“Yes,” Scott said, finally answering my question. “You’ll both get A’s . . . as long as I see you again the same time next week.”
He held his smile until his wife’s voice came through our monitors.
“Got it,” she said. “Nice job, everyone.”
The scene was over, but now I had no idea what to do. Once again, he seemed to know. “Stay there,” Scott said gently. “I’ll grab everyone a towel.”
As he stepped away, I sucked in a breath. I hadn’t looked at Colin since I’d kissed Scott, because I didn’t want to see how much I’d pissed him off. This frat boy was probably used to getting his way, and I expected him to pitch a fit.
Only, when I risked a glance, I didn’t find anger in his expression. I saw something far worse—he looked hurt. Betrayed.
I felt like absolute shit. Last week, I’d accused him of being cruel, but the way he stared at me now? It left me wondering who between us was really the cruel one.
FIFTEEN
Madison
I’d trekked across the back yard to the gym every day this week, hoping to run into Colin so we could talk, but he was never there. I even mixed up my schedule to increase my chances, but no luck. He was either working out insanely early, not at all, or had figured out when I planned to head over and went at a different time.
Since his room was in the opposite wing of the house, the only place I’d encounter him was the common areas, but he must have eaten his meals in his room or on campus.
He was avoiding me.
For a half-second I’d considered knocking on his door to have a conversation, but what the fuck would I say?
I’m sorry I won’t kiss you because I’m afraid of what will happen if I do.
He’d successfully dodged me through the weekend, but it was Monday afternoon now. In a few hours, he’d have to sit across from me at the house meeting, and there was no avoiding that.
I finished the last bite of my lunch and tossed my napkin on top of my plate. I usually brought my lunch, but I’d been so unmotivated to attend my psychology lecture this morning, I’d told myself if I went, I’d reward myself with a nice lunch after. I had a long break between classes, and there was a cozy bistro nearby.
Plus, I had money now—not a ton, but it was enough to give my bank account some breathing room if I wanted to splurge like this.
I had the money because I’d done my first solo video for Petal Productions the day after my group scene. We filmed it in the studio in the basement, and all I’d had to do was play with a vibrator while repeating the sexy dialogue Nina had fed me through an earpiece.
Easy.
Except during it, I’d wondered if I’d ever shoot a scene like this with Colin.
Which was ridiculous. There were four other people in the house, two of whom I’d yet to film with. Why was I so hung up on him?
It was frustrating, and I sighed before picking up my tray and carrying it over to the trash can. As I scraped my plate into the garbage, a familiar voice caught my attention.
How ironic.
Apparently, I could only run into Colin if I wasn’t looking for him.
The garbage can was divided from the dining room by decorative lattice, but I could see through the empty spaces in the wood slats, and I spied him sitting at the booth just on the other side.
The man across the table from him was older, and judging by his resemblance, this guy was probably his father. The other thing that was a dead giveaway was Colin’s posture. It was tense and unnatural for the frat boy who’d up until now always seemed so confident and relaxed. It reminded me of the way I was around my parents.
Did he not get along with his dad? There were plates on the table in front of both men, but Colin’s lunch was only half-eaten. His father wore a suit and tie and appeared to be a more distinguished version of his son, and far more serious.
I knew I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but I was too curious not to.
“I wish my client hadn’t canceled,” his father said, “but I’m glad we got to do this.”
“Yeah. Me too.” Except Colin’s voice was flat.
“You don’t have another class today, right?” His father gathered his things onto the tray. “I’ll give you a lift back to the Sig house.”
Alarm shot through Colin that he quickly tried to disguise. “Oh, no, you don’t have to—”
“It’s fine.” His father waved a hand. “I’ve got some time to kill before my next appointment, and I wouldn’t mind seeing the place again.”
Oh, my God. He hadn’t told his parents he’d been kicked out?