University Park Series Box Set: Books 1-3 (10 page)

“Damn, you make this sound so easy.” He
slumped into his chair.

Eyeing him, I said, “Don’t forget I’m an
English major, studying to be a teacher.”

“I didn’t know you wanted to be a
teacher. I know you like to read, based on all the books you have on your Kindle,
but I thought you might want to be a writer or something.” He winked at me and
the familiar rush of flutters entered my stomach.

I shrugged, trying to shake off the
feeling. “Even though I love to read, I don’t necessary love to write. I
figured I’d be good at helping others.”

He leaned forward. “And, you are.”

Immediately, I broke eye contact,
determined to keep to my promise and forbid my mind from thinking raucous
thoughts. “Thanks. I think—”

“What the heck is all that?” Raven
turned his head toward the door.

 Even with the door closed, we could
clearly hear a choir of voices bellowing from the main foyer. Someone played on
the piano, striking keys from the lowest part of the keyboard. It made it
nearly impossible to think, much less discuss his paper.

Tossing my pen on the table, I sighed.
“Shit. What do you want to do?”

He stared at me intently. “We could go
up to your room.”

I shot a suspicious look at him. He
couldn’t be serious. Could he? My heart went into overdrive.

“Um, I’m pretty sure Delaney will be coming
home any minute, so we won’t have any peace and quiet. And the study room on my
floor is always occupied by a group of foreign exchange students so that’s out.
We could always try the library. Oh, but you said you don’t like the library.”
I glanced up at the ceiling, pulling anything that came to mind. “Since it’s
warm outside, we can head to the book store. There are tables under the
awning.”

Latching onto one of my wandering hands,
he said, “Relax. If meeting in your room makes you uncomfortable, then we
won’t.”

“Oh, no… it’s not that.” I retrieved my
hand and waved off his comment, feeling like a complete idiot for rambling. I’m
sure he never expected this high school behavior from a twenty-year-old woman.

“Why don’t we wait until Tuesday to discuss
it? I’ll start thinking about my paper and try to work on the outline.”

I let out a breath that apparently I had
been holding. “Okay, that works. Are you sure you don’t want to meet before
then?”

He shoved his papers and book into his
backpack. “Tomorrow night’s the big game, so I’ll probably be too hung-over to
meet on Saturday and too tired on Sunday. Are you going to the game?”

“Um, I don’t know.” I cleared my throat.
“I think Delaney has to do something with her family…” I spat off the first thought
that came to my head because I didn’t know what else to say.

Reason number thirteen: I’m becoming a
liar.

“No, you have to go.” He leaned across
the table and I saw the determination in his gaze. “It’s the biggest game of
the season. And, when we’re done kicking UT’s ass, we’re going to party our
asses off. It will be one party you don’t want to miss.”

I threw my head back and started
laughing.

“What?” He ran a hand over his head.

“Did you forget…I don’t go to parties?”
I reminded myself that I needed to act like
Collin Norris’ fiancée.

“Bullshit.” He gave the table a friendly
slap, making it shake. “I’m inviting you to this party, even if I have to pick
you up myself.”

“Really?” I walked out of the room and
he trailed closely behind me.

“You think I’m joking, Lexi, but I swear,
I’ll be here in your lobby after the game, stalking you.”

I laughed harder. “Don’t make promises
unless you’re willing to keep them.” I glanced over my shoulder at him.

He slapped his hands together and rubbed
them viciously. “I love challenges.”

Oh no. How do I get out of this one?

“Hold that thought, will you?” I pointed
at him, vying for a diversion. “I have a grammar handbook I’ve been meaning to
give you. I’ll run up and get it.” I started toward the elevator.

“Okay, I’ll wait here.”

The elevator opened and I rushed in. How
had I gotten myself into that situation?
I couldn’t possibly go to a
party with Raven. What would I tell Collin?

Thanks for taking me out to dinner and
bowling, now I’m going to a party with Raven.

I unlocked the door to the suite and
walked into the living room. Music played in the background and for a moment, I
thought I’d left my iPod sitting on the docking station. When I saw a scarf
tied around the doorknob of Delaney’s room, I knew she had someone in there.

Great. Now I’ll have to wait downstairs.

Scurrying to my room, I grabbed the
grammar book off the shelf and another book I needed for my test next week. I
shoved them into my bag and headed toward the door. Passing the coffee table, I
noticed a set of familiar keys. I stopped and turned around, taking another
look. A double ‘S’ in white lay flat on the table with several keys attached.

Keys that belonged to my brother.

I took a few steps back, covering my
ears as the thoughts of Delaney and my brother having sex inundated me. My foot
hit something and before I knew it, I tripped and fell back, hitting the wall.
On the floor, was a large purple and grey backpack with my brother’s baseball
number clipped to the side.

Holy shit! They are screwing!

Not waiting a minute longer, I grabbed
my bag and darted out of the dorm, slamming the door behind me. I passed the
elevator and pushed through the door leading to the stairwell. I flew down the
stairs and stumbled into the foyer.

“Is everything okay?” Raven extended an
arm toward me, but I maintained my balance without his assistance. “Looks like
you just saw a ghost.”

“Worse.” I gasped for air.

Raven’s eye widened and he whispered,
“You saw a dead body?

“What?” I took in several deep breaths,
steadying my pulse.

“The only thing worse than seeing a
ghost, is seeing a dead body.”

He had a point, but at that moment, I
couldn’t think straight. I mean, how long had Delaney and Luke been hooking up?
Why were they keeping it from me?

“Oh. Well, I didn’t see any dead people
or ghosts.” I looked behind me, checking to see if they had followed me.

“Then what happened?”

With hands on my hips, I replied, “I
think my roommate’s screwing my brother.”

With an arched brow, he leaned in
closer. “Screwing as in doing him wrong or fucking him?”

“Um…” I hesitated for moment, not
wanting to admit the truth. “Having sex with him.” I nodded and continued to check
behind me.

He chuckled. “Is that a bad thing?”

I sucked in another deep breath. “She
kind of sleeps around.”

“Kind of or does?”

I glanced at the floor, feeling terrible
for talking about my roommate and brother to a guy who put the man in
man-whore. “She does sleep around.”

“If it’s any conciliation, I’ve never
slept with her.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and a sly grin spread
across his face.

“I can’t believe you just said that.” I chucked
him on the arm, though I doubted my girlish thump penetrated his lumps of
muscles.

“Sorry.” He shrugged.

Visuals swamped my mind and everything
began to spin. “Oh my God. I have to get out of here.” I rushed out the door.

“Lexi, wait!” Raven called.

I rounded the building and stopped. With
a hand to my forehead, I paced the area in front of me. “How could they hide
something like that from me? I don’t care if they are seeing each other or
screwing. I just wanted to know.”

“Lexi?” Raven tried to get my attention
but I continued wearing down the grass.

“Did they actually think I’d never find
out?”

“Lexi,” Raven called one more time.

I stopped and dropped my arms beside me.
“Yeah?”

“Can I take you somewhere?”

 Sighing, I said, “No, that’s okay. I’ll
be fine. I’ll just, um, head to the library.” I glanced around the campus,
feeling off-kilter.

“Are you sure?” Raven finally caught my
gaze. “Because we could hang out.” He looked at his watch. “I don’t have
practice until three.”

What? He wants to hang out with me?

“Um…well…”

“Come on,” taking my hand, he towed me
across the campus, “sounds like you can use a drink.”

Reason number fourteen: I think I just crossed
the line.

Σ

I had no idea where Raven was taking me.
All I knew was that we were on a university shuttle and I was in a daze. What
the heck was I doing? I knew better but something propelled me to go with him.
Propping my arm against the edge of the window, I watched the buildings and
students zip past me. I knew from that moment forward, I couldn’t take back my
actions.

“You all right?” Raven leaned closer to
me and his breath tingled the crevice of my neck. Every nerve woke in my body,
consuming me bit by bit. My bones shuddered, but I managed to keep perfectly
still. What was going on between Luke and Delaney didn’t seem that important
any more.

Turning toward him, I nodded.

“Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
He rested his arm along the back of the seat and I wanted him to be embrace me,
just like he had on Sunday, when he pulled me to safety. But I knew better. I
wrapped my arms around my body to self-soothe. It was the only thing I had for
now.

The shuttle stopped a block from
fraternity row and he got up. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” I followed him as we
exited the shuttle.

“To get my car.”

“Oh, okay.” I resituated my bag on my
shoulder and tried to keep calm. Did I really want to get in a car with him?

“Relax.” He nudged me. “This will be
fun.”

Raising a brow, I shot him a quick look.
“If you say so.”

He spread his lips in to a full smile
and it released some of the tension in my body. “Just wait, you’ll see.” We
approached a white Dodge Challenger with red stripes. The lights blinked as
Raven clicked the button on his key chain.

“Is this your car?” I asked as he opened
the door for me.

“If it isn’t then I feel sorry for the
guy that it belongs to.” He shut the door and then jogged around the vehicle to
the driver side. He slid in and placed the key in the ignition. The engine
roared to life and I hated to admit that I really liked his car. It suited him
well.

“And what do you mean by that?” I
clicked my seat belt over me.

“Because he missed seeing one beautiful
girl in his car.” He winked and pulled out of the parking lot.

I pressed my lips together, unsure of how
to respond. Did he just compliment me?

You idiot, say something!

Instead, I stared at him, watching his
muscles flex with every turn he took. The edge of his tattoo trailed from under
the sleeve of his shirt and I refrained from reaching over and touching it.
Damn, Raven was one fine specimen. As much as I didn’t want to be attracted to
him, it was pointless. Every hormone in my body knew his scent. Luring me in
one at a time. It would take menopause to get them to stop and even then, I
wasn’t sure that would make a difference.

We stopped at a corner gas station.
“I’ll be right back.” He jumped out of the car.

“Okay,” I responded as the door shut.

A few minutes later he exited the store
with a paper bag in hand. He opened the car door and placed the contents on the
back floor board and got in the driver seat.

“What did you buy?” I stretched my neck,
trying to catch a glimpse.

He shot a quick look in my direction.
“You’ll see.”

We headed toward campus and turned on
the street that led to the football stadium. I kept a close watch, anxious to
know where he was taking me. Then again, I kind of liked that he didn’t want to
tell me. Collin rarely surprised me and the spontaneity of Raven’s actions had
me on the edge of my seat.

A campus security guard stationed at a
small post motioned for us to stop.  Raven rolled down his window and the guard
leaned into the car.

“It’s The Raven! What’s up man?” The guard
and Raven exchanged a fist bump.

“Nothing much, dude.” He inclined his
head in my direction. “Just gonna show her around.”

“Sure thing, man.” The guard patted the
inside of the car with his hand. “Just make sure you have her out before
practice starts.” He backed away from the car.

Raven motioned with two fingers. “Will
do.” He drove through the entrance and across the rows of spaces, parking at
the very end of the lot. 

“You’re taking me on a tour?” I released
my seatbelt.

Before he opened his door he said, “I
guess you can say that.”

My heart leaped out of my chest. What
the hell did he mean by that? Based on the exchange between him and the
security guard, it appeared that he had brought girls there before. Was he
expecting something from me?

Raven hovered in the back seat, tossing
books and papers from his backpack. When it was empty, he stuffed the paper
sack into it and then zipped it shut. “Let’s go.” He hooked the straps over his
shoulders and I followed him. With every step he took the muscles in his calves
bulged and my eyes traveled upward, checking out his tight butt and broad
shoulders.

I sure hope he has a drink for me in
that sack because I’m going to need one.

Instead of heading toward the front
entrance, we sidetracked to a smaller gate. “You want us to sneak in?” I
whispered, doing a quick scan to see if anyone was watching.

“Well, yeah.” He pushed the gate as far
as the chain would allow and I slid through effortlessly. I had never done
anything so crazy before and my heart was pounding from the adrenaline that
spiked my blood. I pushed on the gate, using all of my strength, and Raven
squeezed his way through the narrow slit. Grabbing my hand, he led me into the
stadium as he kept me tucked safely behind him.

“What happens if they catch us?” I
bounced on my tiptoes, keeping a watchful eye for anyone.

Checking the main walkway, Raven said,
“They’ll ask us to leave.”

“We won’t get in trouble?”

He shrugged as we darted across the pavement
to a stairwell. He pushed the door open and we scurried inside. “I hope not.”

“What?” I pulled on his arm, stopping
him in his tracks. “What do you mean, you hope not? I don’t want to get kicked
out of school.” Raven unhooked his backpack and threaded my arms through it.

“Relax. They aren’t going to kick you
out of school. Now, get on.” He squatted and motioned for me to jump on his
back.

“What?” My eyes traveled up the zigzag
of stairs leading to the top of the stadium. “How far are we going?”

“A couple of floors.” He hit his
backside as if he was a pony waiting to take his girl on a ride.

“You’re going to carry me on your back,”
I pointed, “up several flights of stairs?”

His shoulders slumped downward. “Yes. Now,
will you get on?”

I stepped closer to him and raised my
leg, hesitating to climb on. Aside from horsing around with Luke when we were
younger, I had never straddled a guy before, including Collin. My legs shook as
they surrounded forty-five inches of muscles. Unsure of where to put my hands,
I placed them on his shoulders. The swell of his blades made me want to knead
them between my fingers. Inflicted with instinctive desires to touch him like I
really wanted to, I focused on the top of the stairs.

“Lexi, you have to hold on tighter than
that.” Raven pulled my arms around his neck until the side of my face rested
against his head. The scent of his cologne weakened every bone in my body,
making me mold to his body’s shape.

“Maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

He tilted his head to the side, bringing
our lips mere inches apart. “Don’t worry. This will be great exercise for me.”
With one swift movement, he laced his arms through my legs and pulled me closer,
until there wasn’t any space between my body and his. If I didn’t die by falling,
then I’d surely die of a heart attack.

“Ready?”

“I g-guess.” I closed my eyes, preparing
to enjoy the thrill, but my stomach and heart protested with my mind.

With speed and accuracy, Raven darted up
the steps as if they were turf coated. My entire body bounced against his and I
held on for dear life. “Raven, don’t drop me,” I squealed, as we passed one
level to the next.

“I promise… I won’t let you go,” he
said, with labored breaths. I silently wondered if what my brother had said
about my ass being heavy was true. His lungs moved fiercely and I felt his
heart pounding against my chest.

“If I’m too heavy, you can put me down.”
I eased away from him, but he gripped my legs tighter around his waist.

“Are you kidding?” he huffed. “This is
nothing compared to some of the shit coach has us do.” Raven continued plowing
up the stairs as if he had a goal to reach. Was that goal me? Tingles spread
from my head to my toes and I giggled with excitement.

“Why are you laughing?” Raven clenched
onto the railing and pulled us to the next level of steps.

“This is fun!” Another roar of laughter
escaped as my stomach eased and my head began to align with the vibes pouring
out of every inch of my skin. I held on to him tightly, relishing in the warmth
of his body against mine.

After two more flights of steps, he
stopped. Sucking in a deep breath, he said, “Glad you enjoyed it.” He relaxed
his arms, allowing my legs to fall. “I want to show you what it’s like to have
a good time.”

Oh, shit.

“Um… what are we going to do?” Even though
my hands protested, I forced them to release the lock I had around his neck. I
glided off him, straightened my shirt, and pulled up my jeans that had inched
down my hips.

“You’ll see,” he said, turning to face
me. Sweat tinged the creases in his forehead and he used the sleeve of his
shirt to wipe it away. “I’ll take this.” His fingers grazed the top of my
collarbone as he eased the backpack off my shoulders. Chills spread down my
arms as I fell defenseless against his charm.

“Okay.” I managed to mutter as we faced
each other. Why he removed the backpack while standing in front of me, I don’t
know, but it was the most sensual thing I had experienced and I still had my
clothes on. I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to have sex with him.
Then again, I wasn’t ready to do that.

He removed a badge from the outside
pocket of his backpack and held it up. “I’ll need this.” Hooking one arm
through the strap of the bag, he ushered me toward the door of the fifth floor.
He scanned the badge and the door unlocked.

“This way.” He led me down a hallway
decorated with pictures based on the history of the previous football stadium.
I ran my hand along the intricate reptile markings that lined the wall until we
entered the main area.

“Wow… this is gorgeous.” I did a three-sixty,
taking in the ballroom filled with plush chairs and bar tables that overlooked
the field. A large bronzed dragon statue, the university’s mascot, stood at the
front entrance. The luxurious facility showcased sleek Art Deco fixtures with a
modern flair coupled with dark mahogany wood, which told me we were in the
Champions Club. Luke raved about it after he went with one of his buddies to
watch a game last year. If only he knew where I was — then again, it would’ve
been devastating if he found out.

“C’mon.” Raven latched onto my hand,
pulling me away from the breathtaking scene and leading me up another flight of
stairs. We stopped in front of a door marked, ‘The Marshall’s’. Using the nifty
card, Raven opened the door.

“Whose suite is this?” I stepped into
the lavish room that probably cost more than my college education.

“My friend, Josh.” Raven closed the door
and then walked to the front of the room, placing the backpack on a coffee
table.

Assessing the marble bar and fifty-inch
flat screen TV, I couldn’t help but ask, “What does Josh do for a living?”

 “Nothing yet… he’s a student. This is
his parents’ suite.” Raven removed a six pack of beer from his bag and set it
on the table. A smile spread across my face. He actually remembered what I said
about never drinking a beer before. If only Collin would remember things like
that.

Impressive.

I sat on one of the chairs facing the
window that overlooked the field. “His parents must do well to be able to pay
for this space.”

He chuckled and then popped the top off
two beers. “His dad is in the oil and gas industry.”

“Oh…with the Barnett Shell discovery here
in North Texas, I’m sure his dad is fairing very well.”

Raven handed me a beer. “Yes, he is.”

“And they don’t care if we’re in here?”
I took the cold bottle from his hand.

Taking a seat to the left of me, he
shook his head. “Nah, sometimes we come up here with a few of the guys to
drink. I thought this would be a great place to have your first beer.” He
tipped the edge of his bottle to mine. “Cheers.”

I smiled. “Cheers.” I raised the bottle
to my lips and held my breath, praying it didn’t taste like piss water as Luke
claimed. The icy liquid slid down my throat. Surprisingly, it didn’t taste as
bad as I thought it would. The aftertaste was the worst, but after a few more
sips, my taste buds acclimated to it.