As if he’s possibly sensing my stare, he turns his head my way for a brief second, and our eyes connect. There’s just that quick moment before he starts to turn away again, but then he suddenly jerks his eyes back to mine, doing a double-take. I stand there with my feet planted to the ground as I stare at the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m unable to move, and my heart gives a flutter as everything else fades away. Who the heck is this man?
“Parks.” Someone calls my name, snagging my attention away from the suit. I’m almost thankful because I was bordering on creepy with my staring.
One of the girls circling him does the same when she lays a hand on his chest, and his attention is pulled from me. I turn away, not wanting to watch. More than that, I want to shake these overwhelming feelings that have come out of nowhere and are now bubbling up inside of me.
When I turn around, I’m face to face with the last person I want to see right now.
“Liam.” I force a smile. He’s popping up everywhere, and I’m not sure if I should be worried, or maybe it’s only coincidence. “What are you doing here?”
“Had to drop something off to someone that lives in your dorm.” Right. This building is all females, and from his unruly hair and wrinkled shirt, I think I know what he was dropping off. “You want to grab some dinner or something?” Oh no. Where is Lexi when I need her?
“I…ah…” I stutter.
“I’m not taking no for an answer.” He gives me a playful smile. He did not just say that.
“Parker.” A deep voice rumbles my name before a heavy arm is draped over my shoulder. A masculine scent surrounds me, and I glance up into those same green eyes that held me captive moments ago. Did he say my name? “I’ve been waiting for you, babe.”
“Babe?” Liam says. I open my mouth and then close it again, wondering if I’m in the twilight zone or something.
“Yeah, babe.” He gives me a charming smile that goes all the way to his eyes before he turns a glare on to Liam. “Who are you?” he asks Liam.
“A friend.” Liam folds his arms over his chest. I think he’s trying to make himself appear bigger, but the suit has him beat in size. Something I don’t think Liam is used to. “Liam Stafford.”
I think Liam is expecting him to know who he is, but the man seems unfazed by Liam’s name. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. Everyone knows who Liam is, even if you’re not into football. He’s royalty around here.
“I’m Sam, and if anyone is taking Parker to dinner, it will be me. Right, babe?” he asks, and I just nod my head.
“Whatever. See you later, Parks,” Liam mutters before he turns to leave.
“You all right?” Sam asks. “You didn’t look like you wanted that guy giving you attention.”
“I didn’t, thanks. That was sweet of you.” Sam keeps his arm draped over my shoulder.
“What about you and the herd of girls?” I ask, unable to help myself. I see the girls still lingering, but they’ve moved over to the common area. They all keep sneaking peeks over this way and they’re not exactly good at hiding it.
“I might have told them I’m your boyfriend.”
“They won’t believe that,” I laugh.
“Why?” His brows pull tight like he doesn't understand, and I reach up and push my glasses up my nose. I’m not sure how to respond to his question. “It sure as hell didn’t deter them. College girls are aggressive these days.” He tucks me closer into him like a shield, and my body melts into his.
“How did you know my name?” I ask.
“I came to see you.”
“Me?” I ask, confused.
“Can we talk in private?” He nods toward my door.
“Sure.” His arm never moves from my shoulder as I make my way over to my door. It’s probably crazy to let a stranger into my room, but for some reason I’m not scared of him. Even if he’s twice my size. Plus, I’m in a dorm, and I could easily scream. I scan my key, unlocking the door, and I’m already apologizing as I open the door. “Don’t mind my roommate’s mess, Sam.”
“Call me Samuel,” he responds as he finally steps away from me when we enter my room. Something tugs at the back of my mind at his name.
“Samuel,” I repeat, dropping my bag onto my bed then turning to face him. It’s then I finally notice the box in his hand.
“Samuel Mathews.” He holds it up, and my mouth falls open. “I think I’ve got something that belongs to you.”
How does this keep getting worse by the second?