King of Campus (13 page)

Or ever.

I’m doing my damnedest to put out fires, not enflame them.

Arriving at the elevator, I quickly stab the down arrow button since we’re on the third floor.  As we wait, I look everywhere but at him.  Even though I don’t allow my eyes to stray towards him, I feel the heat of his gaze licking over me.  I’m practically squirming as my unease continues ratcheting up to unprecedented levels.  I just want the damn elevator to arrive so I can get the hell away from Roan and his gorgeous body.

Damn it! I really have to stop thinking about Roan’s hot body…

But it’s a thing of beauty.  There’s no denying it.

Thankfully the elevator dings, signaling that the car has finally arrived.  As soon as the doors slide open, I rush inside before punching the lobby button about seven times in quick succession.  When I glance over at Roan, a big grin tugs at the edges of his lips.  He’s all but smirking at me.

I seriously hate when he does that.

As the doors close, locking us inside together, my brows lower as I treat him to a full on glare.  It’s so much easier to embrace the irritation than the attraction I’m currently feeling.

Crap.  I don’t want to feel attracted to Roan.  And I sure as hell don’t want him suspecting that I’m attracted to him either.  He’d only end up thinking he could use me.  And that’s never going to happen.

“Something funny?”

His blue-green hued eyes slide to mine.  “Nope, not at all.”  Humor all but simmers within their shining depths.  That alone is enough to have me clenching my teeth.

“Just spill it, King.”  This guy seriously aggravates the crap out of me.  How is it possible to be so turned on one moment and so completely irritated the next by the same person?

With our eyes locked on one another, he reaches out before hitting the alarm button.  I gasp as the elevator jolts to a halt. 

“What are you doing,” I whisper as my eyes flare wide.  My voice doesn’t even sound like my own.  It’s all deep and breathy with just a bit of shake to it.

“What I’ve been dying to do ever since you spilled that damn coffee all over me.”

Before I’m able to fully realize what those words mean, his big strong arms snake around me, hauling me close to the heat of his hard body. And then his lips are crashing down on mine.  Stroking over them with such an intensity that it has everything within me instantly going up in flames.  I can’t help the stifled moan that escapes as his mouth continues sliding swiftly over mine.  His mouth is like an assault on every single one of my senses.

Groaning, my lips part wanting- no,
needing
more of him.  As soon as they do, his tongue slips inside before stroking over mine.  Caressing me in a way that is so completely sexy it has my eyes rolling up inside my head.  Pleasure explodes like a series of fireworks before ricocheting throughout my entire being.

And then he does the unexpected.

Instead of continuing to pummel my mouth with his, he draws away, holding me at arm’s length before searching my dazed eyes.  After a long moment, he tugs me back towards him again until he can nibble at the corners of my lips before sucking my bottom one gently into his mouth.

“You taste even better than I imagined.”

His low, gravelly words wash over me, banking the fire within.  And then his mouth is back to crushing mine and I… can’t… think.  I don’t want to think about anything other than the addictive taste of him flooding my senses.  The feel of him as he steals each and every breath from me.

It’s the shrill ringing of the elevator alarm that startles me into awareness and has Roan slowly backing away.  His heated gaze continues holding mine captive as he reaches over to the panel of buttons on the wall and presses the lobby button.  As the elevator jolts into a downward descent, he tugs me back to him until I’m once again pressed against that massive chest of his.

“You have to know one taste isn’t going to be nearly enough.”

I gulp.

What does that mean?

What the hell does that mean?

The confusion must be written all over my face because in the next breath he says, “This is going to happen between us, Ivy.”

Almost frantically I shake my head.  “No.”

Slowly quirking a brow, he grins down at me.  “You didn’t enjoy that, sweetheart?”  Before I can even formulate an answer, he continues, his voice all low and sexy.  The cadence of it strums something deep inside me.  “Because I’m kind of thinking you did.”  He lays a gentle kiss at the corner of my lips before whispering, “You were moaning into my mouth, practically begging me for more.”

Lying at this point would only make me look foolish.  Not to mention a huge ass liar.  And I may be an idiot for allowing this to unfold between us, but I’m not a liar.  “It has nothing to do with enjoying that kiss and everything to do with not being the kind of girl you’re used to hooking up with.”

Even though it’s the last thing I want to do, I untangle myself from him just as the elevator doors slide open.  I’m just about to step out into the lobby when Roan wraps his long fingers around my upper arm to stop me from escaping.  As he turns my body towards him, our eyes lock and my breath catches in my throat.

His eyes are full of hot sultry promise.  “I could make you feel so damn good.”

Inhaling a shaky breath of air, I force out the words. “I don’t doubt that.  I’m just not into casual sex.”  But he tempts me in the worst kind of way.  More than anyone else ever has.

His eyes narrow just a bit before he finally drops my arm.  “And I’m not interested in having a girlfriend.  I like to keep things fluid.”

Fluid?

He likes to keep things fluid?

I almost start to laugh.

So… basically he’s interested in fucking me a time or two… maybe if I’m real lucky- three times and then he’s moving on.  Because Roan King likes to keep things
fluid
.

What.

A.

Jerk!

And yeah… I’m a total idiot for allowing things to get so out of hand.  I should have pushed him away as soon as he pressed his lips against mine.

But hot damn that was one hell of a kiss!

Unconsciously my fingers start rising to my lips.  Not wanting him to see just how affected I am, I force my arm back down to my side.

Turning towards the lobby doors which lead outside the building, I almost chastise myself for feeling… god… am I seriously disappointed?  Ugh.  I want to smack the hell out of myself right now. The guy basically propositioned me (for a second time, no less) and I’m actually
disappointed
that he dropped the subject as quickly as he did when I told him I wasn’t interested in just screwing around with him.

Together we walk out of the building in silence.  But still… I can’t get his words out of my head.

Fluid!

This guy is a real piece of work.

I’ll give him fluid alright… right up the ass.

My teeth are tightly clenched and my hands are balled up into fists that hang uselessly at my sides.  As soon as we’re outside, I scan the parking lot for Finn.  He still drives a hunter green Jeep and almost immediately I spot it idling about six spaces from the entrance.  As our eyes meet, I have to consciously unlock my tensed muscles before giving him a halfhearted wave and smile.

“Finn McKenzie?  Hmmm… now there’s an uninspired choice.”

His comment has my teeth once again gnashing together painfully.  Straightening my spine, I continue ignoring him as I walk down the cement sidewalk that lines the parking lot.

“I enjoyed our ride in the elevator, Ivy.  We’ll have to do it again sometime.”

My jaw literally aches from clenching it so tightly.  I’m so tempted to give him the finger, but I don’t.  Not unless I want to end up explaining what just happened to Finn.

Which I don’t.

It irritates me to no end that I’ve allowed this guy to crawl under my skin. 
Again!
  For goodness sake, I should know better.  It’s been obvious from the get-go that Roan is nothing more than a manwhore looking for an easy lay.

And I refuse to be that for any guy.

Yanking open the door to the Jeep, I have to make a concerted effort to smooth out my features along with my jangled nerves.  “Hi.”

Finn smiles before his eyes slide to Roan who is now walking past us.  I watch as his brows lower.  “Were you two just together?”

I can’t help but glance at Roan.  It’s as if my eyes are irresistibly drawn to him against my will.  Like an idiotic moth to a flickering flame.  As our gazes collide, he gives us a huge shit eating grin.  Jerking his chin in acknowledgement to Finn, he keeps on walking.  When he’s about ten feet past us, he turns, walking backwards a few steps before calling out, “Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon, Ivy.” Apparently not satisfied that he’s needled Finn nearly enough, he adds a little wink before disappearing inside a huge black SUV.

The smile Finn had been wearing moments ago melts into an irritated scowl as he continues watching Roan through narrowed eyes that spark and snap with anger.

Clearing my throat, I mutter, “No.  I told you he lives next door to us. I ran into him in the hallway when I was walking out.”

Even though he continues glowering, he says nothing in response.

Not wanting this to ruin our evening, I try making light of the situation.  “Finn, I barely know the guy.”  My mind tumbles back to the elevator ride and his lips sliding deliciously across mine.  To the feeling of electricity that shot clean through me.  For some reason, it occurs to me as my eyes involuntarily fall to Finn’s mouth, that he’s never made me feel that way.

Out of control and completely turned on.

It’s like comparing a light spring shower to a tsunami.  It just can’t be done.  The feelings Finn had always aroused hadn’t crashed over me, making me forget everything in the whole entire world except for him.

Knocking me out of my silent reverie, Finn grumbles, “I don’t like how familiar he is with you.”

I’m so tempted to roll my eyes.  This date with Finn isn’t exactly off to a great start.  The last person I want to talk about is Roan.  Sliding into the front seat next to Finn, I try placating him one last time. “Like I said before, I barely know the guy.  He’s just a neighbor.”

With narrowed eyes, he watches me suspiciously, as if I’m lying to him.  Which… I guess… I am.  “You two are meeting up tomorrow?”

I suddenly remember that we are indeed getting together tomorrow.  Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I say in the most offhanded tone I can muster, “Oh… um, yeah.  We’re partners on a project for our business ethics class.  We need to start working on it.”

“Did you ask to be partners with him?”

It takes a moment for me to remember that Finn and I aren’t together.  I have nothing to feel guilty about.  Not even for the kiss that just happened ten minutes ago.  Finn is the one who ended things between us.  Not me.  I don’t owe Finn any explanations as to what I’m doing or who I’m spending time with.

Raising a brow, I finally say in a no-nonsense voice, “Actually, I asked the professor if I could change partners.  It’s a huge project and I want to work with someone who’s going to pull their share of the workload but she wouldn’t let me switch.”

Finn snorts in response before reaching out and tangling his fingers in my hair.  “I think the guy’s a real dumbass.  You were smart to try and get rid of him.  You’ll probably get stuck doing most of the work.”

Even though I no longer think that’s precisely true, I don’t bother correcting him.  I’m kind of wondering what his problem with Roan is anyway.  It’s clear they don’t care for each other.  I could sense it at that party a few weeks ago.

But I don’t want to talk about Roan King any more tonight.  I’d rather have a nice evening with Finn and see where it takes us.

Chapter Eleven

Apparently someone enjoyed a pomegranate and berry smoothie today… thanks for the update Chad ;) We can always count on you to keep us in the know!  KingOfCampus.com

Roan

“Hi,” I give the older woman sitting behind the front desk a full wattage smile, “is Ivy around?”

She blinks a few times before a cheeky grin pulls up the corners of her mouth.  “Well, hello there, handsome.”

I can’t help but laugh in response.

Apparently wanting to get a better look at me, she leans across the front desk.  Unabashedly her eyes take a leisure tour before coming back to rest on my face.  “I know who you are.”

For just one ridiculous moment I wonder if Ivy has mentioned me to this woman.  Don’t ask me why the notion of her talking about me sends a little thrill slicing clean through me, but it does.

“You’re Roan King.  Wide receiver for the Barnett Bulldogs.  I just read an article about you in the newspaper.  First game of the season yesterday and you all but crushed Ohio.”

I smile even though something that feels suspiciously like disappointment careens through me.  “Yep, the team is really gelling right now.  Got ours eyes focused on winning games and working towards a championship.”

Still smiling, she shakes her head.  “Can’t remember the last time there’s been so much buzz about the football team.  You’ve got the whole city talking.”

Right… no pressure there.  I continue smiling before clearing my throat.  “So, Ivy…”

“Ah, yes, Ivy,” her mouth stretches into an even bigger grin, “she’s just finishing up with a ballet class.”  She points towards a hallway with several doors.  “Last studio on the left.”

Giving her another smile, I thank her before taking off down the hall.  We agreed to meet at the library around one o’clock, but when I stopped over at the girls’ apartment this morning with Dylan, Lexie told me Ivy was teaching a few classes at the studio downtown.  Apparently she usually walks to and from her job and since it’s about a mile from the apartment, I decided to swing by and pick her up so we can get right to work.

Because I know Ivy would shoot down any overtures I made, I didn’t bother asking.

That seems to be her usual MO where I’m concerned.

She clearly couldn’t care less that I’m Roan King.  Barnett University’s very own golden boy.  The wide receiver who’s looking to turn pro at the end of the year and has a damn good shot at going as a first round draft pick.

At least that’s what my agent keeps telling me. 

So far, this girl has spilled her drink on me, tried to ditch me as a partner because she thinks I’m a complete dumbass, and shot down all my hook up attempts.

If I had any brains what so ever, I’d steer clear of Ivy Kaster.  Unfortunately, I already know that’s not going to happen.  As much as I hate to admit it, the girl totally intrigues me.  The mere fact I’m standing right outside the studio she’s teaching in because I started feeling impatient to see her only slams that point home with a ruthlessness I wasn’t expecting.

I mean, what the hell is up with that?

Peeking in, I watch her leading class at the front of a mirrored room.  Her fingers are wrapped around a wooden barre that sits about waist high and spans the entire wall.  There are six little girls in pink leotards and tights standing alongside her.  It’s apparent to even me that each and every one of them is trying to mimic exactly what she’s doing. And while they’re all wearing sheer little skirts, Ivy is wearing a black leotard without any skirt.

My mouth instantly dries as my eyes skim down her long lean length.

God… did I really think she wasn’t my type?

That she didn’t have any curves to speak of?

Because standing there in nothing but lycra and tights, with her hair pulled up into a tight bun on the top of her head, she couldn’t look any sexier if she tried.  I listen intently as she instructs the class to follow her movements.  The heels of her feet are pressed together as she bends at the knees and sinks gracefully to the floor.  One arm is still holding the barre while the other is stretched out perfectly straight.  The girls standing alongside her in a neat little row try to copy what she’s doing.

I can’t help the smile that twitches around the corners of my lips.  Normally I’m not one who thinks kids are charming or cute.  The most interaction I have with squirts this age are when they want me to sign their footballs and programs.  Or when the team puts on a clinic for kids in the community.

Otherwise I generally steer clear of the little beasties.

Ivy asks them all to hold their poses as she comes around to check their positioning.  Smiling, she praises each one.

Even though her smile isn’t directed at me, it still arrows clean through me.  It occurs to me that I’ve never seen Ivy smile like that before.  And certainly never at me.  It makes me feel as if I’ve been somehow cheated.

Clapping her hands, all the girls break their poses before instantly swarming her.  She speaks quietly to them before they all nod their heads in unison.  Then she gets a small bowl from the front of the room and without being told, all of the girls rest their hands on top of their heads as she comes around with stickers that she then places on their hands.

In the blink of an eye, all the little half pints are scampering away.  A few of the parents stay to speak with Ivy.  Asking questions, I’m guessing.  She looks so completely serious as she explains whatever-the-hell-it-is-she’s-taking-the-time-to-explain to them.

When all the girls and their parents have finally cleared out of the studio, Ivy walks to the front of the room and grabs a big water bottle before taking a long drink from it.  Because I’m still loitering in the hallway, she hasn’t seen me yet.  I really should let her know I’m here… but I don’t.

Not quite yet.

For some reason, I just want to stand here and watch her for a little bit longer.  Ivy is so full of grace and polish.  Setting the bottle down, she goes to the barre and places both hands on it before leaning forward and stretching one leg out in back of her.  After holding the pose for a long moment, she does a few more stretches before moving to the middle of the wooden floor.

Holding both arms out, she executes a series of leaps and jumps that span the length of the space.  There is no music playing but there must be some kind of beat in her head because all of her movements are rhythmic and purposeful.  Just when I feel like I couldn’t be more impressed with the sheer flexibility she exudes, she performs what looks like the splits midair.  As she comes out of it, she rolls onto the floor in a somersault before popping up and then spinning around on one foot.

I’m pretty sure my jaw just hit the floor.

I can’t take my eyes off her.

Off her body as she bends and tucks and rolls.  Somehow making it do whatever the hell she wants it to.  I’ve never seen someone with such physical command over their body before.  It may be totally unmanly to admit this, but my breath actually catches at the back of my throat as I continue watching her.  Hell, I don’t think I could rip my eyes away if I tried.

I’m completely blown away by what she’s able to do.  I mean, yeah, sure… I heard she danced… but I had no idea she could perform like
this
.  That she was
this
good.  Like a… professional or something.

And then the spell is broken.

All movement ceases as our eyes finally collide.  I hadn’t realized I’d stepped inside the room instead of hovering just outside the door, but here I am.

Her breath comes in fast little pants as her eyes take me in.  She looks confused.

“What are you doing here?  I thought we were meeting at the library in about forty-five minutes?”

Is it wrong to say that watching her do whatever-the-hell-she-just-did is a huge turn on?  And that body hugging leotard certainly isn’t helping matters either.  That scalding hot kiss from yesterday suddenly crashes its way through my head.  It takes everything I have inside not to immediately close the distance separating us and haul her into my arms so I can kiss the hell right out of her again.

“Roan?”  Her voice rises just a bit as if she knows exactly what’s tumbling through my head.

Clearing my throat, not to mention those unruly thoughts, I reply, “I, ah, thought you might need a ride home.”

Cocking her head to the side, she continues watching me.  Almost as if the offer might be some sly bit of trickery on my part.  “How did you know I was here?”

Before I even have the chance to formulate a response, she mutters, “I’m going to kill Lexie.”

I can’t help but flash her a grin.  “Oh, don’t be too hard on her.  I weaseled it out of her before she had her first cup of coffee.”