17. Evan
CHAPTER 17
Evan
I ’m very familiar with the route Lexi is running, which ultimately converges into two trails. I chuckle as I choose the other trail, which will run straight into the path she’s on.
Most of the students are getting ready for the pre-college party that the two biggest fraternities and sororities are holding tonight, which means Lexi and I are likely to be alone in these woods.
However, I’m cautious, keeping a lookout as my legs pump faster, carrying me toward her in the darkening woods.
I should bend her over my knee and beat her ass for running outside, alone , this late in the evening.
My feet fly over the trail, wanting to get to the perfect hiding spot that will allow me to spot her long before she sees me.
Once I reach the spot, I lift my mask, wiping the sweat from my brow. I look down at the app on my phone with a grin, my heart pounding with anticipation. She’ll be here soon.
Sliding my phone into my pocket, I slip the mask back into place. I brace myself, my muscles tense and my ears straining for signs of her arrival. I hear the pounding of her feet striking the trail, coming right toward me.
I zip around the trees, putting myself right in her path. She looks up from the trail and jerks to a stop. Her wide-eyed gaze roams over my body before she hesitantly chokes out one word. “E-Evan?”
I cock my head, not saying anything. I have an identifying tattoo, but it’s hidden beneath my shirt. With the mask covering my face, she may suspect it’s me, but obviously, she’s unsure.
She takes a step back, and I take one forward. Her breathing accelerates, rasping from her lips.
“E-Evan. I-Is that y-you?” Her hands shake as she pushes a lock of hair that slipped free from her ponytail. Her gaze locked on mine behind the mask.
I shake my head. It’s not a total lie. Technically, I’m Ghostface Evan .
Without another word, she whips around, sprinting the way she came.
I take off after her, and she glances over her shoulder once before doubling down, increasing her speed. I don’t run as fast as usual, conserving my energy so I’m not a sweaty mess for the second part of the plan I’ve concocted. The thrill of the chase gives me a high, but I wish I could get rewarded in these woods.
Not yet.
But soon.
Reaching forward, I grab the end of her ponytail, which flies behind her. However, I deliberately let it slide through my fingers, so it appears I tried and failed to grab her.
She shrieks, her legs pumping as she surges forward.
Once she’s out of the woods, she turns around.
I stop, standing at the edge of the woods, the shadows of the trees hiding me from view.
Her gaze darts around, searching the woods. A whimper of fear comes from her lips before she turns and sprints toward our apartment building.
I grin, texting Trent.
ME: Did you get the clothing I requested from my apartment?
TRENT: Yup. But why the hell am I meeting you in the woods?
ME: Lexi. Now get your ass out here with the backpack. Take the route I told you.
A few minutes later, Trent runs up to me, a backpack slung over his shoulders. He cocks a brow when he sees me in the Ghostface mask, then smirks. “Care to explain?”
I pull off the mask, a grin on my face. “I just chased Lexi through the woods. I’m gonna change, and we’re going to the campus coffee shop nearby.” I gesture to the bag. “I’ll get this from you tomorrow.”
Trent slides the backpack from his shoulders and tosses it to me. “You want me to be the lookout while you change?”
“You got it.” I find a large tree and quickly change, then shove my sweats, T-shirt, and mask in the bag. “Here you go.” I toss it to Trent, who easily catches it.
“You owe me one, Whitmore.”
“Collect anytime, Walsh.”
He grins. “Congrats on the switch. Money talks, that’s for sure.”
I chuckle. “What can I say? Dr. Boyles's sabbatical was approved at the last minute, and they were scrambling for a replacement. He’s been itching to travel and conduct research. My family’s name on the building and the large donations my father gave the school helped.” I wink at him. “I can’t wait to see Lexi’s face tomorrow.”
Trent laughs. “I can only imagine. Thanks for the intel on Patterson. I spoke to him, and he willingly agreed to switch. Guess who’s the new TA for Sophia’s Intro to Business Management class?”
“You.” I laugh, giving him a high five. “I love it when plans come together.”
Fifteen minutes later, Trent and I are standing at the pick-up counter, waiting for our coffee, when my phone rings.
“Hey, bellissima,” I drawl, sounding casual. “This is a nice surprise. To what do I owe?—”
“That wasn’t funny, Evan,” she seethes.
I fake being confused. “What wasn’t funny?”
“Don’t play stupid. The stunt you pulled in the woods.”
“What stunt? Lexi, did you hit your head this evening?”
She huffs out a sigh of indignation. “No, I didn’t hit my head. The run in the woods and you in the mask.”
“What run through the woods? And what the fuck mask are you talking about?” I deserve an award for this performance. “I’m here in the coffee shop with my buddy, Trent. And why would I be wearing a mask and running in the damn woods?” Fury is in my voice as I hiss, “What the fuck were you doing out so late? Were you by yourself?”
Her breathing accelerates in my ear. “I-It wasn’t y-you?”
I give Trent a huge smile and a thumbs up, then fake irritation. “Lexi, I have no fucking idea what you’re talking about. This cryptic conversation is getting on my nerves, especially since you haven’t answered my questions.”
She ignores me again. “You’ve been in the coffee shop with your friend, Trent?”
“Yes, that’s what I said. I left while you were in your room. Here, I’ll let you speak to him to prove it.” I hand the phone to Trent, knowing he’ll handle it. We’ve been friends for a long time and have each other’s backs no matter what.
“Hey, Lexi. What’s up? Evan told me a lot about you. Can’t wait to meet you.”
I step closer so I can hear her response. “I’ll bet. So, you’ve been in the coffee shop with Evan?”
“Yeah. We’ve been catching up since we haven’t seen each other in a few weeks.” Trent looks at me and winks. “Why? You wanna join us?”
“Oh. Um, no thanks.” Disappointment rings in her tone. “Can I talk to Evan again, please?”
“Sure thing.” Trent hands the phone to me before heading to the counter to grab his coffee from the barista who has just said his name.
“Told you I was with Trent.”
“Evan, I’m scared. I ran in the woods, and some guy wearing a Ghostface mask chased me.”
“Wait, what?” I boom, my tone full of alarm. “Are you hurt? Tell me what happened?”
“I was running in the woods, and suddenly, he was on the trail. He wore a black T-shirt, sweatpants, black running shoes, and a Ghostface mask. He grabbed the end of my ponytail, but I managed to get away.”
As Trent strolls toward me with the coffee I ordered for Lexi and me, I grab my earbuds from my pockets. Shoving them in my ears, I slip my phone into my pocket before taking the coffee from his outstretched hand. Mouthing a thank you, Trent and I immediately turn, heading for the door.
I take a long drink of mine as Lexi continues talking, heading toward our apartment.
Mmmm. This iced caramel latte with whipped cream, chocolate, and caramel syrup is good. No wonder Lexi likes it so much.
Interrupting her monologue about how scared she was, especially since I witnessed it firsthand, I say, “Where are you now?”
“I’m inside our apartment. The doors are locked… b-but I’m s-scared.”
The tremble of fear in her voice stirs something feral and protective inside me. Feelings I thought were dormant are rising to the surface, even though it was me chasing her earlier.
“I’m on my way. I’ll be there in about ten minutes, okay?”
“Okay. But Evan…” She hesitates, and I hear the embarrassment in her voice when she says, “Can you stay on the phone with me until you get here?”
“Of course, Lexi.” My tone is low, offering reassurance. This is precisely the reaction I was hoping for. “I’ll stay on the line.” I exchange a victorious look with Trent, who shakes his head and lifts his coffee in a salute, respect in his eyes.
“Okay. Thanks.” She heaves out a deep breath. “I’ve peeked out the window a few times since we’ve been on the phone, but I don’t see anyone.”
“You probably won’t. It’s too risky for anyone to lurk around our apartment without being seen. There’s an Alpha Sigma Phi and Gamma Phi Beta party tonight. It’s a pre-semester ritual for them.” Trent and I hurry along the sidewalk, nodding to some students as we pass.
“It’s foolish. But I’m so scared I’m shaking.”
“It’s okay, Lexi. You’re safe.” I hurry up the sidewalk to our apartment, nodding at Trent as he heads toward the door to his apartment, the backpack with my clothing and mask slung over his shoulder. “I’m here now.”
The door whips open, revealing a pale-faced, disheveled Lexi. She falls against me, and I lift the two coffees in the air so they don’t spill. “Thank God you’re here.”
“Let me inside.”
“Oh, yeah.” Her cheeks are pink as she steps back and ends the call. I hurry inside and set the coffee on the entryway table before shutting and locking the door behind me.
Removing my earbuds, I shove them inside my pocket before grabbing her in a bear hug. Burying my face in her hair, I murmur, “I’m glad you’re okay.”
She wraps her arms around me and clings to me. “I’m glad you’re here. I’m s-scared.”
“It’s okay, bellissima. I promise nothing will happen. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” I mean those words more than I’ve meant anything in my life.
A malicious smile curls my lips. No harm will come to Lexi unless I’m the one doing it.