Page 33 of Game Changer
EthanFuck me. Why? Just why?
CameronI might after seeing you all dolled up <3
~
On the night of Maya’s birthday, which also happens to fall on Halloween, the dormitories are buzzing with excitement. Halloween is the one holiday a year that has almost everyone getting dressed up and joining in on some party or other festivity on campus. I’m not a fan of Halloween because I absolutely hate dressing up, but this year Leo didn’t give me a chance to decline when he slapped a cowboy hat on my head. It’s the shittiest costume of all time, but Happy Endings is throwing a party that requires one for admission, and since Leo isn’t letting me stay inside tonight, I’ll suck it up for a few hours to make him happy before I come back to the comfort of my bed.
But first, I have a gift to deliver.
I rap my knuckles against Maya’s door, a bag with pink tissue paper clutched tightly in one hand. I’m trying to catch her before she leaves, and since it’s only eight, I assume she’s still getting ready.
The door swings open, and my world stands still.
Maya is an angel.
Literally.
But she’s not an angel I’d find in heaven. The way that tight miniskirt is hugging her curves is downright sinful. She’s temptation wrapped in a white corset that pushes her breasts up, and a pair of white wings are splayed behind her back.
“Jesus.”
It’s ironic sinceJesusdoesn’t seem to be in the room with us at all, but it’s the only thing I can think of to say.
“That good, huh?” She spins to give me the full view, and my mouth dries out at the sight of a white thong peeking out of the top of her skirt. Long, sleek hair falls to the middle of her spine, and her makeup is done just like her outfit—light but radiant. Her skin is glowing almost as brightly as her smile.
Whatever rope that’s been holding me back from her is fraying second by second, and it takeseverythingin me not to push her onto her bed and have my way with her. I’m so tired of running from this attraction to her. Tired of trying to convince myself my infatuation will pass.
She’s it for me.
Always has been, always will be.
“I have a gift for you,” I say, holding the bag out to her. “Happy birthday, Maya.”
Pink tinges her cheeks and she holds the door open wider for me to enter. She takes the bag and sits on her bed, fumbling with the tissue paper until she sees what’s inside. I hold my breath, scared she’ll take the gift the wrong way after our conversation a few weeks ago, but the same breathwhooshes out of my lungs when she releases a choked sob andsmiles.
The box encasing the latest hairstyling tool sits in her trembling hands. “Ethan . . .”
“Is it the one you wanted?”
“Yes, but—” She shakes her head in disbelief. “How did you remember that?”
I remember everything you say, is what I want to reply, but I refrain from doing so and shift my weight from one foot to the other. “It was all you could talk about for a month when it first came out. You were saying you wanted to try it on Maddie’s hair, and now with you starting up this side business at school . . .” I shrug as if it isn’t a big deal. “You should have it.”
“I can’t accept this.” A sheen coats her eyes when they lift to mine. “It’s too expensive, Ethan.”
My lips tilt into a grin. “Consider it an investment. I believe in you, Maya. If no one else does, just know that I do.” I swallow thickly and add, “I always will.”
A tear slips onto her cheek before she curses and swipes it away. “You know, you’re the first person who makes me think I really can succeed at the salon thing. I mean, Maddie is supportive, don’t get me wrong, but you’ve always made me believe in myself in a way that no one else can. Not even my ownparents, and I—” She inhales deeply. “I’m so sorry it took me so long to realize it.”
My brows lift. “What does that mean?”
“It means—” Knocks interrupt us, and I want to tell whoever is on the other side to fuck off, but it’s her dorm room, not mine.
Maya opens the door, only to be bombarded by a set of thick, bouncy blond curls. “SURPRISE!” Mysistergrips her with a force that nearly knocks her over, and Maya squeals before she reciprocates the gesture.
“Oh my god, what are you doing here?”
“I wouldn’t miss your birthday for the world. Are you kidding? And, boy, do I know you well. I’m glad I came prepared.” She gestures to her nurse outfit, which makes me nauseated. She shouldn’t be wearingthatif she’s going to party with Maya alone, and—
