“Only to guys like you.”
“So tell me, Kitten, what’s a guy like me?”
“Not worth my time.” I shoved my tray into his gut and when he let out an ooof, I scurried past him, trying not to spill my soda.
“You’ll come around,” he shouted.
“I wouldn’t hold your breath.”
I rushed to our table, throwing down my tray of food.
“Nice scene.” Melissa’s eyes were huge as she fought a grin.
“Huh?”
“Look around.” She waved an arm, gesturing toward the crowd.
I glanced around the bar and the other tables. All eyes were either on me or Jack. Great. The last thing I wanted was the entire school thinking I was Jack Carter’s latest conquest.
“Is he always that obnoxious?” I ripped the top off my raspberry yogurt.
“I don’t know, Cass. I’ve never seen him act that way before if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I don’t know what I’m asking.” Irritated and annoyed, I scanned the room for Jack’s face. He sat at a table surrounded by giddy girls, tossing their hair, pawing his muscles, and laughing obnoxiously at whatever he said. His eyes briefly met mine before I turned away, and I felt my heart beat a little faster.
“Jesus. How have I never noticed this spectacle before?” I wondered out loud.
Melissa chuckled. “I honestly don’t know. Happens every day.”
“Those girls have no shame. I’m almost embarrassed for them.”
“You know they all want to be the one he actually falls for.” Melissa sounded sympathetic as she removed the crust from her slice of cheese pizza.
“Good luck with that, ladies!” I gave the gawking girls a fake salute, then turned my attention to attacking my yogurt.
Curiosity got the best of me when I heard shouts and the sound of slapping high-fives. I looked back to Jack’s table to see a boy about Jack’s height and build sitting down next to him. “Who’s that?” I asked Melissa, nosy in spite of myself.
“The one who just sat down? That’s Dean…Jack’s little brother. He’s a freshman.”
“How the hell do you know that? You’re like a freaking college directory,” I teased.
“He’s in one of my classes.”
“Wait,” I said, putting one hand up in the air. “How do you have a class with a freshman?”
“I still have a couple of lower-level classes to take and he’s in one of them. He’s really sweet. Not like Jack at all,” Melissa added with a smile and a faraway look in her eyes.
“Oh my God, you like him!”
“I do not!” Melissa whispered defensively. “I barely even know him! I’m just saying he’s nothing like his brother, is all.”
“Okay, calm down. Jeez. It’s okay to like Jack Carter’s little brother.” I glanced back at Dean, admiring his smile, but noting the lack of dimples his brother wore so well. “He is cute.” I poked her shoulder.
“He is, right?” She eyed him from a distance.
“At least you like the good one.” I smiled, turning back to see the brothers throwing their arms around each other’s necks.
“As if I’d like the other one! Jack’s disgusting.” She pretended to stick a finger down her throat and made gagging noises.
“So you keep saying,” I said, taking another spoonful of yogurt.
“I swear to God, Cassie. If you end up falling for his shit, I don’t want to hear it. I’ve watched him the last two years before you got here. I’m telling you, he’s the ultimate playboy.” She silenced her rant with a quick chomp at her banana.
“I hear you. Okay? Steer clear of Jack Carter. It shouldn’t be that hard, considering I don’t want to go anywhere near him.”
We both smiled, momentarily satisfied with my promise.
TWO
The sun warmed my body the moment I stepped out of the three-story Communications & Arts Building. A gentle breeze swept across my face as I observed my fellow students. Some rushed to get to class, while others fought for sunny areas on the lawn. I smiled as I passed a long-haired kid playing the guitar. He played under the same tree every day, and I started to wonder if he was a student at all or if he just liked being on the large, sprawling campus.
I passed by the university bookstore and shops, making a mental note to pick up two scantrons for my upcoming tests. Herds of people milled in and out of the student union entrance as I walked in. My eyes immediately fell on Jack and his harem of fans. I couldn’t get over how I’d never noticed it before, but now it was all I saw. He flexed his muscles for a couple of girls who screamed when they grabbed on to his bicep. I heard him say, “Hold on,” as he lifted them into the air. I frowned with disgust as he demonstrated his pitching motion in slow speed, much to the delight of the squealing girls.