Page 49 of Collide
The attention Aiden gets on campus is staggering. But the attention he gets in off-campus bars is ridiculous. I hadn’t even taken three steps from where we sat when a girl from the overeager table approached him. So what if I wanted a taste of what it’s like to be the one with all eyes on them?
“Crawford couldn’t convince you to stay away from me?” I crane my neck to look up at Kayce. When I said he was tall, it was the understatement of the century. Kayce Howard is six-foot-six inches of pureman. It’s kind of jarring seeing him this up close. The epitome of tall, dark and handsome.
“I’ve never been one to do as I’m told,” I say.
His eyes spark. “Then lead the way and I’ll follow.”
I laugh despite knowing we aren't going anywhere. Aiden is worried about something, and I don’t want to ruin his night by stressing him out.
“Does your offer still stand?” I point to the pool cue, and his answering smirk is heavenly. When Kayce leans close, his woody scent sends a sharp thrill down my back.
“I’ll teach you anything you want, Sunshine,” he drawls.
“Don’t call her that.”
Aiden’s rough voice assaults my back like a flame. Kayce’s eyes focus above my head and his mouth sets in a tight line. Instead of responding, he heads over to the cues to pick mine out.
With a dramatic pivot, I face Aiden. “Is this a part of your shitty wingman approach?”
“Sunshine?” he repeats, annoyed.
I probably should have corrected Kayce. But I mean, what’s the point? Telling a guy I just met about my fucked up relationship with my dad probably isn’t the best opener.
When I shrug, he releases a sardonic breath. “I’m just here to play pool.”
“I’m sure you are. Go assert your caveman tendencies elsewhere.”
Aiden leans against the pool table, arms crossed and biceps popping under his white T-shirt. “Only thing I’m asserting is my free will. How about we play a round? Me and Bethany versus you and Kayce.”
Kayce’s deep laugh sounds beside me. “Kicking your ass in pool? I’m game.”
“I love pool!” A drunk Bethany sticks to Aiden, and his hand encircles her waist to steady her.
“I’m not so sure your aim will be any good,” he teases.
She tiptoes to whisper in his ear, but even in the chaotic bar, I can hear her clearly. “Keep your hands on me, and I’ll be steady.”
Barf. I’m going to need another drink soon.
Kayce racks the balls and hands me the pool cue. He explains the basic rules and I pretend to pay close attention. We order drinks before we start, and the booze hits me hard. I try to aim, but it must be bad because a hand slides over my abdomen, and Kayce’s warm body covers my back.
“Hand higher. Position yourself to the left on the balk line so you can aim at the second ball.” Listening to Kayce’s instructions is awfully hard when he’s so close his minty breath fans my neck. I might as well be getting fucked on the pool table with how the basketball team watches us. Though out of our opponents, Aiden’s the only one who looks like he’s going to break the pool stick.
When Kayce’s hips connect with my ass, I stumble, and take the shot. It’s a crappy one, but I manage to pocket a solid. That earns me a high-five, and I step back with flaming cheeks.
Aiden steadies Bethany but lets her take the shot on her own. Bad idea because she fumbles and misses, which only makes Kayce’s next shot a breeze. When it’s Aiden’s turn, he easily pockets the stripes, winking at me when he makes my next shot near impossible.
“I can go for you,” offers Kayce, as if I’m some measly woman who can’t step up to a challenge. I hold my head high, determined to wipe that smirk off Aiden’s face.
“I got it.” I head over to where Aiden stands, bumping him away with my hip. He lets out a low chuckle watching me with a cocky smile.
Leaning over, I take one calculated strike for the ball to slam three solids into two pockets. The murmur quells when the basketball team including Kayce stare at me in shock. Bethany whoops in excitement, but I don’t think she remembers whose team she’s on. I prepare myself to gloat at a sulking face, but instead, Aiden beams brightly as if this is exactly what he wanted. The smug smile slips from my lips.
“He must be a good teacher,” Aiden says, gesturing to Kayce.
My hand tightens around the stick. “Maybe, I’m just a good actress.”
“Is that right?” he drawls. “You like a little roleplay?”
