Page 7 of Game Changer
Maya
I took my newfound freedom a tad too far tonight.
Okay, maybe a shit ton.
I’ve been sitting on the grass for what feels like an eternity because standing became too much. Everything is spinning, and closing my eyes only makes it worse. So now I’ve focused my gaze on the mailbox to try and gain a semblance of control again. Drunk people litter the yard, attempting to find their way home.
This guy Daniel hasn’t left my side, and I don’t get the vibes that he’s trying to look out for me. He’s repeatedly attempted to persuade me to let him drop me off, which I wasn’t keen on. I’m drunk as a skunk, but not drunk enough to overlook the dangerous situation I’ve put myself in. And now Ethan Davis is coming to get me, like a knight in shining armor.
God, I’ve really fucked up tonight, haven’t I?
I should have gone home with Destiny and Callie, but I foolishly thought I’d enjoy a couple more hours of partying. I’ve only known the girls for a few days, since we all just moved into the dorms, so I can’t blame them for leaving me. I hide my liquor well until I reach a certain point.
Needless to say, I passed that point a long time ago.
“It’s almost four,” Daniel says. “Come on, let me drive you. I’m sober.”
I clench the grass with my fingertips, needing something to tether me to this world before I pass the hell out. My brain is foggy and isn’t working correctly, and Daniel smells like stale beer and cheap cigarettes.
Why did I call Ethan? I broke his heart, but, if I’m being honest with myself, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him. Severing the connection between us was better than continuing things only to break his heart again when my parents found out, but with him living in the room next door? Keeping my distance is way easier said than done.
“Come on,” Daniel urges. He grabs my elbow and attempts to tug me up from the grass, making everything spin more. I place my hands on my knees and hang my head to try and get a grip when I hear another set of footsteps approach.
“I suggest you take your hands off her.” I don’t recognize the cold voice, but my world rights itself with one perfect glimpse of Ethan Davis. The man always wears a hoodie and a pair of sweatpants, which I know is because he feels self-conscious, although he has no reason to be. Sure, he’s a little huskier than men I’ve dated, but it’s something I’ve always liked about him. His hugs are warmer. His arms are stronger. And right now? Ethan looks like he’s about to tackle Daniel, like he’s playing a football game.
Daniel’s wary eyes meet mine. “Is this who you called?”
“Take. Your hands. Off her,” Ethan reiterates. I’ve never seen him like this. Who knew the soft-hearted boy could have a territorial side? And it doesn’t make sense when I’m not his to claim, but him standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, all broody and caveman? It has my hormones in a full-blownfit.
I decide for Daniel by shrugging my elbow out of his hand and taking a tentative step toward Ethan. The world tilts, but Ethan’s hands hold me steady. He runs his thumbs over my arms, and dips his head down to look at me. “Hey, you okay?”
“Yes. Everything is just”—I wave my hand in a circle as if that’ll explain it—“spinning.”
Daniel, who realizes he’s not getting lucky tonight,huffs a sigh of frustration and stalks back inside the frat house. Solo cups and random bits of trash litter the ground around us, and it only takes Ethan five seconds of contemplation before he hoists me into his arms.
My thighs wrap around his waist, and for a heartbeat, I allow myself to enjoy it and not ask questions. I hook my arms around his neck and gaze into his eyes. They remind me of the icy blue hue you’d find in a bonfire, filled with rage and simmering with something I can’t quite put my finger on.
“Christ, Maya. Do you know what could have happened to you?” He carries me to the sidewalk, avoiding the trash along the way, and my guilt replaces the moment between us.
“I wasn’t thinking,” I admit. My eyes feel heavy, fluttering shut as I fight to stay awake. “You don’t have to carry me. I can walk.”
“In those heels? Not a chance. I had to park a block away.” He tugs on one of the neon-pink stilettos for emphasis, and I suck in a breath at the feel of his calloused hands caressing my ankle.This was a bad idea.
Averybad idea.
“Thank you for coming to get me,” I whisper. “I’m sorry if I woke you up.”
“Don’t ever apologize for that. You know I’ll always be here if you need me. I’d rather you call me in the middle of the night than attempt to drive home drunk or find a way home with someone like that idiot back there.” His grasp grows tighter on my thighs, keeping a respectful distance from my ass. I almost wish he’d slide his hands up just an inch higher so he can feel the satin thong that matches my heels.
You are drunk!my subconscious snaps.A stupid, flirtatious drunk.You always have been.
Ethan’s scent surrounds me like a sensual caress. Cedarwood mixed with a hint of spice. I want to nuzzle my face into his sweatshirt and bask in this moment, and I’m so drunk that I let my forehead fall into the crook of his neck despite every warning I give myself. “You smellsogood,” I groan.
His chest rumbles with a laugh. “Andyouare very drunk.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I knowyou, and you’re a ridiculous flirt when you’ve had too much to drink. It’s the sign to look out for with you.”
