Vicariously Yours (Vicarious #2)

1

Hazel

The crisp October air hit me as I stepped onto the cobblestone path, the smell of damp leaves and earth filling my lungs. It was one of those perfect fall days—the sky was a sharp blue, and the sun filtered through the branches of the tall oak trees, casting long shadows on the ground. The campus felt alive that day, students milling about with their coffee cups and backpacks, their voices blending in a gentle hum of conversation.

My fingers tightened around the stack of books in my arms, the crisp covers offering a comfort that was both familiar and strange. I sought those books; they were my escape to other worlds. The bookstore’s familiar scent of paper and ink offered a comforting escape from overwhelming realities. I glanced around, taking in the ivy-clad buildings, their red brick walls weathered by time.

The quad ahead was bustling with groups of friends lounging on the grass, enjoying the cool breeze and the fleeting sunshine. It felt idyllic, typical collegiate life; however, an unsettling feeling persisted. My heart beat a little faster for reasons I couldn’t explain, and I pulled my hoodie a little tighter around my shoulders, wishing for something to ground me.

I passed the large oak tree by the student union, pausing to admire how its branches seemed to stretch forever, the leaves a patchwork of gold and red. It was moments like that—quiet moments in between the chaos—that I could almost pretend I was okay , that I wasn’t constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for something to shift.

I pushed open the door to my dorm room, the familiar scent of vanilla wrapping around me like a soft hug. Maisie, sprawled on her bed, phone in hand, focused on a viral video. She glanced up when I entered, offering me a lazy smile.

“Did you leave any books for the rest of us?” She joked.

I smiled, shaking my head as I dropped the stack of books on my desk with a satisfying thud.

“It’s not my fault they were on sale. They wanted me to buy them.”

Maisie gave a dramatic eye roll and set her phone aside, flipping onto her stomach as she propped herself up with her arms.

“Nevaeh came looking for you.”

My stomach twisted, knowing what she was looking for. Nevaeh, a vibrant partygoer, inspired me to be bolder, following her weekly exploits. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

“She’s going to beg me to join her at another party.”

Maisie grinned, eager to join in the chaos.

“Well, if you’re going, I’m going with you.”

I half-smiled and told her I’d be back soon before leaving for Nevaeh’s room. The hallway outside was bustling with students laughing and chatting, and as I walked down the corridor, the usual sense of calm I carried slipped away, replaced by the mild anxiety that came with the unpredictability of Nevaeh’s world. Nevaeh’s door appeared, and I grasped the handle. Without thinking, I pushed it open, our unspoken rule always being that knocking was unnecessary. But when I pushed the door open, I froze. There was a guy. Naked. Not just any guy. Campbell Atwood. My heart leaped into my throat, and a rush of heat flooded my cheeks. Campbell, the inspiration behind my book, the person who never existed outside the pages, was standing before me. Naked. My brain short-circuited. I should’ve turned around, anything other than standing frozen.

“I am so sorry!”

My face was crimson as I whipped around, trying to leave the room.Why was he in Nevaeh’s room, nude? He chuckled, a laugh that made my heart skip a beat.

“It’s okay,” he said, his voice deep and casual, as if there was nothing unusual about being caught in such a compromising position. “I don’t mind.”

My head spun. Of course, he didn’t mind. I was the mortified one, and his nonchalance made me feel exposed.

“Could you put some clothes on?” I asked, my voice cracking, betraying the shock still rattling me.

There was a rustling sound behind me, followed by his voice again.

“You can turn around now.”

Campbell stood there, wearing nothing but a pair of black boxers, his body sculpted and powerful, the muscles in his chest and arms flexing with every movement. I tried not to look, or admire, how his body seemed built, like something from my wildest dreams. He looked just like how I wrote in my novels. His gaze flickered over my face, narrowing as if he were trying to place me. Recognition sparked in his eyes, and he grinned.

“Wait, a second. You’re the girl I bumped into at the bookstore.”

My heart slammed against my ribs; my mouth was dry. It was a brief encounter, a close call with a pile of books, a quick sorry, and a brief smile. I nodded, feeling awkward.

“Yeah... that’s me.”

His grin widened.

“What was your name again?”

I felt nauseous. Of course, he didn’t remember.

“Hazel.”

His smile widened, and he clicked his finger.

“Hazel, I remember now.”

I wasn’t sure what to say next, my mind racing, but I forced myself to ask what had been nagging at me since I’d entered the room.

“So, uh... where’s Nevaeh?”

Campbell shrugged, his muscles shifting with the motion, making my stomach flip.

“I was waiting for her to get back.”

My brow furrowed.

“Nude?”

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with something dangerous and playful.

“Nevaeh loves surprises.” He said like it explained everything.

My thoughts spun. Why would Campbell be in Nevaeh’s room, alone, in his underwear? Confusion reigned; many questions remained unspoken.

“I, uh... I’m going to go now.” I said, already backing away toward the door, my nerves on edge.

Campbell winked at me. His gaze never left mine.

“Have a lovely day, Hazel.” He called after me, his tone teasing and light.

I turned and fled the room, my heart still pounding in my chest, my mind scrambling to process what had just happened.

?

I sat cross-legged on my bed, a book balanced on my lap. I’d been stuck on the same page for the past ten minutes. The hum of the campus outside settled into its usual afternoon lull. The faint sounds of distant chatter and footsteps echoed through my open window. It was so peaceful. Until the door slammed open. My book fell out of my hands as Nevaeh burst into the room like a whirlwind, her wild curls bouncing with each step. She was in a casual oversized sweater and leggings, but her makeup was done, her lips a daring red.

“Get dressed. Now. ” She said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I groaned, leaning back against my pillows and dragging my hand down my face.

“Why?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

Nevaeh rolled her eyes.

“For the party tonight! What else?”

“Pass,” I said, picking up my book and flipping it open again. “I don’t feel like it.”

But Nevaeh remained undeterred. She pushed the door shut with her foot and glanced around the room, her movements cautious, as if searching for hidden microphones or someone lurking in the shadows. I arched a brow, lowering my book. She crossed the room and perched on the edge of my bed. She leaned in.

“I need to tell you something.”

I tilted my head, my curiosity piqued despite myself.

“What?”

Nevaeh bit her lip, cheeks flushing a soft pink, before she let out a squeal that made me wince.

“I hooked up with Campbell Atwood!”

My stomach flipped, but I forced my expression into feigned shock, my eyes widening just enough to sell it.

“No way.” I said flatly.

Nevaeh frowned, her excitement faltering as she studied my face.

“That’s it? No way? ” She waved her hands for emphasis. “This is an enormous deal! Campbell is the most popular guy on campus! Being with him is like being with royalty or something!”

I shrugged, reaching for my book again to hide my unease.

“Congrats, I guess?”

Nevaeh groaned, falling back onto the bed.

“You don’t get it,” she said, staring at the ceiling. “This could change everything . Do you know how many girls would kill to be me right now?”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Instead, I focused on the book in my lap, though the words blurred together in my distraction.

“Then why do you need me to go to this party? Shouldn’t you want to be alone with him?”

Nevaeh sat up so fast I thought she might fall off the bed.

“That’s the problem!” she said, her voice rising. “He’s always with his friends. Like, all the time. It’s like a package deal or something. I need you to distract them so I can spend time with him.”

I blinked at her, dumbfounded.

“You want me to play babysitter for his friends?”

“Yes!” Nevaeh said without hesitation, her eyes wide and pleading. “Please, Hazel. You know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”

I wanted to tell her to get lost. There was no way I’d hang out with a bunch of strangers while she snuck off to a broom closet with the hockey captain. I don’t want to be in a group setting with people I know , so spending time with strangers was outrageous. Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and Maisie strolled in. She stopped in her tracks as Nevaeh shot up from the bed.

“Mace! You’re coming to the party tonight, right?”

Maisie glanced at me, her lips curling into a smirk that screamed I told you so. I groaned, slumping back against the pillows as the weight of inevitability settled over me.Maisie shrugged.

“Sure. Why not?”

Nevaeh clapped her hands together, spinning toward me with a triumphant grin.

“See? It’s settled. You’re coming.”

I let out a long, exaggerated sigh, already regretting every decision that had led to this moment.

“Fine,” I muttered, closing my book with a snap. “But I’m not talking to anyone.”

Nevaeh grinned; her victory was clear in how she danced out of the room. I watched her go, shaking my head. I had a feeling this night was going to be anything but simple.