Page 26 of Cruel Hate

“You’re already done?” I shoved everything except the book into my backpack. I had only one chapter left to read.

He shrugged casually. “I did what I needed to… except for that dreadful math class.”

“Which one are you in?”

“It’s basic. 101 or something like that. Math is my kryptonite. I can’t make sense of it.” He frowned. “I don’t know why we need it, anyway. Our phones take care of everything, and I’ll hire an accountant when I make it big.”

I cracked his forearm with my book and then shoved that in my bag, too, because I knew I wouldn’t be getting any more reading done with him around. “I’ll help you. I’m good at math.”

“Figures. You’re probably one of those alien people who’s good at everything.”

“Hardly.” I laughed. He was so dramatic, but it fed my soul. I needed something fun today, and Max always provided. “Want to get it done now?”

“God, no. I’m fading fast. Let’s go to The Spot.”

“I’m in.” I got to my feet and gathered my stuff. We left together and made plans for me to help him with his math homework twice a week as we walked the short distance to the popular coffee shop.

The Spot was already busy when we walked in. I scanned the dining area, spied a single empty table, then rushed to it as Max stayed in line. The dark wood floors and tables paired with the subtle lighting made the ambiance classy and gave the illusion of privacy. It was a favorite among college kids and locals alike. They roasted their beans in the back, and the aroma was heavenly.

He joined me with my decaf chai latte, which I knew would be delicious—but I couldn’t believe I had to forgo caffeine for months. His fully caffeinated beverage looked scrumptious.

“Things are getting serious with Joel?” I took a sip, and my eyes almost rolled back in my head from how good it was.

He shrugged then blew on his cappuccino. “I don’t think so, but it’s fun.”

I toasted him. “To college and having fun.” His laugh was infectious, and a few heads turned. I couldn’t blame them. Max was hot. Not Phoenix-level hot, but no one compared to him.

I surveyed the room and, my heart skipped a beat when my gaze collided with a stormy silver one.

Phoenix was there, and he was headed my way.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

PHOENIX

Again with that guy?Aspen sat across from the dark-haired guy who liked to hang around her. Jealousy ripped through me like a defensive guard breaking through the line and slamming me with a bone-crushing tackle.

With laserlike intensity, I focused on Aspen. Our eyes met and held, and the rest of the busy chaos inside the restaurant ceased to exist. There was only her.

I held the to-go cup of coffee I’d just bought so tightly that it came dangerously close to exploding. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Aspen and I’d had words last time she was hanging around that guy. I had no right to dictate who she was friends with, but Max was pushing the boundaries. He was into her, and I didn’t blame him, but it didn’t sit well with me, and my muscles tensed.

I crossed to their table then loomed over them, fighting the urge to knock the guy onto his back.

Aspen scowled, but I didn’t budge. She brought out an odd possessive streak I’d never seen in myself before.

Max turned when he noticed her staring behind him with wide eyes.

I leaned down, resting my fists on their table, and got in his face. “What are you doing with my girlfriend?”

His eyes narrowed. “Having coffee. The concept should be a simple one. I would think even you could follow it.”

I fisted his shirt before I even knew I was going to do it. Aspen leapt from her chair and rushed to get between us. She ducked under my arm and plastered herself against me, which was the only reason I let go of that tool friend of hers.

I wrapped Aspen in my arms, keeping her where she was, then bent to her ear to whisper, “Are you using this guy to try and make me jealous?”

“Why would I do that?” she muttered. “Nothing is going on between us, including friendship, which you made very clear. Max is my friend. Back off and stay out of my life.”

I tilted her head back so she could see just how serious I was. “We have an agreement.” I flicked my gaze down. She clearly got the meaning, evidenced by the flare in her eyes and the red infusing her cheeks. “And as far as anyone else is concerned, we’re datingexclusively. I don’t appreciate you cheating on me so publicly.”