I’m just about to question what the hell is going on when Dylan pulls the truck over to the curb. Feeling damn near ecstatic that we’re finally parking, my eyes sweep the immediate vicinity. People are scattered all over the sidewalk in big groups. Down the block is apparently where everyone is headed because the house in question looks to be already bursting at the seams with people. The front lawn is overflowing as college students spill onto the sidewalk and street. Already I can hear the low bass of the music as it pumps from the open windows.
Maybe, just maybe, Lexie was right. There are so many people here, there’s no way I’ll run into Roan again for the rest of the evening. Since Sam is sitting on the side next to the curb, I slide towards him. I’m actually a little surprised when his hand reaches in to help me exit the truck. As soon as my feet are safely planted on the green grass beneath me, Sam immediately lets go of my hand.
“Thanks.”
Our eyes lock and hold for just a moment as he gives me another small crooked smile along with a quick nod before the five of us head up the sidewalk towards the party. Lexie and Dylan are ahead of me and Sam is right behind them. I’m about to hasten my step when a heavy arm is slung across my shoulders all but halting my progress. The little zing of electricity that races through me only adds to my growing annoyance.
Is this guy for real?
Doesn’t he get the hint that I’m not interested in becoming one of his slutty little groupies? What do I need to do? Send him a notarized letter?
“What are you doing?”
He gives me a brilliant smile before stating the obvious. “Walking with you.”
I give a pointed look to his massive arm draped across me. Again. “Is it possible for us to walk to the party without you accosting me along the way?”
His grin broadens and something unwanted pings in the bottom of my belly. I don’t like the way he makes me feel. Especially since I don’t even like the guy. Someone needs to inform my body that we’re not supposed to be getting turned on by him.
“I’m not accosting you. Merely trying to make nice with my new neighbor.”
I try wiggling out from under his arm but it’s impossible. It’s like he’s anchored himself to my side and no amount of fighting it helps to free me from him. The fact I’m trying rather desperately to get away has him chuckling right before he hauls me even closer to his big body. The woodsy scent of his cologne assaults my senses. Without realizing it, I inhale another lungful before my eyes actually drift shut to savor it.
Could I seriously be more pathetic?
Don’t think so…
“I taste even better than I smell.”
My eyes fly open when I hear those huskily murmured words right next to my ear. His eyes are sparkling with both mischief and humor and I suddenly realize he’s teasing me. Instead of acting all pissy and bitchy, I decide to just roll with it and not let him ruin my night.
I have no doubt what he’s saying is absolutely true. But I have zero interest in finding out first hand.
Oh, who am I kidding?
Of course I want to find out if he tastes as delicious as he smells but I’m smart enough to know when not to play with fire and Roan King is a veritable house set ablaze. I would only hate myself in the morning for hooking up with a guy who is nothing more than a womanizing man whore. It’s almost a certainty that he would immediately forget I even existed and I’d be nothing more than one of his pathetic fangirls kicked to the curb.
No thanks.
I need to treat Roan like he’s one big walking venereal disease.
Because for all I know, he is.
He’s probably slept his way through most the girls at Barnett already. And he’ll be busy working his way through the rest this year. I’ve never been one of those girls and I’m certainly not going to start being one now… even though he’s tempting as hell. I almost cringe as that thought rolls through my head.
“I’m surprised you can walk upright with such a massive ego.”
A huge grin lights up his face. “Don’t kid yourself, sweetheart, that’s not the only massive thing about me. And I walk around with both just fine.”
So damn cocky.
I can only shake my head before rolling my eyes.
Let’s see- so far he’s called me gorgeous, babe, and now sweetheart.
So typical…
I can’t resist asking, “Do you even know my name?” Because I’m sure this guy doesn’t bother learning any girl’s name. I mean, why should he?
Before I can crank myself up, he says rather simply, “Ivy.”
Completely shocked, my gaze flies to his. He holds it with those gorgeous blue-green colored depths as a smirk settles over his lips.