Chapter Twenty Six #4
Shoving my hands deeper into the pockets of my coat, I focus on getting Meg back to her place and then me to mine without any more incidents.
If the lingering sensation of Meg’s mouth against mine can be called an incident.
My jaw tightens at the memory. That kiss had been reckless and angry, and the fact that I don’t regret it even slightly is something I’m not prepared to examine tonight.
By the time we reach the circular driveway in front of the main administrative building, the campus is practically deserted.
The structure rises above us, its tall stone columns casting long shadows across the pavement under the glow of the lanterns flanking the entrance.
I slow slightly as we step onto the drive, making sure Meg is in my sight at all times.
What she said in that stadium will continue to haunt me as much as my reaction to it.
Just when I think we’re going to make it across the quad without encountering another soul, headlights sweep across the front steps.
Meg and I both stop instinctively, our attention shifting toward a vehicle as it pulls to a halt in front of the admin building’s doors.
I squint against the flood lights trying to blind me to see it’s a taxi.
The engine idles before cutting out, the back door opening.
I briefly wonder who the hell would be turning up at this time of night, and then remember that a, it’s not my problem, and b, I don’t give a shit.
Reaching for the small of Meg’s back, I attempt to help her dodge the vehicle, but she’s frozen to the spot. I glance at her wide-eyed expression, note that she’s not breathing and then turn back to the guy who has climbed out of the cab.
He’s tall, thin, and carrying one of the largest hiking backpacks I’ve ever seen strapped to his shoulders.
The thing looks like it could sustain someone through a week in the wilderness.
He pauses beside the car, pushing a pair of glasses higher on his nose while slowly turning in a full circle, scanning the campus like someone who has absolutely no idea where he is.
The driver pops the trunk to retrieve two more massive duffle bags, complaining that they’re heavy as he hauls them out and drops them onto the pavement with a thud.
“Hey, watch it,” the guy suddenly blurts, using his hands rather expressively. “The equipment in there is fragile!” Even though I didn’t think it possible, Meg becomes even more rigid. Her shoulders lock, and the color from her face drains. Whatever is happening right now, I don’t like it.
“What—” I start, but the question never leaves my mouth, because the guy by the taxi finally turns toward us.
“Meg, is that you?” he smiles the kind of smile I’d expect to see on a golden retriever.
Meg takes a hesitant step forward, and then sudden bolts.
I barely have time to react as she runs in her heels, closing the distance and throwing herself into this guys’ arms. I merely watch the display, bubbled laughter and mumbled speech mixing with… is Meg crying?
Nope, I don’t like this. Not one bit. But also, Meg’s a big girl and the longer I hang around, the more I feel like I’m creeping on something I wasn’t supposed to see.
The taxi peels away, taking most of the light with it.
Using the darkness, I try to slink away unnoticed, but apparently my evening is going to keep getting worse and worse.
“Ayy, Captain Sparkle!” the voice rings out and I stop in mid-step.
My chest constricts and now, as I turn back, I take in this stranger properly under the glow of the lanterns.
Dark curls that are cropped short at the sides.
Strong blue eyes against tanned skin and a weird, animated smile.
I know that face. Not that I’ve seen him personally before, but I’ve seen an avatar that looks just like it, even if he did put extra emphasis on his muscles.
“You,” I murmur to myself, but he hears it.
His grin grows wider, his arm slipping around Meg’s back.
The girl in between us won’t look me in the eye, even though her lips are still bruised from mine.
Another heated emotion rises. One similar to blind, hot rage, but tainted with an unhealthy dose of jealousy.
“Looks like you’ll be seeing me around more often,” he beams. “Or rather, I’ll be seeing more of you.
” There’s a challenge in the jump of his brows, a confidence that grates me entirely the wrong way.
I set my jaw, giving Meg one last sweeping glance that she ignores before I turn my back on the pair of them.
My strides eat up the pavement now, heading directly towards my frat house.
Meg’s new companion can see to it that she gets home safely, since I’m apparently no longer needed.
Although, as his deep rolling laughter follows me across campus, I decide someone is going to have to show this asshole exactly who’s territory he’s just stepped into, and as soon as I can burn the image of his arm around Meg out of my skull, I’ll get to it.