Page 18 of Drew
My mouth flies open, and all my air leaves with it. A huff escapes as my palms hit the table in front of me. He didn’t just say that. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? How am I a distraction?”
“Oh, Angel…” He laughs. “You’re adorable when you get worked up.” He rolls his eyes. “Calm down. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
He called me Angel. I’m about to correct him, but the way he said it with the quirk of his perfect lips and the pop of his delicious dimple, makes me think twice. I’ll let it slide for now. But if it gets out of hand, I’ll squash that train of thought like a menacing mosquito.
The waitress delivers our food. Drew picks up his fork and inhales half of his plate, leaving me to ponder why I’m suddenly okay with his endearment. When I realize he has dropped the subject, I dig into my cashew nut chicken. Damn, this tastes delicious. It’s not long before I hear Drew clear his throat and wipe his mouth with a napkin.
“Now that we’refriends, can I ask if you’re coming to Monday night’s game?”
Shit. I wasn’t planning on it. Is it rude to say no? Sydney’s going to the game. I’m sure she’d love the company, but can I afford the break from studying?
Clearly, he reads this on my face because before I can say anything, he blurts out, “How can you miss the game? We’re playing the Spartans, and it’s bound to be just as good as last night’s.”
Christ. Last night had me on pins and needles, dying to know what would happen next. I loved every moment, but my heart beat a thousand miles a minute. “I’m not sure I can handle the excitement,” I admit sarcastically. Sydney screamed her ass off, and I was right there with her.
Drew’s mouth turns up at the corners, and his perfectly chiseled chin juts out to the side. “Oh, come on,” he practically pleads. “You know you had fun.”
Yes. I did. But there’s no way I’m admitting he was a big part in my entertainment for the evening.
Damn.
Just thinking of his corded forearms, his bulging biceps, and the way he filled out his CRU uniform perfectly has me squirming in my seat.
Who knew I was into arm porn?
Geesh. Get it together, Abby.
When his dark-blue eyes penetrate my train of thought, I realize he’s waiting for an answer from me. To distract myself, I reveal my regularly scheduled plans for Monday nights. “I’d planned on studying.”
“Oh. Come on, Angel.” His deep voice turns gravelly, making my belly flip. Holy shit… I’d do just about anything if he keeps talking like that. I brace myself for what’s coming, hoping what he asks is at least legal. Because at this point, if he asked me to commit a felony, I’d go to jail with a smile on my face.
Before I have a chance to respond, Drew’s phone must’ve vibrated in his pocket because suddenly, he pulls it out as he keeps his lazy smile on me, making my heart race. He greets the caller with a friendly, “Hello.”
He’s silent for a moment then in an apprehensive tone validates who he is. “Speaking.”
His eyes bore into mine, so I clearly witness his expression instantly morph from carefree and relaxed to rigid and… holy fuck, frightened. Clearly the person on the other line isn’t delivering good news.
A chill runs up my spine as pain radiates through Drew’s features. He immediately bolts from his chair and stands as he states barely above a whisper, “Yes, they are.”
Drew’s silent and his complexion pales. His bottom lip trembles, and he bites on his lip, trying to regain control. His free hand that dangles, fists then releases several times as he listens. Finally, after what seems like forever, I release the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding as he speaks once again. “No…” he says in a whispered cry, sending me immediately to my feet. His cracking voice alone has my heart breaking for the news that’s being delivered, as he continues, “I… I… No, I can’t.”
Whatever is being said on the other end of the line has Drew on the verge of breaking and me on full alert.
He wobbles in front of me. Taking his hand, I guide him back to the chair across from me because I’m afraid he’ll fall over at any moment.
I don’t give a fuck if we’re causing a scene. The message he’s receiving is clearly fucking with his mind, and he needs help. When my hand reaches his, his eyes lock on mine once again. Instead of the cocky playfulness I’ve come to expect, he has the most grief-stricken expression I’ve ever seen.
“Please,” he begs, and I’m not sure if it’s to me or to the person on the phone, but instinctually, I step closer and place my free hand on his bicep to guide him into a sitting position.
“Do whatever it takes.” Drew is nearly breathless, and my gut clenches. “They’re all I’ve got. Shit…” He’s silent as he places an elbow on the table and drags a hand almost painfully through his hair. He stares at a spot on the table and shakes his head, as if he’s in denial before his breath hitches, and he practically begs, “I can’t lose them.”
Holy fuck. What’s going on? He repeats practically to himself, “I can’t lose them,” until I realize the person on the other end of the phone is raising their voice to get his attention.
Through the phone, I hear, “Drew… Drew… Are you all right? Can you hear me, Drew? Please respond.”
In a state of shock, Drew simply continues to stare at the table and mutter. My heart aches for him, and I fear the news I will encounter as I reach for the phone in his hand. He can easily overpower me and keep his phone with ease, but when he feels me gently tug it, it’s released instantly.
With as much strength as I can muster, I take control of this situation. “Hello. This is Abby Angelos. I’m a friend of Drew.”
