Shifted Plans (14 page)

He shouldn’t be thinking about her in a sexual way, regardless of the reason. Stacia
and sexual fantasies didn’t belong in the same sentence. As for her sex life, well,
he could definitely do something to keep her safe. If the guy wasn’t right, he’d make
sure they didn’t get close enough to her to do anything more than talk. Talking to
her might even prove difficult. She’d always been so shy.

The lights became brighter, and Jordan gave himself a slight mental shake to clear
his thoughts.

“Class dismissed. I’ll see all of you on Wednesday,” the professor called out, turning
off the projector.

People stood up, and a low murmuring built into full voice conversations. People gathered
their stuff and made for the exit.

Jordan grabbed his backpack and shoved the paper he’d taken very few notes on inside.
When he straightened, he was met with Serena’s quizzical look.

“It’s nothing,” he mumbled, panning the room, looking for his new obsession. He spotted
her near the door. Apparently, she didn’t want to waste any time getting to her next
class. Did she have another class this soon? He’d have to get a copy of her schedule.
The thought made him grind his teeth. He was at war with himself. He wasn’t her keeper,
but at the same time, she was his best friend’s sister. And if Seth happened to be
away from the pride and Jordan’s sister was around, he’d expect Seth to watch out
for her. So, he’d do the same. And he damn sure would stop lusting after her while
he did it.

Once outside, he called out to her. “Stacia, wait up.”

Her spine stiffened and she stopped forward movement, turning slowly to face him.
She gave him a shy smile and he closed the distance between them. “Hey.”

The green shirt she wore hugged her pert breasts and accentuated her lean waist. Wow,
he really needed to stop noticing these things. “Do you have another class to get
to right now?”

She hitched the strap of her bag a little higher on her shoulder. “Actually, I do.
Can we maybe talk later?”

Black spots decorated her hand. “Pen bust?”

Her face and neck started to take on a red tint. “Yeah. Listen, I really need to go.”

“I’ll walk with you. I have an hour before my next class.” He fell into step beside
her. “So, why did you choose NMJC?”

“It’s a good school.”

“Yeah, it is. But I’m betting, like Seth, you could have gone anywhere.” A breeze
floated past them, stirring her hair and bringing her scent into his nose. She smelled
so good. Like flowers and sunshine. He remembered the silken feel of her hair when
he’d touched it in the classroom. His dick gave a slight pulse of approval.
What the hell?
He needed to stop that shit. In no world could he fuck her and it be okay.

“I wanted to get out of Portales, but I wasn’t ready to go too far from home. I thought
it would be nice to take it slow and ease into the world. Besides, at least ten people
from our pride go here.”

She had a point. And she’d always been on the shy side, so he could see why a smaller
college would appeal to her. “Well, I’m glad you’re here.”

She smiled.

“Seth will be happy, knowing I can watch out for you.”

“I better get inside.” Her smile faded. “Your friend is headed this way.”

Jordan glanced over his shoulder and Serena closed the distance between them. He was
a little shocked when she leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the mouth then turned
to smile at Stacia.

“Hi, I’m Serena.”

“I’m Stacia,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “And I better go before I’m late.”

He shook off the arm Serena’d draped across his shoulders and reached out to stop
Stacia. “Meet up with us in the cafeteria for dinner tonight. I’ll introduce you to
my friends.”

She gave a nod then turned and walked inside the building. Jordan pivoted and caught
Serena staring at him like he’d grown two heads. Mixed feelings spun inside him like
a tornado. The kiss thing had been a dick move—a claiming move. But one thing was
for sure, Serena didn’t have any claim on him.

“Don’t ever pull shit like that again, Serena.”

“So, you like the new meat?” Jealousy laced her words.

“She’s my best friend’s sister.” Leaving her, Jordan started in the direction of the
dorms, but he didn’t miss her red flush. Did she feel ashamed? Somehow, he doubted
it. She was probably more pissed and embarrassed. There sure as hell wouldn’t be anything
happening between the two of them.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. He sighed and pulled it free, hoping it wasn’t Serena.
Surely she knew he wasn’t happy with her. If not, he would make it clearer. An incoming
text message waited to be read.

Seth:
WRUD?

Jordan:
Nothing. Just got out of class. U?

Seth:
Gonna grub. I heard my sister is there. Ran into her yet?

Jordan grimaced.

Jordan:
Yeah. She’s in my 1st class

Seth:
Cool. Then I can count on you to watch out for her

He let his head fall forward—guilt for lusting after Stacia gripped him. Seth knew
how best friends were supposed to be there for each other. Jordan ground his teeth.
He could do this. He could stand in as a big brother for her. She needed someone to
do this. Her whole life she’d been protected by her family, and since they weren’t
here, Jordan damn sure would be.

Jordan:
I got this
.