Page 5 of Before You
“Hey, Marley. Good to see you again,” Luka says, and I wave back awkwardly. God, I’m making this way more difficult than it needs to be. I’m awful around new people, never knowing the right thing to say.
“Do you guys want beers?” Trent asks, and Luka holds his up, shaking his head.
“I’m good,” Asher says, still staring at Bria like she’s the most beautiful person he’s ever seen.I’m tempted to wish him luck, because I have a feeling Bria will eat him alive.
“My eyes are up here,” she says, and Asher simply smiles at her.Or maybe not . . .
“I was reading the front of your shirt. You’re on the track team?”
I didn’t have this on my bingo card, but maybe I should have. “She is,” I confirm, and Bria throws a stormy glare in my direction.
“Ash, can you tell JJ to put some pants on so he can meet Marley?” Trent asks, and he nods, standing up from the couch.
“Sure.”
“Want to come with, Bria? I can show you my room, so you know where to find it later,” Asher says, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to how this will play out.
“Eat shit.” She scoffs, and he laughs, heading up the stairs, but my brain finally processes what Trent asked.
“Do you guys normally walk around without pants?” I ask, and Luka shakes his head.
“No, it’s just a series of running jokes we make when his door is shut because he doesn’t ever bring anyone home.”
Oh, well, okay then?
I don’t have a chance to respond—nor do I really know how to—when Trent pulls me along with him to the kitchen. I lean against the counter as he grabs a beer from the fridge, setting it on the counter. “Your roommates seem nice,” I say, relaxing a little.
“They’re going to love you, but not as much as I love you,” he says, moving to stand in front of me, confidence radiating from him. There’s hope in his brown eyes as he looks down at me.
“That’s sweet, Trent,” I say, and I don’t miss the hurt on his face because I don’t say it back, but he hides it quickly.
He told me a couple weeks ago he loved me after only three months of dating, and I couldn’t say it back. It didn’t feel right—and it still doesn’t—but I’d sound insane if I explained why.
I lean up, looping a hand behind his neck to pull his mouth to mine. Trent’s eager to respond, teasing his tongue over my bottom lip to deepen the kiss, but I pull away at the sound of someone coming down the stairs.
“Later,” I promise as more chatter comes from the living room.
He steals one more brief kiss, snagging his beer from the counter to head toward the living room. “Is he finally done shooting his load?” Trent asks, and I guess it is a little funny if everyone else is laughing.
“Sure,” a deep voice responds, sounding unamused.Why does that voice sound familiar?
Trent distracts me by wrapping his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into him. “Finally. This is Marley Benson, my girlfriend,” Trent says, pressing another kiss to my cheek. He’s awfully affectionate today.
I giggle, pushing him off me because the last thing I need all of them thinking is they’re going to see PDA all over their house if I’m here. “Trent, come on.” I smile, turning to face the final roommate.
Oh my god. I’d recognize him anywhere.
My smile wavers, and I will it to stay in place as he stands immediately, looking at me the same way he did when we met the first time.
Fuck, somehow he looks better than I remembered.His roguishly handsome features are now . . .devastating. JJ’s very presence threatens to shatter my common sense telling me why I can’t run straight into his strong arms. His midnight hair is messy, and his eyes are the color of spring, but those lips . . . I remember vividly what it feels like to be kissed by them.
Based on his expression, I’d say he definitely remembers me.
I think someone says something, but I can’t look away. I’m trying to process him being here. JJ’s really here, and he’s walking toward me.
How is he here?
“Nothing,” JJ says, wiping his palms on his shorts. “It’s nice to meet you, Marley.” He extends his hand to mine, and when I slide my hand into his, I feel like I can breathe for the first time in years. Meeting JJ in France two years ago felt like lightningbeing injected directly into my veins, and I’ve been chasing it ever since.
