Page 28 of Hooves & HeartStrings

My mind drifts back to the tour earlier. The tension was unbearable. I had felt his presence before I saw him, a familiar, electrifying sensation that sent my heart racing. And then there he was, standing with that confident, almost arrogant stance, his eyes locking onto mine as if daring me to look away.

I wanted to cry, to slap him for leaving me, but I also wanted to throw myself into his arms, to feel his touch again. The conflicting emotions were overwhelming.

I hear a key jiggling in the door, pulling me out of my thoughts. It's probably Stacy with the wine. I push myself off the bed and watch as the door opens and sure enough, there's Stacy, holding up a bottle of wine with a triumphant grin.

"Let's get this party started," she says, pushing past me into the room. "We've got a lot to talk about. Also, I just saw the hottest guy I’ve ever seen carrying stuff into Beechwood Hall. He had fucking tentacles and I swear he better be single.”

I wonder if it was Brooks? Just what I need, my bestie lusting after Luci’s friends forcing us to be together even more.

I close the door and follow her, feeling a bit more hopeful. Maybe a night of venting and planning with Stacy is just what I need.

She pours the wine and settles onto my bed. "Okay, spill everything," Stacy demands, taking a sip of her wine. "Leave no detail out."

I take a deep breath and start from the beginning, recounting every moment of the tour, every interaction with Lucius, and every new person I met. Stacy listens intently, her expressions shifting from shock to amusement to sympathy.

By the time I finish, the wine bottle is nearly empty, and I feel a little lighter.

“And I’m sorry, bitch, but you’re going to have to introduce me to this Brooks guy. I need to know if he’s single and ready to mingle.” She wags her brows at me.

I smack her with a pillow, laughing at how ridiculous she is.

“But for real.” Stacy gives me a knowing look. "You know, Mar, maybe this is a chance for a fresh start. For both of you."

I nod, considering her words. Maybe she's right. Maybe this is an opportunity to mend what was broken. Or maybe it's just another chance for my heart to be shattered. Only time will tell.

fifteen

“Dude.” Hayes chuckles next to me. “You are totally whipped for this girl.”

“What?” I say mindlessly, not really paying attention to what he’s saying because I’m too focused on trying to find Marley. I can’t help it. Every time we left the dorms this weekend, I found myself searching the crowd for even just a glimpse of her blonde hair, her pouty lips, and her curvy hips. It’s starting to feel like I’m an addict and she’s the hit I've been craving.

“Oh, look, there’s Marley,” Hayes says.

“Where?” My head whips around so fast that I almost give myself whiplash.

“Point proven.” He laughs.

I shoot him a dirty look. “Where the fuck is she?” I growl before searching the crowd again, getting frustrated because I can’t find her. The only time I don’t like her shortness: makes it hard to spot her.

“Relax,” he says amused. “She’s over there.” He points near a fountain in the middle of the courtyard in front of the Fraser building.

When my eyes land on her, something inside me both settles and loses control. My heart skips just a little bit and my palms grow sweaty. Fuck, I am whipped for this girl. And I don’t even care.

My stomach does this weird swooping thing when she smiles, tossing her head back with a laugh as she talks to a girl. Not just a girl, but one of her friends. I remember her from the summer. Stacy, that's it. Her best friend.

Before I know it, my hooves have me moving in her direction.

“Marley.”

She turns my way and my heart fucking hurts as her smile falls from her face. She blinks a few times, licking her lips before speaking.

“Lucius.” That’s not how my name should sound coming from her. Clipped and cold. I hate it.

“How was your weekend?” I shove my hands into my jeans pocket, my full attention on her but I can see Stacy watching, her eyes darting from me to Marley.

“It was good. Got settled into our dorm and then we went out for a few drinks at the bar. Met up with friends.”

My spine goes stiff. “You did?” My jaw grinds, at the thought of another man there possibly dancing with her. This is a college, with horny frat bros.

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