Zach comes back today. The thought had been assaulting me all morning.
My heart pounded, but not with lust or love. I hadn't seen him since before he'd left. I'd popped by to thank him for saving my life. Everything had been fresh and raw then. He'd looked so battered and broken. Not like Zach. I wondered, just for a second, if I was so superficial that the sight of him not looking robust and handsome had turned me off. Or the thought that he might not really be Zach when he fully recovered. Alexis had never wavered. Was I just a coward?
I'd been so angry with Dakota then. How things had changed.
Danielle, a sophomore, one of the girls who'd complained her period was late, sat on a sofa, blowing up balloons. She was laughing and happy, even as she complained about cramps. A complete contrast to how I felt.
The live-in frosh Katie sat next to her, stretching a balloon in preparation to blow it up. I overheard her tell Danielle how perky she looked.
"Yeah." Danielle nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "The minute my dad left, the curse started. Like it was just holding out so I didn't have to mess with it while he was here." She laughed. "All weekend I worried for nothing about the worst."
I was still worried. Petrified. Queen of denial. I took a swig of water from the bottle I carried.
Kelly spotted me. "Hey! Look who's up." She thrust a package of streamers and a thing of tape at me. "Get to work. Zach will be here in a couple of hours. We need every hand." She pointed across the room. "Start there. String them so they look pretty. We'll meet in the middle."
I was curling a streamer when Alexis walked in. Her hair and makeup were perfectly done. She wore her diamond Double Deltsie necklace.
Our eyes met. I smiled like we were old pals. Like I was an encouraging big. "You must be so excited!"
Distrust shone in her eyes. She looked like she thought I was up to something. Get a rep as a bitch and it follows you forever. And here I thought we'd been making progress.
She still didn't completely trust me. Not with her man on the horizon. I didn't really blame her. With Zach's return imminent, I wasn't sure I trusted myself. There was a part of me that worried I would fall back into my old pattern of wanting what I couldn't have. And part of me that worried I had a new obsession.
Dakota
Dad left just after one. "Don't forget what I said," he said as he tossed his suitcase in the trunk. "Don't lose that girl to Zach. Bradleys aren't number two."
Could have fooled me. I'd been number two to Zach's QB1 for as long as I could remember. Which reminded me—shit, Zach and Alexis were the only two who knew about Jordan. Alexis had already bitched to me about how I was hanging out with Morgan. And what was I thinking? What about Jordan?
Yeah. What about her? She'd been bitching at me lately about how I was ignoring her. How I wasn't as attentive as I used to be. She was getting clingy jealous. A complete turnoff that made me avoid her even more. She was right. I'd been distracted. By Morgan. Jordan and I had been through a lot together. She'd always been faithful to me. She deserved better.
I hadn't told Zach much about me hanging with Morgan. I was sure Alexis had filled him in with what she knew. What the hell had I been thinking when I'd told Morgan I would call? It put me in the douche position of breaking my word and avoiding her rather than calling.
She'd get the wrong idea and think I wasn't interested. That I'd led her on. When the opposite was true. I burned with desire for her. I'd had a wet dream about her last night and woken with a woody that wouldn't die. I didn't trust myself around her.
Zach, Alexis. Me, Jordan, Morgan. The whole thing was a complicated pile of shit.
The Double Deltsies had planned a welcome home party for Zach. Kelly, the house president, had texted me specifically to invite me. More like to command my presence. There was no way I could back out. I had to go to the sorority to welcome Zach back. Wouldn't miss it, in fact.
I got ready with Dad's warning echoing in my ears. I sure as hell wouldn't relish watching Morgan's eyes light up at the sight of Zach.
Who would have thought Morgan could still come between Zach and me? Everyone thought Alexis was the problem.
I grabbed my wallet and keys. I was on my way out as Cody and Brian came into the hall from the dining room, dressed like they were on their way out, too. We'd been in the same pledge class. We were tight.
Cody looked me up and down. "Don't you look fine."
Brian took a deep sniff of the air. "Is that your I'm about to get laid cologne I smell?" He cocked an eyebrow and slapped me on the back. "On Sunday afternoon? That's my boy! Who's the lucky lady?"
"I'm on my way to the Double Deltsie house." I slipped on my coat.
"Oh, that's right," Cody said. "The girls are throwing Zach a surprise party. Well, you could still get lucky, I suppose."
Brian let loose with a string of curses. "You're going to a party for the houseboy?" He shook his head.
"When Kelly calls, I jump," I said. "If I blow our relations with the Double Deltsies, I'm screwed. The guys will never forgive me. The fate of the collective house's sex lives rests on my shoulders."
"But the houseboy?" Brian said.
Cody shot him a warning look. "A man's got to do what a man has to do. They're friends."
"Dude, I don't get that," Brian said. "After what he did to you—"
I sidestepped them. "You don't have to get it." I gave Brian a look, warning him to drop it.
Brian and Cody followed me out.
"Drop us by The College Grind, would you, bro?" Cody said.
"I would, but I'm walking," I said. "Until late January."
Brian shook his head. "You can't go on foot to the party, dude. Unless you want to look like a wuss."
I stared at him, thinking about Zach pulling up in his ride in front of the house.
"Like anyone's going to catch you." Brian pulled the door open. "The cops have to have probable cause to stop you, don't they? Like, dude, do they have you memorized? Memorizing the face of every student with a suspended license around here is impossible." He slapped me on the back. "Live a little, buddy."
He was right. "Fuck it!" I pulled my keys out of my pocket.
Brian grinned. "That's the spirit."
Morgan
It was a cool, sunny November day. Kelly had put a sawhorse in a parking spot out front to save it for Zach.
Alexis came bouncing into the room. "He just texted. He's almost here!"
Kelly grabbed me. "Help me move the sawhorse."
Alexis went outside to sit on the steps and wait for him while Kelly and I cleared the parking spot. Something was up. Something everyone had been keeping from me and Alexis. Kelly pulled me back into the house, where everyone had gathered in the living room.
When I saw his car turn up the street, my heart pounded. Alexis ran to him, bouncing she was so excited, as she waited for him to park.
He jumped out of the car and pulled her into his arms. He looked whole again. Hot and handsome like his old self. I expected to feel the old familiar pang of jealousy. The old heart flutters. Nothing.
Zach kissed her. And kissed her.
Nothi
ng. Nothing. Nothing but joy—I was over him.
Kelly stood at the window, peeking through the curtains. "Now! Come on."
She gathered us on the front steps of the house.
Zach pulled something out of his pocket and held it up for Alexis to see. He was saying something too low for me to hear.
My heart stopped. Was he proposing?
He opened a wooden jewelry box. I craned to get a look, but I was too far away. The breeze carried one word to us. "So?"
"Yes! Yes!" Alexis bounced on her toes.
"Is that an engagement ring?" Victoria whispered beside me.
Kelly shook her head. "Promise ring." She seemed to be in the know. "Isn't it sweet?"
"Not as good as being lavaliered or pinned." I realized too late how snide I sounded. And probably jealous. Which wasn't the case at all. I was happy for them. But a promise ring meant practically nothing. Being lavaliered or pinned was nearly the same as being engaged. It was all but. I was only trying to point out the distinction.
Zach took Alexis' hand and slid a slender ring on. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. As we swarmed around them, welcoming Zach back and congratulating them, I got a glimpse of a ring with a tiny diamond. Like microscopic. Nothing to be too excited about, other than sentiment. That wasn't even sour grapes on my part, just truth.
A familiar car pulled up. It took me a second to recognize it. I swore beneath my breath and cursed Dakota's stupidity in the strongest language I knew as he jumped out of his car. Despite my anger at his foolishness, my heart did backflips at the sight of him.
What the hell was Dakota thinking? If he were caught driving while his license was suspended, they'd revoke his continuance.
Looking completely laid back and cool, Dak joined the group and put his arm around Zach. "Welcome back, QB1!" He took Alexis's hand, holding it like a knight about to kiss it as he studied the ring. "Congrats, man. Both of you!" He kissed Alexis on the cheek. "It's gorgeous."
In that sparkling moment, I glared at Dak, so angry with him for risking everything to show off for Alexis that I wanted to kill him.
Chapter Fourteen
Dakota
Ever heard the expression, Her eyes shot daggers? As I admired Alexis' promise ring, Morgan was shooting them my way. I guessed she was pissed I hadn't called. Come on. Give a guy twenty-four hours. She had no idea I wasn't planning on calling.
I found myself in a cloud of perfume as the girls streamed in around us, everyone offering their congratulations and admiring the ring. Which was nothing spectacular.
Kelly let the admiration society go on for a while before shepherding us inside with the promise of food. "We have cake!"
Morgan avoided me. I watched her to see if she was watching Zach. Damn it, she made me insecure.
Inside the house, the girls handed out plastic champagne flutes and filled them with sparkling cider. Kelly made a toast, welcoming Zach back and offering him his job again anytime he wanted it. A couple of girls stood behind a table in the dining room, cutting cake.
I grabbed a piece of cake, finally cornering Morgan as she talked to Victoria in the actual corner of the room. She and Victoria were sorority twins. Alone, they were hard enough to handle. Together, they were undefeatable. I would have backed off from the fight if I hadn't been so desperate. Morgan ignored me until I cleared my throat.
She slowly looked at me, acknowledging my presence at her leisure. "Fancy seeing you here."
Victoria gave me a cold look. She was smart enough to sense the tension between Morgan me. But, shit, you would have to be dead not to feel it. I returned her look with one warning her to scram. Uncowed, she looked at Morgan for guidance.
Morgan nodded almost imperceptibly. Victoria shrugged and backed off. "Nice to see you, Dakota. I was just leaving." Her voice dripped acid.
Morgan was empty-handed.
I held up my plate. "Not drinking? Not eating? Allergic to cake?"
Her eyes were dark. "Allergic to calories."
I leaned in and whispered in her ear. "You look good to me."
She glared back at me. "You drove here!" The words exploded out of her. "What the hell were you thinking?"
Damn, she was hot when she was concerned about me. "So that's it. You're worried about me." I smiled, relieved. And smug. She was just pissed about the car.
"Worried?" She frowned. "You're crazy. I'm your sobriety buddy, that's all. It's my duty to keep you from doing dumbass things."
"I'm completely sober."
"And a completely idiotic douchebag." Her eyes snapped.
"It looks like you failed in your duties."
"Some people are irredeemable. You aren't driving home."
I laughed and took a step closer to her, invading her personal space until we were just inches apart. "How are you going to stop me? Drive me yourself?" I brushed her hair back over her shoulder. The feel of her silky hair made me pulse with desire for her. Much as I fought it, the chemistry between us was too strong. Everything from her snapping eyes to the way she stood up to me turned me on.
"Screw you."
I leaned into her and whispered in her ear, "That's exactly what I want to do to you."
She wrapped her arms around me and went up on her toes to whisper back to me. "Do you?"
The next thing I knew, her hands were in my pocket, relieving me of my keys. She had them and stepped away before I could stop her. She wasn't dumb enough to dangle them in front of me and tease and taunt me with them.
I reached for them as she spun away from me. I grabbed her arm. "Damn it, Morgan. Give them back."
Before I could grab her hand, she slid the keys in her ample cleavage. "Are you man enough to come get them?" Her eyes dared me.
I scowled. She had me and she knew it. If I reached down her blouse in the public area of the house in front of her sorority sisters, I'd be in bigger trouble than just an MIP. My eyes lingered on her chest. "That has to be uncomfortable."
Her gaze held mine. "I've had worse between my breasts." She laughed like it was a joke.
There was a commotion near the exit. Zach and Alexis were making their exit.
"They didn't stay long." Morgan's tone was dry and amused.
I watched her watch the happy couple walk away, looking for any sign she still wanted Zach. A tiny smile played at the corner of her mouth. What the hell did that mean?
She grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the door. "Party's over. I'm taking you home."
I squeezed her hand, feeling tight and wound up and horny as hell. "I like the sound of that."
I expected her to roll her eyes. Instead, she just smiled. "If you're very good I might even give you your keys back."
My mouth went dry. "I'm not leaving without my car."
One of the houseboys, Seth, walked by just then. Morgan grabbed him. "I have a favor, Seth. Drive us to Dak's frat? It will take you less than five." She shot me a look. "We'll take his car. Silly boy, he forgot and accidentally drove it over." She shot me a look. "At least I hope it was accidental."
Seth ignored me and put his arm around Morgan. "What kind of trouble are you up to, my pet?"
She laughed and snuggled into him like they were old friends of the too-cozy sort.
My blood pressure went through the roof. So jealous I wanted to punch Seth out and tell him to get his hands off her.
"Just doing my duty as the dumbass' friend. Friends with suspended licenses don't let other friends with suspended licenses drive."
I scowled at her, but the promise of sex kept me in line. One quick screw and she'd be out of my system for good. After that, she could go to hell.
"Very admirable. Philanthropy project?" he teased.
"No, but I should get credit for saving his ass." She pulled the keys out of her bra and handed them to Seth.
She took my arm. "Let's go."
"You don't have to come," Seth said to her. "I can take him myself. Should I put on a chauffeur's cap?"
>
She grinned at him. "Don't be silly. I'm coming with you." She glanced at me. "He can't be trusted." She took Seth's arm.
I was forced to follow them out. To make matters worse, and to make a point, she climbed into the front passenger seat and laughed and joked with Seth, ignoring me during the short drive.
Five minutes later, Seth parked my car in the president's spot behind the frat and handed my keys back to me. "Nice ride."
Morgan hugged him and whispered her undying thanks.
Seth addressed her, but shot me a warning look. "Call me if you need me to come get you."
"I'll be fine." She winked. "He's not as dangerous as he looks."
Morgan
I didn't know what possessed me. Seriously. All this talk about not using sex to bring on my period, about not hooking up again, and suddenly it seemed like the perfect solution to my problem. But it had to be with Dak.
Jealousy is a wicked, cruel beast. I'd seen him looking at Alexis and gone completely green. I had to convince myself I was more attractive than Alexis. That he could want me for me. I would make him want me for me.
And bring this damn period on. No more pregnancy scare. No more fears about what I would do. About being irrevocably linked to him forever. Dak out of my system. Good for all.
I took his hand. "What are you waiting for?"
"Is that a come-on?" His eyes were round and dark. He was already turned on.
I glanced at the bulge in his pants. "Keep talking and I'll lose the mood."
He took my hand and led me to his room. Neither of us spoke as he locked the door.
I kicked off my shoes and shed my coat. He did the same and took a step into me.
I wanted him. Wanted him so badly. He put his hand at the back of my head and pulled me into a kiss. I opened my mouth to him and reveled in the taste of him as I ran my tongue over his lips until he shivered.
He grew tired of my teasing and pulled me hard against him, holding my lips to his with bruising passion as he ground his boner against me. Kissing wasn't supposed to be part of the equation. Kissing was too personal. Kissing him, I wanted more from him than just sex. I broke free and unzipped his jeans.