Page 134 of Falling

She feigns innocence. “Am I? I thought I was your fake girlfriend.”

I grip her chin, tilting her face up to mine. “Baby, this stopped being fake a long time ago.”

Her mouth parts, but before she can leave me a snarky comment, I press my lips to hers, ready to prove to her over and over that I can be exactly the kind of man that deserves her. If I have to worship her on my knees every day, I’ll gladly do it.

Hours later,I step out of my truck with Kennedy, Scarlett, and Wren all unbuckling their seatbelts. We’re only allowed to bring one plus one to these events, but Wren thought it would be better if we each took one of her girls as our “dates” since she wanted them both there. It’s not a problem for me. The only thing I don’t like is how much Scarlett and Kennedy bully me.

Wren says it’s because they like me, but I don’t see how that makes any sense. I thought after they helped me get to see Wren when she was going through a hard time that they’d warmed up to me, but they haven’t.

I open the back door to let the girls out of the car, holding my hand out for Kennedy. “Wow, you’re such a gentleman,” she coos as she slips out of the car.

“I try to be,” I say coyly.

Scarlett rolls her eyes, and when I hold out my hand to her, she grabs it with unnecessary force. “Only when he’s not fucking Wren’s brains out and ruining my meal.”

“That was one time,” I mutter, narrowing my eyes at her.

“One time too many,” she bites back.

“Does Wren know you’re such an asshole to me?”

“Yes,” she says, stepping out of the car, “and she encourages it.”

I roll my eyes and step away from her. I sometimes think that Scarlett is insane enough to either cast a spell on me or get her family to ruin my life. I know she’s just protective, and it’s sweet that Wren has friends who have her back like this.

Wren rounds the car, meeting us on the other side, and she slips her arm around mine. “You look good,” she murmurs as we make our way to the building that’s holding the event.

“You’ve said that already,” I reply, pressing a kiss to her hair.

“I know, and I actually mean it.”

“Actually? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kennedy turns around, laughing at me. “It means that she was lying all the other times.”

“Is that true?” I ask Wren, who’s trying her absolute hardest not to laugh.

She shrugs. “This tux is hot. You should wear one more often.”

I scoff. “I’m not Evan. I don’t wear a tie unless I actually have to.”

That catches Scarlett’s attention as we push open the thick wooden doors to one of the oldest buildings on campus. “What’s up with that? Does he think he’s going to get photographed every time he leaves his house?”

“Probably,” I say. I don’t think I’ve seen my housemate wear anything but a suit. It’s weird.

“What a loser,” Scarlett mumbles, and we all follow her into the building.

Holy fuck.

I don’t think I’ve ever walked into this building before. The foyer is made with rich, dark wood paneling and historical portraits of past university luminaries. Crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The air is filled with a mix of excitement and formality as students mill around wearing their Sunday best.

We walk down a wide corridor lined with crimson carpets, our footsteps muffled by the plush fabric. The walls are decorated with old photographs and trophies, showcasing the university’s rich sporting history.

At the end of the corridor, we enter the main hall, which has been transformed into an Oscar-like setting. Rows of elegant, upholstered chairs are arranged before a grand stage, draped with deep-blue velvet curtains. Spotlights highlight a podium at the center, flanked by large screens that display the event's logo.

The tables are set with fine china and sparkling glassware, centerpieces of fresh flowers adding splashes of color. Waitstaff in crisp uniforms move efficiently, placing hors d'oeuvres and drinks before the guests. A live band plays softly in the background, adding to the sophisticated ambiance.

“Wow,” Wren exclaims beside me. “They really went all out.”

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