The side doors closest to her locker slammed open, and she lifted her head and opened her eyes to watch as a few football players strutted in. They were filthy, sweaty, and their uniforms were plastered to their hard bodies.
Toby was behind them, his focus on his cell, and his eyebrows knitted. He looked pissed, and that was verified when he tightened his hand around his cell and cursed.
“What’s up, man?” his friend and the linebacker of the team, Deacon, said to Toby.
Toby waved off his question, then cursed again when he stared at his cell. “Marilyn is really pissing me off,” he said under his breath.
“Who cares how big a bitch she is. She puts out and has a smokin’ hot body.” Deacon started laughing, which caused the other guys to do the same. They started to pass by her, and she saw the way Deacon slowed his steps, turned fully to face her, then leaned in and braced a forearm on her locker over her head. “It’s Shoshanna, right?” he said and looked down at her chest.
He was a good-looking guy, but a total arrogant asshole. He was also a dirty man-whore that had slept with nearly all the girls in the school.
“I like the glasses.” He lifted a hand and ran a finger along the side of her frame. “I bet you play one hot fucking naughty schoolgirl, especially with the plaid and preppy little attitude you carry around.” His voice became lower. “I bet you have a tight little virgin pussy—”
His words were cut off when Toby grabbed him by the neck and pulled him away from her.
“What?” Deacon asked and grinned. He lifted a hand and rubbed the back of his neck.
Toby looked even more pissed as he stared at Deacon.
Shoshanna swallowed, ran her hand over her skirt to wipe away the sweat, and felt the need to turn and just get the hell out of here.
“Don’t be a fucking asshole to her. If you want to stick your dick in something go find one of those sluts you bang behind the school,” Toby said in a harsh, annoyed voice.
Deacon glanced at her, his amusement fading. “What the hell ever. Don’t take it out on us because Marilyn has your balls in a sling.” Deacon slapped one of the players on the chest, and they left. Toby stayed behind, though, and turned to look at her.
“Thanks,” she said, and went to move passed him, genuine with her gratitude because all those football players seemed to be pigs.
Why is he noticing you now, helping you pick up your books, and defending you from the jock asshole?
Shoshanna wasn’t going to even worry about all of that. She didn’t care, or at least she told herself that.
“Wait,” he said, and she looked at him. He walked up to her, ran his hand over the back of his neck, and shook his head. “Those guys are just horny bastards and will hit on anyone.”
Wow.
“Okay, thanks.” She was insulted now and shook her head in disgust. Turning away from him again, she stopped when he grabbed her arm. It was a gentle, but firm hold. She turned back around and looked pointedly at her arm.
Today was worse than most, and she was ready for it to be over with. She didn’t need this shit.
“I didn’t mean it like that. You’re beau…” He didn’t finish that, and she could imagine what he might have been about to say, but she told herself that no way could Toby think she was beautiful. He let go of her arm and took a step back. “A party is happening tonight. I’d like you to come.”
She looked right at his face, surprised and guarded at why he’d be asking her to come to one of his parties. “Why?”
He looked a little taken aback.
She took in the beads of sweat that covered his face and neck, and the fact he still wore his football uniform. He wasn’t wearing any pads under his shirt, and she made out the lines and ridges of his muscles, and saw the tattoos lining his arms.
“Because I’d like you there, that’s why,” he said strongly, almost genuine.
“Is this some kind of sick joke?”
He knitted his brows. “What? No, why would you think that?”
Seriously? He’s seriously asking that? “I don’t think I really fit in with that crowd.”
“Who the fuck cares what anyone thinks, or if you don’t ‘fit in’?” He smiled. “You think I haven’t noticed you, but I have, Shoshanna. I’d like you there because I think you’d have a good time, and it’s our last year in this shithole.”
“That’s probably not the best idea. I have a lot of work to do at home anyway, but thanks for the invite.” She smiled, feeling unnerved standing in front of him, hearing his invitation, and knowing that she’d never fit in with the people he hung out with.