Page 11 of One of Them Girls

“Are you sure? What about Jack?”

“He will find a different ride home. If not, I can always come back and grab him.”

“If you’re sure, I would appreciate it.”

Xavier stands, taking his phone out of his pocket. I check my pockets, making sure I have everything I need. I shoot off a text to Mara, letting her know I’m leaving.

“There, I texted him and told him I was heading out. You ready?”

“Yeah.” I smile.

Xavier rests his hand on my lower back, walking me out. Once outside, the cool air makes me shiver.

“You cold?” he rasps, leading me toward an old truck.

“No, I just didn’t realize how hot I was until we got out here.”

He opens the passenger door for me, letting me jump in before shutting it. I watch as he rounds the hood of the truck, sliding in. The truck starts off with a rumble as we buckle our seat belts.

“So, this isn’t what I pictured you driving,” I say as he pulls out of the parking lot, heading toward campus.

“No?” He smiles. “What did you think I would drive?”

“I don’t know, a BMW,” I say, making him laugh.

“Nah, I don’t own a BMW. I have a Maserati, this is Jack’s truck.”

“That makes more sense.” I nod.

Before I know it we’re pulling up in front of my door.

“Well, thank you for dropping me off,” I say as I unbuckle my seat belt.

“It’s no problem,” Xavier says, undoing his belt.

“What are you doing?” I frown.

“Just stay there.” He jumps out of the truck, running around the hood, and opens my door for me.

Has a guy ever opened my door for me not once but twice in one night? I mean you would think so seeing as I live in Texas, but those ways seem to have died out with my generation.

“Thank you,” I mumble, getting out.

“You’re welcome.”

I lean up, brushing my lips against his cheek. His stubble grazing my lips. “Have a good night.”

“You too.”

I walk around him, heading toward my building. Peeking over my shoulder, I see him standing there leaning against the hood of the truck, watching me.

Walking backward, I yell, “What are you doing?”

“Making sure you get inside the building okay!” he hollers back, making me smile.

I turn, walking up the steps. Gripping the door handle, I yell back, “’Night!”

“’Night.”

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