Chapter 14
fourteen
T he days flew by. My rigorous schedule kept me busy. Between classes and studying, I rarely had time for anything else, and yet, despite living with Triston, it was Preston who wouldn’t leave me alone. By the end of the following week, it became clear I couldn’t blow him off forever.
Preston’s messages got more persistent, so I decided to call him on Sunday once I worked up the mental energy to deal with him. Knowing Preston, he probably believed he’d given me enough space or time to figure things out. He’d want to get back together, and for the first time, I was on my own, enjoying my freedom.
I should have enlisted Tristan to help deal with his brother since he created this problem, but truthfully, Preston and I had been broken before Tristan interfered. I hadn’t been happy being Preston’s girlfriend.
Not really.
I’d fooled myself into thinking because Preston was such a good guy and desired by other girls I was lucky he chose me as his girlfriend. But truthfully, my self-worth suffered, more so after losing my mother, and I had to find a way to restore my confidence. I’d lived in Preston’s shadow for too long.
I did a quick tidying of my room before changing for a run.
We were having an unseasonable cooler temperature, thanks to days of storms. The brisk air kissed my cheeks, and I inhaled deeply. October crept around the corner, and it finally felt like autumn, bringing those rainy, gray days. I wasn’t religious in working out, but I enjoyed the release of endorphins and tried to squeeze in a day or two a week.
Today the sun finally shone in the clear blue sky. I loved everything about fall. October was my favorite month of the year because of the slight reprieve from the heat. And of course, Halloween. Some people loved the magic of Christmas or the romance of Valentine’s Day. I preferred the allure and mystery of All Saints’ Eve. The smoky bonfires. The thinning veil between the living and the dead. The pumpkin-flavored everything. And the coziness of the season.
My feet hit the pavement as I ran through campus, staying on the main pathways. I would love to run through Cascades Park during this time of year, but I hadn’t been able to get up the courage to venture off campus since that night, not alone at least, and Sam wasn’t a runner. She was most likely still fast asleep from her late Friday night, which I’d opted to stay home.
I kept it short, only a few miles, and slowed to a brisk walk, cooling off my muscles. The air in my lungs burned but in a good way. I could taste the elements of autumn, everything cleaner, brightening my senses.
My heart rate began to level out when a shadow appeared to my left, and for a split second, I panicked, afraid I might be attacked again. I whipped my head to the side as a deep voice said, “Hey.”
My gaze landed on Brody, the cute coffee shop guy. He had a playful smile tugging at his lips, the wind ruffling his surfer-esque sandy locks.
He must have noticed the startled expression on my face or the widening of my eyes. “Did I scare you? Shit, sorry.”
I waved him off, catching my breath. “Hey,” I greeted, exhaling, and my lips curved a moment later. “You’re not at the coffee shop. I wondered if they ever let you leave.”
He chuckled. It was a nice sound that warmed my belly, chasing away the tingles of fear. “They do occasionally. Are you starting or ending?” he asked, looking down the path I’d been walking.
I noticed he wasn’t in his usual coffee shop attire, which made sense since he was off the clock. He had on gym shorts and a sweatshirt, the sleeves pushed up his forearms. Perhaps he was out for a run too. “Ending. I’m heading home to shower. My roommate and I are going out tonight.”
“The Kappa party?” he asked as he matched my pace.
I smiled. “I’m guessing everyone is going, huh?”
“Not everyone,” Brody said, and I caught the underlying notes of sarcasm.
“You’re not into frat bashes?” I half joked, half seriously interested.
His lips twitched. “Hard to imagine, I know.”
Something about Brody put me at ease. Our conversations felt effortless like I didn’t have to try to be anyone else or worry about saying the wrong things. I didn’t have to act a part, not like with Preston. Perhaps that was why I liked Brody so much. “Not really. I’m only going for my roommate,” I admitted.
“You were friends with her before college?” he guessed.
I nodded. “She’s my best friend.” I wasn’t looking for a boyfriend, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have fun. I could date. People my age did that, and what better place to meet people than college? And Brody surely wasn’t hard on the eyes. He looked a lot more fit than I’d given him credit for. Not Tristan fit, but more in line with the same body type as Preston. Athletic.
Play it cool, Ever.
He rubbed at the back of his neck, looking a little nervous in an adorable way. I couldn’t imagine making anyone nervous. “I hear so many roommate horror stories.”
“I can only imagine.” My ponytail had shaken loose during my run, and I went to fix it, unbinding the tie and redoing it. Just as I secured the last loop, my hair caught on the slim fitness band on my wrist that monitored my heart rate and counted steps.
I struggled to loosen the damn thing, definitely looking like an idiot in the process and pulling out my hair. It only made the tangle worse. Not a good look. So much for trying to play it cool.
“Here, let me help you,” Brody offered, seeing me fail to break the hairs free from the watch.
My wrist was essentially stuck to my head. “That would be great,” I replied, giving him a coy smile.
His fingers were gentle as he worked to unsnarl the knot I created. He smelled good. Not like coffee as I expected. Nice but not as nice as Tristan.
I hated the intrusive thought.
Here I was trying to have a moment with a nice guy, and my mind had to go to Tristan. It was wrong to compare every guy I met to him.
“There you go,” Brody said after freeing the watch with a smile.
My arm fell to my side, and Brody stayed where he was, his eyes shifting to my lips. Did he want to kiss me? Is he thinking about it? Do I want him to kiss me?
“Ever?”
Dread hit me like a punch to the gut, and in a snap, I no longer thought about Brody’s lips, and all the problems I’d been running from came barreling back.
I froze, and Brody picked up on the sudden tension lining my body. I hadn’t realized how close we were until now. Anyone passing by would assume we were a couple.
I wanted my ears to be playing games on me. I wanted there to be no one behind me when I turned around. I wanted it to be impossible that I heard Preston’s voice.
Brody’s gaze lifted over my head, and my heart sank as the twinkle in his eyes dimmed.
I closed my eyes briefly, seeking a semblance of composure, before I turned around to face Preston.
My ears hadn’t lied.
It had been three weeks since I’d last seen him. And yet, it took a glimpse to make it feel like no time had passed.
How easy it would be to fall back into my old life, into old habits. Everything about Preston was comfortable in that familiar way, not because his presence was good or bad, just easy.
And that frightened me.
“Preston?” My brows drew together. “What are you doing here?”
He wore a pair of tailored khakis and a navy sweater. His sandy hair was styled to perfection. Not a hair out of place. Next to Preston, I felt a mess, underdressed, disheveled, and sweaty. A surly expression set on his features. “Not the greeting I was expecting from my girlfriend .”
Had he thought I would run into his arms and declare how much I missed him? That I’d made a big mistake asking for space?
He had.
And so very Preston.
I felt Brody stiffen beside me when Preston claimed me as his girlfriend.
“Preston,” I sighed, taking a step away from Brody. “We’re not together, remember?” I tried to keep my voice placid, but by the narrowing of Preston’s eyes, I failed.
“That’s why I’m here. Can we talk? Privately,” he added, shifting his gaze to Brody, and his eyes tapered to a glare.
God, I wasn’t ready for this conversation. Not yet, but Preston wasn’t giving me a choice. I rubbed at my temples. “Yeah, sure. You did drive all the way here.” It wasn’t like I could turn him away. The manners my mother ingrained in me wouldn’t let me.
And I didn’t want to be estranged from Preston. My hope was we could be friends. His family was important to me—important to mine. I didn’t want to lose them.
I faced Brody, wishing my cheeks weren’t pinker than they already were.
“See you tomorrow?” Brody asked.
“Probably,” I replied with an apologetic small smile.
He winked at me before giving Preston the side-eye and walked away, leaving me with the youngest Malone.
I crossed my arms, regarding Preston with annoyance. “You shouldn’t have shown up like this.”
Preston frowned at me. “Who was that?”
“A friend.”
He raised his annoyed brows. “Really? Because he looked like he was trying to make a move on my girl.” Accusation laced his tone as if I’d done something wrong.
I rolled my eyes, my frustration skyrocketing. “Preston. We’re not together. I haven’t changed my mind. It’s only been a month.”
“It’s been a month , Ev,” he nearly whined. “We’ve never gone that long without talking. Never.”
It was true. “I know.” I sighed, my shoulders slumping. The guilt set in. He had a way of knowing what emotions to poke, a manipulative skill. I had to stop letting him maneuver me.
“It didn’t take you long to move on, did it?” he sneered, his expression judging me.
I shook my head, my spine stiffening at his tone, going on defense. “Like I said, Brody is just a friend. He works in the coffee shop.” I had no idea why I felt the need to inform Preston where Brody worked. Preston brought out this side of me I wasn’t proud of. He made me defensive.
“Which dorm are you in?” he demanded, slipping a hand under my elbow.
“Thorn Hall.” Hadn’t Tristan mentioned to Preston we were in the same house?
By the furrowing of his brows, I guessed not. Why had Tristan told his brother? “Thorn Hall?” he repeated. “Isn’t that Tristan’s house?” He made it sound like Tristan owned the three-story brick home.
“It is,” I confirmed.
He didn’t give it a second thought as he guided me down the sidewalk. The urge to shake off his hand rose within me, and for once, I didn’t ignore it. My heels dug in, and I yanked my arm from under his fingers. Standing firm in my position, I halted. “We can talk here. Say what you came to say. I have somewhere to be later.” I didn’t want Preston in the house—didn’t want his presence to tarnish the one place at this school that was mine. It was bad enough one Malone invaded my privacy. I didn’t need Preston there too. I wanted my memories of Thorn Hall to be with Sam. I wanted them to be different than the ones I had from my life in 30A.
Preston didn’t blink, displeasure evident in his features. “Are you kidding me?”
“Do I look like I’m kidding, Preston? I didn’t ask you to come,” I retaliated.
“How could you when you never pick up the phone or answer my texts?”
I snorted, feeling my anger rise to match his. “The definition of space isn’t calling me every day or messaging me a dozen times.”
“Perhaps we have a different definition of what a break is? Don’t you miss me?”
Did I? Not as much as I should. “Preston, you need to go.”
He opened his mouth to argue, but before the words came out, another voice cut in. Panic pitched in my gut so strong I gasped.
“Well, if it isn’t Preston Fucking Malone in the flesh.”
Something flashed in my ex’s eyes briefly before he pasted on a smile, the one he used to charm everyone. “Hey, Cruz. Hudson.” Preston nodded at the two guys from the other night, the one who held a knife to my throat and the one Sam maced.
The color in my face drained. I hadn’t seen them on campus since, and I’d hoped I never would, yet here they were, talking to Preston as if they knew each other. How was that possible?
Confused, my gaze volleyed between Preston and the other guys. How did Preston know them? Why did he know them? It had to be Tristan. Had he gotten his brother mixed up with his problems? It would be just like Tristan to drag everyone else through the mud with him.
“Preston, we should go.” I tugged on his sleeve, but he didn’t budge.
“Are you up for a game?” Either Cruz or Hudson asked.
“When?” Preston replied, a glimmer of excitement brightening in his eyes.
“I’ll text you the details,” the prick who’d threatened me with a knife said, my world spinning.
“No, you won’t.” The deep voice came from behind me. “Not if you want to keep all your fingers.”
Tristan.
My whole body sighed in relief, his voice grounding me. If anything happened, Tristan would handle it.
Preston didn’t seem to share my sentiment. His demeanor immediately shifted at his brother’s appearance. An uncomfortable frown turned down Preston’s lips as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Hey, bro.”
“What are you doing here?” Tristan demanded, discounting all pleasantries, and yet his eyes slid to me as if Tristan already knew the answer.
Preston studied his brother for a moment before responding. “Trying to convince Ev she can’t live without me. Help me out.”
“You shouldn’t be here,” Tristan said sharply, his blue eyes hardening. I wasn’t sure how they could get colder than they already were, but somehow, he never failed to surpass what I thought he was capable of. Or wasn’t capable of.
Preston threw up his hands. “Why isn’t anyone happy to see me?”
“I’m thrilled,” one of the assholes sneered. Cruz or Hudson, I didn’t know which…didn’t care to know.
Tristan’s glower turned to the two jackasses I never wanted to set eyes upon again. “Get the fuck out of here,” he barked, the vein in his neck throbbing.
One of them touched the side of their jaw as if they were remembering what it was like to have Tristan’s fist hammer the side of his face. That memory must have been enough for him not to take the chance of a repeat beating.
As Cruz and Hudson wordlessly departed, Tristan’s icy gaze turned to his brother. “Preston, go home,” he ordered. “Ever, you’re coming with me.”
Preston stepped in front of me, putting himself in the middle. “Who died and made you king? She’s my girlfriend.”
This was getting out of hand, and all I wanted to do was shove my earbuds back in and run. Another mile no longer sounded difficult, not when faced with these two.
An almost cruel grin curled on Tristan’s lips. “Not anymore, she’s not.” Tristan was always a jerk but usually had a soft spot for his brother. What was up his ass?
Preston flinched. “I thought shit was cool between us.”
What shit, I wanted to interrupt, but I knew it would fall on deaf ears when the two were zeroed in on each other.
“It is when you’re where you belong,” Tristan said with an emphasis again that Preston shouldn’t have come.
“Fine. We’ll go somewhere off campus.” Preston reached for my hand.
Tristan beat him to it, lacing our fingers together and pulling me to his side. In doing so, he drew an invisible line between his brother and him, me along with him.
A dark look passed between the brothers, and dread came over me. “What the fuck, Tristan?” Preston seethed, his anger simmering to the surface. “Ev can speak for herself.” Preston reached for my other hand, the one Tristan wasn’t clutching.
I suddenly felt like I was a tug-of-war rope, being yanked this way and then that.
“Ever, do you want to talk to Preston?” Tristan put me on the spot, his fingers squeezing mine, prompting me to say something.
This wasn’t good. Not only was Tristan testing me, but he also put me in the middle—a place I didn’t want to be. “Tristan,” I gritted between clenched teeth.
He raised his brows at me, waiting for an answer, while Preston stood on my other side, also expectantly waiting.
Assholes.
I dug my nails into Tristan’s hand, making my annoyance very clear as I said to Preston, “No, I have nothing more to say.” Exhaustion dragged into my voice.
Hurt flashed over Preston’s face. A pang bloomed in my chest. It had never been my intention to cause Preston pain. Preston’s fingers released me, and my arm fell limply to my side. “Fine. Have it your way.” He stepped away from me, his blue-green eyes sparking with anger. “Don’t call me crying when you realize you’ve made the biggest mistake of your life. We’re done, Ev.” Shaking his head, he gave his brother one last furious glower before storming off.
“Preston,” I called after him, a gut reaction born from years of bending and yielding to the youngest Malone, and I cursed myself for it.
Tristan yanked on my hand, keeping me at his side and preventing me from going after his brother. I stared at Preston’s retreating back. He didn’t turn around.
“It’s for the best,” Tristan whispered lowly.
I whirled, jerking my fingers away from his. “What’s your problem? You didn’t have to be such an ass. He’ll never forgive me.”
Tristan shoved his hands into his pockets as if he didn’t trust himself not to reach for me again. He bit the corner of his lip where the silver hoop gleamed. “He doesn’t deserve your forgiveness.”
I stared up at Tristan, my heart battering in my chest. “What does that mean?”
He held my gaze with such intensity it made me want to look away. “It means, Shortcake, one day, you’ll thank me.”
Fucking doubtful.