Page 7 of Choosing You

“That’d be great,” Ryan says. “Thanks!”

I scowl at him once again. He smiles back.

With the three of us carrying stuff, it only takes a couple more trips to get everything inside.

“Okay, well, thanks for the help,” I say to Garret, praying that Ryan will finally let the guy leave.

“Sure. If you need anything else, just come upstairs. My room is about halfway down the hall.”

Once he’s gone I slam the door shut. “What the hell was that about?” I whisper-scream to Ryan.

“I was helping you make friends. He seemed okay, didn’t he?”

“I didn’t notice. It’s late. I’m super tired. And look at me!” I pull on my tank top. “I’ve been stuck in these sweaty clothes all day. I stink. And you thought now was a good time to introduce me to people?”

“That guy didn’t care. And it’s like 100 degrees outside. Everyone is sweating.”

“I need to shower and go to bed.” I dump one of the garbage bags out on the floor and begin searching for pajamas.

“I guess I’ll head to the motel. I should call Chloe and check on Dad. I’ll come by around 8 and we’ll go to breakfast.”

“And then you’re leaving?” My voice sounds sad and a little desperate. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way. The last thing I need is for Ryan to think I can’t handle being alone.

“I’m sorry I can’t stay, but I have to start heading back. It’s a long drive and I need to get home to take care of Dad.”

“I know. I was just giving you a hard time. Go call your girlfriend. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He leaves and the sick feeling gnaws at my stomach again. A shower will help. Once I’m clean and get some sleep I’m sure I’ll feel better.

I dig through a box for my shower supplies, then grab my pajama shorts and a t-shirt and head to the communal bathroom. I thought it was bad having to share a bathroom with Frank and Ryan, but this is way worse. There’s no privacy at all. And I’m all about privacy. Luckily nobody’s in there.

Halfway through my shower, I hear some girls come into the bathroom. Living on a floor full of girls will take some adjustment. I’ve never had many female friends and the ones I did have I only saw when I was at school. There was no way I would invite anyone over to my house with my mom there.

“Did you see Garret?” one of the girls says. “He was just on our floor. God, he looks even hotter than when I saw him in Cabo. I told you I saw him there, right?”

“Did you two hook up?” another girl asks.

“No. He said he was dating some girl he met during his internship in DC.”

“Are they still going out?” the other girl asks.

“How should I know? I ran into him like 5 minutes ago. Why don’t you ask him tonight? I’m sure he’ll be at the party.”

I wait for them to leave, then hurry back to my room. I grab my comforter and wrap myself in it like a sleeping bag. I’m too tired to make the bed and the comforter reminds me of home.

As soon as I’m situated, I hear a knock on the door. “Jade? Are you in there?”

What the hell? Who could possibly be knocking on my door? I don’t know anyone here. I ignore it, but the knocking continues.

“Jade? It’s Garret.”

What does he want? I’ve been here less than two hours and already have some crazy guy stalking me? Those girls in the bathroom were looking for him. He should go bother them instead. I get up to answer the door, my hair sopping wet, the comforter still wrapped around me.

I open the door just a little. “Hi, Garret. What do you need?”

He looks surprised. “I didn’t know you were sleeping. It’s kind of early, isn’t it?”

“It’s 10. It’s not that early. And I’m tired from the drive.” I’m staring at him again. I can’t stop myself. He has on a white t-shirt and dark jeans, my favorite combo. His skin has a golden tan and his eyes are this really cool shade of aqua blue. He has a strong jawline that’s covered in a light layer of stubble. His dark brown hair is short on the sides but longer on top, spiked up a little in front. His body is lean and muscular, like he might be an athlete. And he smells good. Really good.

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