Page 16 of Illicit Desires (The Deepest Desires 3)

“Wednesday, I think.”

“Damn. Well, hey, I wanted to say that I’m happy you decided to come down this weekend. It was a lot of fun.”

“Yeah, bro. Me too. It really was. Like old times.”

We get lost in conversation about our classes, plans for summer, and everything in between for the duration of my walk. It doesn’t even feel like any time has passed by the time I’m walking into the campus dorms. Calina’s room is on the second floor.

She must hear me walking up because the door is open before I can even knock. Her lips are in a thin line, and when I smile at her, she doesn’t return the gesture.What the heck?

“Hey, man. I just got to Calina’s. Text you later?”

“Yup. Bye,” he responds tersely, hanging up.Uhm. Alrighty.

Walking over to Calina and moving in to give her a kiss, I’m surprised when she turns her head, forcing me to kiss her cheek instead.

Is it a full moon?! What is with everyone today?

“Uh, hi, baby girl.”

“Hi.”

“Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know,detka. You tell me.”

“Well, I’m fine. It seems like something is bothering you though, and the last time I saw you, you also seemed pretty upset.”

“Are you clueless?!”

My brows pinch together, a frown taking over my face. “Uh. I guess I am, because I don’t understand what the problem is. Can you please just tell me?”

Groaning loudly, she stomps her way over to her desk, plopping down in the chair. I’m so fucking confused. Her hard eyes narrow on me, arms crossed. Cautiously, I go take a seat on the bed, facing her and waiting for her to spill whatever is bothering her.

This intense staring contest goes on for several moments, the air thick with tension. “Well?”

“Anderson,” she groans. “Your friend.”

“Calina, can you please stop speaking in riddles and just say what you mean? Which friend?”

“Crew!”

“What? What did he do?”

“Ugh! Anderson, he clearly didn’t like me. He was rude as hell to me yesterday.”

“No… he wasn’t?”

“Yes, Anderson, he was. When I showed up while you guys were watching your stupid movies. The way he was looking at me, the way he spoke to me, it was rude.”

“They arenotstupid movies, but I’m sorry you feel that way. Youdidbarge in, so—”

“Wow. Go figure. You know what? You need to go. I have homework to do and don’t have time to argue with you.”

“Calina, what the fuck. I didn’t come here to argue. I came here to talk to you and spend time with you.”

“I’ll talk to you later, Anderson. Please, just go home. Have a great night.” With that, she ushers me to the door, not bothering to say anything more. Walking out of the room, I turn around to say bye, but she shuts the door in my face.Wow.What the fuck is going on today?

Choosing not to spend too much time trying to analyze her odd behavior, I make my way home. My mind spins, replaying this whole weekend. Nothing stands out as an issue between her and Crew. They barely spoke to one another. Once I’m home, I make myself some dinner—top ramen, only the best around here—and then head on up to my room.

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