Page 20 of Pump Fake

How many entrees did she order?I returned to my seat after hanging my dress in my closet. I could have draped it over the futon, but the excuse gave me a chance to get control of my emotions. I couldn’t deny how much I wanted him, though I knew he was bad for me in so many ways. And I didn’t even like him. That should be at the top of the list. Wait, no. The issue related to my worst student was at the top. I needed to get my priorities straight.

“You’re positive we don’t know each other?”

I moved the food around with my fork, confused by how Ares scrutinized Mallory.He looks wary or… I don’t know.Something didn’t add up.

“Trust me, I would remember if we’d met.” Mal pouted, her golden-brown eyes teasing as she remarked, “But sadly, we haven’t.”

“Maybe you met him at a party with Brett?” I suggested.

“Who’s Brett?” Ares opened the extra food order.

“Brett Anderson. My boyfriend. He plays baseball here.”

Ares’s expression eased with what looked like relief.

Had he thought…? Oh—does he not know who the redhead was in the sex video?I took in Mal’s long, wavy red hair. She didn’t look enough like the girl in the video. Then again, I hadn’t been focusing on her. It wasn’t Mal, though, because she didn’t cheat.

“Is this his food, then?” Ares’s fork paused halfway to his mouth.

“No.” Mal waved away his concern. “I got an extra order because I was starving. I usually don’t eat it, but if Brett comes by, he will. It’s not earmarked for anyone in particular.”

Ares shrugged. “Okay, thanks.”

Mal and Ares chatted about people they both knew, and I silently picked at my food, my appetite gone. When he reached for his water, his arm brushed mine. I couldn’t think straight as a flashback from our night together exploded in my mind.Neither of us wants a repeat of that, right?I snuck a glance at himbeneath my lashes. There was no way. He mostly thought I was a bitch, and I thought he was a self-serving manwhore.Or do I?It was confusing. His knee brushed against mine, and a jolt of heat followed in its wake.

“How did you find where I lived?” My question came out of nowhere, but it was a concern.

“I know the RA on your floor. I assumed you lived in one of these buildings and asked.”

“You know Jillian?” What I wanted to know was if he had dated her and if she would cause problems for me since he’d asked about me.

“Her brother’s on the football team. I don’t know her well, but I ran into her after practice and took a chance.” He’d finished his food and leaned back in his chair, stretching his arm along the back of mine.

“Well, that paid off,” Mal said.

She faked a yawn, and I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Wow, I didn’t know it was getting so late.” She packed up her empty food containers and dumped them in the trash. “I need to study for a test. Nice meeting you, Ares.” At her door, Mal turned and widened her eyes. She mouthed, “Relax. And do him.”

I pressed my lips together to stop from laughing, and as Ares turned to follow my gaze, she whirled, disappearing behind her bedroom door.

I faked a yawn, having no intention of listening to Mal’s advice. “I’m pretty tired. I’m sure you have to get up early tomorrow anyway.” I stood, hoping he would do the same and leave.

Except he lightly grasped my wrist. “You’re not really tired, are you, Brie? Come get some frozen yogurt with me.”

I shivered at his touch and the positively wicked grin that held me immobile. “I?—”

“We got along well the other night, and I want to see you again. Will you go out for dessert with me?”

Huh.I studied him for a few seconds before nodding.What could be the harm in dessert?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ARES

The dessert I had in mind was Brielle, but I threaded our fingers together and took her out for frozen yogurt rather than back to my place. That came later—after her chocolate yogurt dripped onto her shirt—with no help from me.

“I’m sensing a theme here.” I laughed as I traced one of the splotches of chocolate on her chest.

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