Page 19 of Devil on Skates
“You know, I’ve been meaning to ask,” Keith says as the server refills our drinks, “would you want to come to the business gala next month? My dad always reserves a table, and I’d like you to meet some of my friends.”
Yet another carefully planned step in a path laid out by our dads. It’s not about whether I want to go, but about whether I’ll play my role.
“I’ll need to check my schedule,” I say, not ready to sayyes, even though I know my dad would expect me to agree immediately.
“Of course,” Keith says smoothly. “Just let me know soon. Maybe you could wear that blue dress we saw in that shop on our way here? You’d look great in it, and it would go well with my suit.”
Ugh! As if I’d let him have a say in what I wear. It gives me chills. Being studied and sized up like some asset is weird and uncomfortable, and I suspect he’s doing exactly that. He wants me to look pretty so he can show me off to his friends. How sick is that?
“We’ll see,” I say, checking the time. “It’s getting late. I should probably head out.”
“Of course.” Keith is already waving for the check. “I need to finish a paper too.”
We walk back to his campus together, since my car is parked very close.
“I enjoyed tonight,” Keith says, his voice low as if he’s sharing a secret. “You bring a fresh perspective to everything.”
The compliment should feel nice, but with Keith, it feels like a business move dressed up as intimacy. Nothing vulnerable, just safe.
“It was nice,” I say, matching his neutral tone. “Thanks for the coffee.”
He leans in like he’s going for a kiss, but I turn my cheek, so it’s just a quick brush. His mouth presses into a thin, disappointed line for a second, but then the faintest trace of a smile slides back into place.
“I’ll text you,” he says, stepping back. “Maybe dinner before my economics lecture?”
“Maybe,” I say, not committing. “Good night.”
I walk away, feeling his eyes on me until I’m around the corner. Then I let my shoulders drop, getting rid of the perfect-woman-for-Keith-Costello act until next time.
It’s dark, so I pick up my pace, eager to get to my car.
As I pass a shadowy spot between buildings, a strange feeling crawls up my spine. I’m sure someone’s watching me, so I look around.
Someone’s there. A figure standing too still to be random.
My heart races. I speed up, suddenly uneasy in this empty part of the campus. I glance back, but he’s gone.
Relief floods me. Was there really someone in the shadows or is it just my imagination playing tricks on me after a tense night?
I glance over my shoulder again... and walk right into something warm and solid.
Strong hands grab my upper arms, steadying me before I can stumble back. I don’t need to look up to know who it is. His heat, his familiar scent, and the electricity where his hands touch my arms... My body knows before my eyes confirm it.
“Careful,” Xavier says, his voice low and filled with amusement.
I step back, breaking contact, but the warmth lingers. “Were you following me?”
In the dim light, his smile seems twisted. “Why would I do that? This is my campus.” His voice lowers. “You just ran into me because you weren’t watching where you were going.” He tilts his head, his eyes intense. “Maybe it’s fate.”
We just stand there, staring at each other, neither of us moving.
He steps closer, closing the gap I made, his lips brushing my ear. “We could go to my dorm right now. I could remind youexactly what happened that night... Every touch, every sound you made, every kiss...” His voice is barely a whisper. “Or we could stay here in the shadows where anyone could see us, including yourboyfriend.” He spits the word out like it’s the foulest thing he’s ever tasted.
A shiver runs through me, but it’s not from fear. For a moment, I’m tempted to forget everything, follow my desire, and choose passion over duty. As my gaze falls to Xavier’s lips, my body remembers that night all too well, especially because of how alive I felt and how every moment seemed mine.
His confident smile almost pulls me in, overwhelming my senses. But I press my hands against his chest and push him back.
“I have a boyfriend,” I say. “Good night, Xavier.”
