Page 64 of Hate to Love You

Chapter Twenty-Two

Natalie

“Look who I found on our doorstep,” Mom says. A huge smile lights up her face as she makes a ta-da gesture with her hands.

My gaze moves to the guy standing behind her. Dwarfing her, actually. Mom must be at least a foot shorter than Brody. It makes me realize just how tall and broad he is. At twenty-three, he’s a man who has grown into his body. There’s nothing boyish about him. A tingle of awareness zips through me. That never used to happen when I saw him before we began fake-dating. Normally all I feel is annoyance.

The forkful of pancake I was in the process of hoisting to my mouth stalls in midair as I meet Brody’s eyes from across the room. His hair is freshly washed and is pushed away from his face. The ends curl slightly above the collar of his sweatshirt.

It doesn’t escape me that guys with long hair have never been my type.

Apparently, that’s changed.

Crap.

Crap.

Crap.

The last thing I want is to find myself attracted to Brody. That would be disastrous. Falling for a manwhore never ends well for any girl. I’m no exception to the rule.

In the cold light of day, I’m angry at myself for allowing this to happen. I’m smarter than this. I went through a similar situation last year with Reed. I don’t want to stereotype, but I know what these guys are like. I’ve been witness to it for three years running. A countless number of girls have cried on my shoulder about Wildcats hockey players who lured them into bed (snort—more like they dove in there headfirst, but whatever) and then dumped them the moment they zipped up their khakis.

The good old pump and dump.

I have to remind myself that what Brody and I have is nothing more than a pretend relationship. There’s nothing meaningful going on between us. There are absolutely no feelings involved.

See? Now I feel better. More in control.

The fork drops back to my plate with a clink as I frown. “What are you doing here?”

My reaction doesn’t seem to faze him in the least. In fact, he beams a smile my way. “I thought you might need a ride back to campus.”

“That is so considerate of you, Brody,” Mom says. “Have you eaten breakfast already? I have a few extra pancakes and some bacon if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks, that would be awesome. I had an early practice this morning. Other than a protein bar, I didn’t have a chance to eat.”

My voice fills with irritation. “Don’t you and your dad normally have brunch after practice?”

Mom grabs a dish from the cupboard and stacks three fluffy pancakes with a side of bacon onto a ceramic plate before setting it down in front of him.

“He had a meeting, so we skipped it.” His eyes dance with ill-disguised humor. “I thought I’d stop over and see what you were up to.” He bats his eyelashes and coos, “Plus, I missed my Pooh bear.”

I nearly choke at the endearment. “Maybe you should have called first.”

“Would you have answered?” he fires back in a singsong voice.

I grind my back teeth, saying nothing because we both know I would have gone into avoidance mode after what happened Friday night. Damn him for showing up out of the blue and forcing my hand. I spent all Saturday thinking about it and my physical reaction to Brody still mystifies me. If he hadn’t put the brakes on our makeout session, I don’t think I would have. Considering that I don’t even like the guy, it’s a real kick in the pants.

A superior expression settles across his face. “Hence me showing up unannounced on your doorstep.”

“Syrup is already on the table,” Mom cuts in, sounding shrill. Her eyes pinball between us as if she doesn’t know what to make of our interaction. “How about some orange juice?”

I wilt in relief when Brody drags his eyes from me to Mom. “Thanks, Mrs. D. I’d love some.”

“We’re happy you could join us.” Mom’s questioning gaze darts in my direction as she arches her brows. “Wasn’t it thoughtful of Brody to come by and pick you up?” The silent message written across her face is clear.

Be nice, Natalie Marie!

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