Page 57 of Freshmeet
Why did I want to come to the lake?
Loud music bumped out of speakers Brian, a Tau Kappa, had set up in the bed of his truck. A few people played beer pong on customized folding tables, while others lay out on blankets, soaking up the sun. Before I was ready, my friends were yelling at us from the dock.
Connor let out a low whistle.
Grinning, I bumped his shoulder. “You ready for this?”
“Nope.” He smiled down at me. “But let’s do it anyway.”
I grabbed the hem of my cover-up and pulled it over my head, leaving me in a pink pinup-style two-piece.
When I glanced at Connor, all his attention was on the sliver of pale skin between the top of my high-waisted bottoms and bikini top. I popped my hip, and he startled, his cheeks darkening.
Scratching the back of his neck, he gave me a sheepish smile, his dimples only flashing, not deepening to the swoony level that scrambled my brain. “You have a tattoo.”
“Oh, yeah.” I eased the side of my bottoms down to uncover the whole thing. “Olivia and I got them last spring break.” I traced over the little heart. “It’s not original, but we like it.”
Connor reached out, laying a hand on my hip, his thumb stroking the pink ink. “I like it.” His blue eyes pierced mine. “I’m starting to think you don’t know how adventurous you really are.”
I set my hand on top of his, keeping his touch on my skin. “Or maybe you’re just as boring as I am.”
Boom.
Full smile.
Deep dimples.
Weak knees.
“Maybe. Or maybe I can appreciate your brand of fun.” He squeezed my hip, and I squeaked, dropping his hand.
Connor’s throat bobbed, and he shook his head. “Sorry, you look amazing.”
I blushed, completely overwhelmed by the heat in his eyes. “Thanks,” I murmured.
Connor reached behind his back and tugged his shirt off. Suddenly, there wasn’t a single thought in my head except?—
Muscles on muscles on muscles.
Connor’s abs flexed as he laughed. “You okay, pretty girl?”
Shaking my head, I pulled our linked hands over my shoulder and dragged Connor toward the keg set up on the shore. People waved and said hi as we passed, their eyes staying on Connor, trying to figure out who he was. Mona, Jamie, and Meg were pouring beers and happily chatting.
Then they saw us.
Mona beamed at me, her eyebrows wiggling as she looked between Connor and me. Jamie shook his head, grinning from ear to ear, which made sense considering the Connor hype man routine he pulled after he missed the trip to Pancake Town.
Meg stilled, and her face went slack like she was in a boring lecture instead of at a party.
Good times.
Connor let go of my hand, but before I could think too much about it, he gripped my hips and brought me back into his chest. Against my ear, he whispered, “Fun. Remember?”
The heat of his body against mine short-circuited my overactive brain. Suddenly, I was facing a pissed-off sorority sister with zero wits about me.
Plastering on my “I’m having fun, I swear” smile, I led us to the keg and gave Mona a hug.
“This is going to be so messy,” she murmured in my ear, huffing out a laugh. I pinched her side, but that just made her laugh harder.
