Page 119 of Study Buddies

“It's a set three-course meal,” Kyle said when I asked about it. “If you don’t like it, we can ask for something else, but the food here is very good.”

The foodhere. I still didn’t know where here was, or why it was, or who sponsored or funded it or anything like that—but that didn’t stop me from being glad Kyle had brought me here as his date.

A waiter showed up, a young man who looked like a college student. Like the others, he had on a white button-down shirt, black pants, and one of those thick cloth belt things—maybe it was called a cummerbund? He filled our water glasses and refreshed our champagne without a word, and then he was gone.

Kyle picked up his flute and raised it to mine. “To a wonderful evening,” he said.

“It’s off to a pretty amazing start,” I said after tapping my glass against his.

“It is.” His eyes swept over my dress, and I couldn’t help thinking of that very erotic way he’d pulled the neckline of my dress away from me earlier. Cool night air had washed over my breasts, and my nipples instantly hardened. All it would’ve takenwas one quick glance, and he would’ve seen my almost bare chest—but he hadn’t looked. Not even once.

My thighs clenched just thinking about it. It had been such a sexually charged moment. And I doubted it would be the only one.

“So how do you know Forsythe?” Kyle asked.

“Who?” My mind was still in the gutter

“Grant Forsythe.”

“Through Hailey. They’re roommates.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. I stayed at their place for a week or two after I escaped from Todd’s house.”

Kyle surveyed me, his eyes raised. “Is there anyone on campus you haven’t stayed with recently?”

I laughed. “Very few people. Staying with Hailey was great, but a little crowded. It’s not just them—there are two other guys who live there as well.” I lowered my voice conspiratorially. “In fact, until I saw her and Grant tonight, I wasn’t sure which one of them she was dating. I thought it might be Ian, but it’s Grant.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well, they’re here, and all dressed up, and they look so good together.”

“But you’ve said she has three male roommates.”

“Yes. It’s kind of like our house.” I laughed.

“I suspect it’s not quite the same,” Kyle said, with a hint of a grin. “But hey, good for her.”

I took another sip of champagne and giggled. “She probably needs a stepladder to kiss him.”

“I’m sure they manage.”

A waiter arrived with the first course, which consisted of basket of warm rolls that smelled delicious, and a small ramekin of baked brie to share. It was topped with honey and almonds. It was soft and melty when I spread it on the bread.

Kyle kept watching me as I ate, which made me a little self-conscious. “What?” I finally asked.

“I like seeing you enjoy yourself.”

“I’m enjoying the brie,” I said. But then I smiled. “And the company.”

“Good. I?—”

He was interrupted by the arrival of two guys in matching three-piece suits. After I blinked rapidly, I saw that the guys were matching, too. Twins.

Kyle introduced them. “This is Robert, he plays first. And that’s Paul, he plays third.” Before he could introduce me, he frowned at his teammates, who just grinned back at him. “Actually, maybe that one’s Paul and this one’s Robert. Either way, this is Tori.”

The twin nearest me shook my hand. “Nice to meet you, Tori.” His gaze was on my cleavage.

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