I call again and again, sinking onto the edge of my bed. I feel like I’m falling, like I’m drowning all over again, and I can’t stand it. I’m going to lose my head if I’m not careful. More like I’m going to lose my shit.
My gaze shifts over to Lauren. I’m ready to finally confront her about my jewelry, but a knock at the door interrupts me. I wait for Lauren to get up and see who’s there, but she makes no move to get up from her desk.
With a sigh that’s loud enough to let her know I’m annoyed with her, I get up and walk over to the door and throw it open to reveal Rob.
“Hey, Rob,” I say slowly, wondering why he’s just showed up here. Did Gabe send him over? I’m not sure how I feel about that. “Come on in,” I say despite myself.
“Um, no,” Lauren says flatly.
“Excuse me?” What the hell is her problem.
“I have a huge test to study for,” she says. “You’re Rob Blackwood, right? I’ve heard all about you and your reputation, and no. Just no. You can turn around and leave.”
Incredulous, I laugh but don’t say anything, wanting to see how Rob would react.
He whistles and sits on the edge of my bed just about where I had been sitting before he came over.
I smirk at Lauren and shrug one shoulder. “It’s not just your room.”
“Are you kidding me?” she asks.
“Are you for real?” I demand. “I’m allowed to have company.”
She rubs her forehead, huffs, a sigh, and begins to loudly gather her things. She slams books on top of each other, and finally, she leaves.
As soon as the door shuts, I turn to Rob. He’s still sitting, and I never sat since I stood to open the door.
I cross over to him, lean down, and place my hands on his knees. I lick my lips before leaning close for a kiss, but Rob surprises me by drawing back.
“I came over so we could talk,” he says. “If that’s all right with you.”
“We can talk later,” I murmur, moving my hand up his leg.
“Katie,” he murmurs. “Please. I want to be there for you.”
I bristle and straighten, my hands falling away from his body. “So Gabe sent you over, huh?”
“No.” He blinks a few times, his eyes filling with confusion, and I believe he’s genuine. He really didn’t come here because of Gabe.
“You came here just to talk?” I ask in disbelief.
“Why is that so hard to accept?” he demands.
“Maybe because even Lauren knows about your reputation.”
“And I’m not like that with you.”
“You aren’t?” I ask, crossing my arms and giving him a look. “You certainly were on the cruise ship.”
“Maybe I don’t want to be that guy anymore,” he says.
“I’m not really in the mood to talk,” I admit.
“Well, haven’t the tables turned, hmm?” He shakes his head.
“Because it’s not possible for the girl to be hornier than the guy, hmm?” I stare him down.
Rob opens and closes his mouth. “Are you really going to do this?”