Page 60 of Running Winter

Part of me felt a little sad that this would be where my cousin and best friend would end up spending his college years without me.

"Jeez. If I moved here, I would stay single forever. Are those dancers?" I exhaled, nodding at a group of girls doing stretches on the lawn near us.

They were mesmerizing to watch, but Chase barely looked over as he scanned the area.

"I'm going to head in and do the tour," Chase said, jutting his thumb towards the large building in front of us. "You coming?"

I was almost too busy watching a fiery redhead do the splits to respond, but I shook my head.

"Nah, man, enjoy that. I'll be...around."

Chase snorted with laughter before heading off.

I made my way over to a coffee shop with its doors thrown open and a fuck load of pretty girls hanging around it.

Suits me.

I strolled to the counter, paying particular attention to the cakes on display. Then, my stomach rumbled, and I decided to pig out.

"Hi, welcome to UCLA. What can I get you?"

The perky voice that interrupted me belonged to a stunning blonde girl with turquoise eyes and a killer smile. Her friendly yet professional persona slightly dropped when I fixed her with my gaze.

"I'll get the Gooey Slice of Heaven.” I laughed as I read the handwritten card propped against the chosen cake. "With a black coffee. Please."

She was cute, and her name tag told me her name was Sydney.

"Sydney," I added and she blushed. As she moved forward to pick my cake, I noticed the fabric of her t-shirt slip up and reveal a tattoo on her forearm.

"Any cream or milk?"

I was gazing at her arm now, and she noticed, following my gaze. It was a full-color tattoo, and to my surprise, it wasn't your usual pink girly shit. It was a myriad of grey and black tones, and I was pretty sure I could see the jaw of a skull.

"No, thanks. Can I see your ink?" I asked, glancing behind me to check no one was waiting to be served. Sydney placed the coffee down before me, and I clocked the ring on her finger.

Surely not.

"My sleeve doesn't move up far enough, sorry," she explained, waving her hand at her arm. Her lips were full as fuck, and now I was wondering how I was going to convince her to show me that tattoo.

"Shame. I'd love to see it," I murmured, leaning forward on the counter. "I'm new here, and I'm looking for a party tonight. Could you direct me anywhere?"

Sydney frowned thoughtfully, checking there was no one waiting as she did. She pulled out her phone, sliding her fingers across it swiftly before handing it to me.

"Put your number in there, and I'll let you know if any come to mind."

Oh, she was like that?

I spied her ring again pointedly, and she raised an eyebrow.

"You with someone, Sydney?" I asked, enjoying the electricity between us.

"Nope. This is to detract the sleazeballs that try to get me into bed after meeting me for five minutes."

"Bastards," I said in mock disgust before handing her phone back, complete with my number. "If you can't think of any parties, though, maybe we could have our own?"

She bit her lip then, and I knew I was in there.

I winked at her before grabbing the cake and coffee and making my way back out into the sunshine.

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