“Thanks.” I passed through the door, stepping out into the glorious sunshine. “I’ll see you later.”
“You will. I’ll meet you at the coffee shop at six.” He strutted away, taking the air in my lungs with him.
What just happened? I thought he had plans.
“Dang it. I missed lunch with you and Joe.”
“His name is Joseph.” I turned toward Gina, narrowing my eyes at her. I hated that she liked him. The drool dripping down her chin proved it.
“I like Joe better.” She popped her shoulders and opened the door. “Wanna join me?”
“Can’t.” I didn’t think I could control my mouth around her. Plus, her interest in Joseph wasn’t okay with me. “I’ll meet you at the dorm after class.”
It might be wrong, but if I had to choose between Joseph and Gina, I would pick him over her every time. That sounded crazy even to me. I hadn’t known him long, but he checked all my boxes.
Sexy as sin.
Sweet and respectful.
A hypnotic gravelly voice.
Did I mention sexy as sin?
But more than the above, I felt a deep connection with him.
My bestie needed to stay out of the way. I probably sounded like a horrible friend, but Joseph was mine.
“Wanna go out clubbing tonight?” She kept her sky-blue eyes on Joseph.
“I’m not sure. I might have plans.”
“With who?”
“Joseph.” I couldn’t help but smile. “We’re having coffee later, and who knows what else afterward.” Hot, raunchy sex would be my choice but not tonight. I’d made my dad a promise to save myself until after graduation, and I never broke a promise. That didn’t mean I couldn’t do lots of otherdirtythings with Joseph in the meantime.
“You’re joking.”
“Why would I joke?” I screwed up my face. How dare she accuse me of lying. There was nothing I despised more than a liar. Gina knew this.
“Fine. Whatever.” She went inside the dining hall in a huff. She’d been my roommate and friend for the past few years. She was sweet and fun, attractive to boot. But she had a competitive streak I once respected before Joseph came into the picture. She wanted him like I did and probably wouldn’t give up until she got Joseph. Neither would I.
Although he never showed her any interest and didn’t show me any either.
I strolled to my next class, absorbed the vitamin D into my soul, and relished the beautiful day. I loved Montana’s dry summers and didn’t miss the Upper Midwest’s humidity. Soon I’d have to make a decision, one I hoped Joseph had a pivotal part in, like being the reason I stayed.
A peculiar thought entered my mind. What if Joseph wasn’t straight?
Right, with all that testosterone clogging my pores when he was around? Not possible.
I guessed it was feasible that he wasn’t into me like I was with him, and he only wanted to be my friend. Christ, that would suck.
I needed to find out one way or another whether it hurt or not.
Later today, I’d test him. If he failed, I could get on with my life after graduation and not wonderwhat if.
2
Track