Let Life Happen Page 6

  She didn’t stop what she was doing, but managed to flip me the bird. For the third time. “You know, you could help me instead of standing there watching.”

  “Insane girl.” I found a chair and hopped up to grab hold of half the box. “Damn, this is heavy. How’d you get this up here by yourself?”

  “Aiden. I’ve worked in a bar for five years, sometimes even by myself. I’m a big girl. Don’t fret over me.”

  “Yes, ma’am. By the way, you were awesome tonight. All the alumni were talking about how great you were.”

  “Good. I made more tonight than I’ve made in a whole weekend at Isaac’s. These guys have more money than they know what to do with.” She sounded in awe, and I fought the urge to ask more.

  “You deserve every dollar earned.”

  “Aw, thanks, pretty boy.” She hopped off the stool but slid down onto the floor. “I’m beat. I may just sleep in the closet. Do you mind?”

  I laughed at her and held out a hand. She willingly took it. “Yes, I would mind. You’re not sleeping in the closet. I’ll walk you back to your apartment to make sure you don’t fall asleep on the way. It’s the least I can do.”

  “I thought you had something to show me?” Her eyes were half closed but still curious.

  “Shit, that’s right. Okay. I know you’re tired, but you never ate tonight, did you?”

  She tilted her head and shook it in response. “I forgot to, I guess.”

  “Do you like milkshakes?”

  “Duh.”

  “What about fries?” I probed.

  “That’s a clown question, bro.”

  I laughed and was now concerned she was slap happy. “Have you ever been to Steak ’n’ Shake?”

  “Steak and what?” Her lips pursed in thought, and I wanted to lick them.

  “Steak ’n’ Shake. It’s one of the best diners east of the Mississippi, but they recently got one here in Tempe. It has the best shakes in the world. It’ll be my treat to thank you for helping out.”

  Now I had her attention. “Hells yeah, I’m in, baby. I love me a good milkshake.”

  “Did you have anything to drink tonight, crazy?”

  “Nope. Exhaustion makes me say weird things, but trust me. Food will generally beat out sleep in my case. Food me.” She sighed when I put my arm around her shoulders and guided her up the stairs.

  Some of the brothers gave me nods as they began picking up the trash. That was one rule I always had: five were always sober, and they were on clean-up duty the night of their turn. It was always worse to wake up to a house smelling of beer, piss, and vomit. If they didn’t like it, they could leave the frat.

  “Let me borrow a car real quick so we can drive. I’ll drop you off afterward.”

  “No need. Let’s take my moped. You’ll have to drive, though, because I’m in a dress and can’t flash the goods.”

  “Moped? You drive a moped?” I couldn’t believe it. The thought made me like her even more.

  “Hells yeah, I do. It’s a babe magnet, I tell ya.”

  “Okay, you’re toast. I’m driving.”

  She put on her helmet, and I went without. Sue me. Her legs fit nicely around my hips, and her arms held on to me incredibly tightly. I thought it was because she was just as affected by me as I was her, but then I realized she was so small her arms barely fit around me so she had no choice. “Comfy back there, J-Money?”

  “Yup, Mr. February.”

  No. There was no way she knew about that. It was hidden in the past. One of my biggest regrets. I must’ve heard her wrong.

  We pulled into the parking lot and slid into a spot by the entrance. I barely let her take off her helmet before bombarding her. “What the hell did you call me back at the light?”

  “What do you mean?” Her eyes displayed innocence, but she was fully awake now. She had a slight flush to her cheeks, giving her away. If there was anything I learned about her in the past week, it was she could mess with you.

  “Don’t do pretend. You called me Mr. February. I want to know why.”

  “I’m pretty sure you know exactly why.” She smirked and opened the door to the diner.

  I grabbed her hand and pulled her to me.

  “How did you find it? I thought it was buried deep.” I stood right in front of her and looked down, trying to intimidate the truth out of her. It didn’t work. At all. She stood on her tiptoes and lifted her chin as high as she could.

  “Honestly, I didn’t find it. Someone told me about it. I just happened to question why anyone would do such an idiotic thing and had to see the proof. I saw, and oh my God. It was borderline porn.”

  She kept her stance up, trying to make herself taller. It made me laugh.

  “Ah, so you liked it, then?” I teased. “Want me to get you a copy?”

  “I didn’t say I liked it. It was overtly sexual. And no thanks, I’m content with my own calendars of hot construction workers.” She ended the conversation and asked for a booth.

  I was still standing there confused, yet again, at her statements.

  “Do you really have a calendar of hot construction workers?” I had to know, even if it was none of my business.

  She looked up from her menu, and I was suddenly taken aback by the green of her eyes. They were vibrant and the most unusual shade. It made her look unattainable to a mere mortal.

  She sighed and waved her hands as she spoke. “Yes. If I went into my whole life story, it would make sense, but I’m not going to do that. My uncle got it for me as a gag gift when I turned eighteen, and now it’s been a recurring birthday present for the last four years.”

  I chuckled at her response, and my stomach dropped when our waitress came up. Karli. A previous hookup which ended sourly. Her error, not mine. Fuck me.

  “Aiden. Brought your new piece of ass to my work? Classy.” Her blonde-and-black hair seemed trashy now paired with hot-pink lipstick. She was attractive, but the venom in her eyes made it not matter. For one of the first times, I regretted hooking up with someone.

  I looked over to find Jenna smiling.

  “Listen, uh…what’s your name?” She glanced down at the nametag. “Karli, no offense, but trust me. I am not his new piece of ass. We’re just friends. And I don’t think judging and being rude to your customers is a wise idea.”

  “Listen, you little slut—” Karli’s eyes smoldered, and I swore she was going to toss a glass of water on Jenna, but before she finished, Jenna stood, holding up her hand.

  “I’m going to stop you right there. I am not a slut. And you’re embarrassing yourself. We want to order food. If you can’t handle that, then leave.”

  Karli stared daggers at Jenna but stalked off. I still couldn’t believe what just happened, but Jenna sat back down and began humming to herself.

  “Uh, sorry about that,” I muttered, trying to get her attention.

  “No need to be sorry. Not your fault your dick got her all worked up.”

  “Holy shit.” I burst out laughing.

  “I have to ask. Am I going to have to deal with a lot of these crazies if we’re seen in public? I can handle myself—God, that’s not an issue—but I’d like to know.” She held eye contact, searching my face for something, but I didn’t know what.

  “I’d like to say no, this won’t happen a lot, but I don’t know. I told you I never lie to these girls. I tell them up front there will never be a relationship. They won’t be the one to ‘change’ me, and it’s just a hookup. They’re the ones who fucking warp in their minds they’ll finally be the one to tie me down.”

  “Yeah, girls can be crazy. I’ve seen them do desperately pathetic things at the bar.” She shrugged. “To be fair, guys can be assholes, too.”

  We each ordered our own shake, cheese fries, and while I ordered three shooters, she ordered the chili mac. And being honest, there was no cute way to eat chili mac. She had sauce on her face, hands, and was making weird noises
. I had no fucking clue why I enjoyed it.

  “Dude. This is so damn good,” she mumbled between bites. She’d almost cleaned her plate, and I was impressed.

  “Glad you like it. I saw this place on the show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Plus, I visited the original one in the Midwest when I was younger. This was also Robert Ebert’s favorite restaurant.”

  “Robert Ebert?” She tilted her head when she was confused. I figured out at least one tell of hers.

  “Movie critic?”

  “Hmm. I’m not real hip on the movie scene.”

  “I’ll teach you, young grasshopper.” I thought about Raging Bull and Citizen Kane. Jenna had to see those movies. They were amazing.

  “This place may be my new favorite. I’m such a foodie.” She moaned into her spoon.

  “I’m beginning to see that. Where do you put all your food? You certainly don’t show it.”

  She shrugged and continued eating. “Have you had their chili mac before?”

  “Can’t say I have, but seeing how much you’re enjoying it, I might have to try it.”

  “Here, try some.” She put some on her spoon and held it over the table like it was normal for her to be feeding me in public. I should’ve said no, but I didn’t.

  “Damn.”

  “Yup. Can I try your shake?” She was truly unlike any girl I’d ever hung out with. Ever. She ate her body weight, shared her food, and was now asking to try mine.

  I licked my lips and shook my head at her in amusement.

  “By all means, shorty.”

  She glared at the nickname but took a chug of my strawberry-banana shake—stranana—through my straw. It was stupid how it turned me on seeing her mouth on my straw. I had to turn off these thoughts. Friends. We were friends. No sex.

  “Oh, much better than mine. Oh well. I’ll get it next time.” She sat back and laid her hands on her stomach. “I’m in heaven right now.”

  “It’s my charming personality, I know. You’re welcome.”

  “Piss off.” She smiled and closed her eyes.

  “Be right back. I’ll go pay.” I threw a ten on the table and paid the check before taking her home.

  “Thank you for the late-night dinner. It was great.” She parked her little moped by her door, and I opted to walk home.

  “You’re welcome. You were great tonight. Have a good weekend, and I’ll see you in class Monday.”

  “Bye, Aiden.”

  She went into her apartment and locked the door. There was no reason I waited there for the light to come on besides making sure she was safe. Because knowing someone only a week was too short to care for someone so much, right?

  Chapter 9

  Friends In High Places-Jenna

  “I hated syllabus week. I’m glad it’s a normal schedule. Such a waste of time, I swear,” I complained to Aiden the next Wednesday as we sat listening to our professor explain the homework for the weekend.

  Second weekend back, and I was going to be in the library. Yay.

  He gave me a side glance and nodded. “Totally agree, tiny. Totes.”

  “You’ve been hanging out with too many sorority girls.”

  “So sue me. Totes-mah-goats.” He had a teasing glint in his eyes and flashed me his half smile.

  “Nice. My partner’s a bimbo.”

  “But at least I’m pretty.” He batted his eyelashes at me.

  “Are you always this modest, or is it just for me?” I asked with a hint of sarcasm.

  “Always.” He put his hand over his heart as a gesture of honesty.

  “All right, guys. Thanks for listening to me ramble on. I’ll let you out early today, but come ready to go next Monday. Have a safe weekend!” Professor Jackson’s voice interrupted our conversation.

  “Hells yeah!” I was pumped. I didn’t have to work, and I didn’t have class until late Thursday afternoon. My weekend was shot to party, so it was happening on a Wednesday.

  I grabbed my bag and rushed to put headphones in, but a hand came down on my shoulder. I turned around to see Aiden grinning at me.

  “Whoa, hold on there, shorty. What you rushing out for? Big plans tonight?” he asked as he casually threw his arm around me.

  “I fully intend to take advantage of not having any morning classes tomorrow, so hells yeah, I got big plans. They involve a little of Sam and Jamo.” I shook his arm off me in a little wiggle and gave him a what the hell look. We were friends, but I wasn’t much of a touchy person.

  His brow furrowed, and he repeated, “Sam and Jamo?”

  “The two main men in my life: Sam Adams and John Jameson. Know your drinks, man,” I teased, and his mouth quirked up.

  “Ah, I should’ve known. I wouldn’t have taken you for a huge drinker, but then again, you were pretty toasted at the rush party.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him before replying, “If anything, my anger with you fueled my drinking. So, your fault, really. But it worked out for the best anyway. We’re friends now. I wouldn’t have believed it last week.”

  He walked with me in the direction of our places, but his head was tilted in thought. “Why wouldn’t you believe it?”

  “Because I judged you before knowing you. I thought you were rich, conceited, spoiled, and a douchebag. I’ve ruled out at least two of those.”

  “Which ones?’ He elbowed me, again crossing the boundaries.

  “Ohh, I am so not saying.”

  “At least you know I’m not a douchebag anymore, so I can rule one out. Hmm, I’m sure you think I’m slutty, which I kind of am. I’ll wear the scarlet A with pride.”

  “He’s using his pretty head. Don’t hurt yourself,” I teased.

  “Aw, Jenna, you don’t think I’m spoiled anymore.” He was clearly reading between the lines of my sarcastic banter. “That’s like a compliment from you.”

  “You don’t know that. I might still think it.”

  He squeezed his arm tight around me and lowered his head so his lips brushed against my ear. Shivers shot down my body. “If you want, before you head out, stop by the frat, and we’ll pregame together. This’ll be a nice warmup before we have dumb frat shit to do.”

  “I’ll think about it and run it by my roommates. I have plans with them tonight. But they did have a good time at the party and liked most of the guys in your house. Even though some of them are still dogs.”

  “Yeah, I believe it. Any of them give you problems?” he asked, his tone darker.

  “Oh, not at all. I’ve just seen them wreak havoc on the lady population here, and it’s unconfirmed if this is exactly what happened, but I think I might’ve seen one of your brothers having sex on your roof as I was leaving the party.”

  “I fucking heard about that. He got fined and assigned to bathroom duty the next day. He was ten feet from a window. How hard would it be to just move inside?” he asked with a perplexed expression.

  “Not a fan of getting it on in public?” I cringed at my question, hoping he didn’t take it as interest in his sex life.

  He bit his lip to prevent himself from smiling before he replied, “I’m a fan, but totally depends on the time, place, and girl you’re with. Some of them get off on the public scene. I just would never do anything to jeopardize the frat.” His eyes turned a darker shade of gray before his face got serious. “Let me know if any of them give you any crap, okay?”

  It was oddly endearing, but I didn’t need him looking out for me. “I appreciate your protective offer, but I can handle myself.”

  “Just promise you’ll tell me if any of them are dicks to you.”

  I began to shake my head, but he grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. It was embarrassing because we were causing a scene. “No, now we’re friends. I’m going to look out for you. It’s one of my annoyingly endearing qualities, so I’ve been told. I’m incredibly protective.”

  I ignored the groups of girls who stopped walking to try and eavesdrop
on our conversation and nodded. “Okay, then. I promise.”

  He sighed and gave a brief nod. “Good. Thank you.”

  “Hey, Aiden! We still on for later tonight? I’ve been dying to see you all week.” A beautiful redhead approached us after seeing our intense conversation was over. She was strutting, and based on how she eyed Aiden, I knew it was my cue to leave.

  “I’ll catch ya later, player.”

  He frowned for a second before he transformed his face like a mask. How he could just turn charm on and off blew my mind. I could barely have a conversation without my expression giving me away.

  I opened the door to our apartment to see a handle of Jameson, a couple packs of Sam Adams, and some Guinness. Although we all might be small females, we knew how to handle our drinking habits.

  “Hells yeah! I am so ready for this.” I dropped my bag on the kitchen table and poured myself a whiskey on the rocks.

  “Rough day at work, honey?” Maya asked with a bemused expression.

  “No, just really going to live up my Wednesday nights this semester. Midweek party time.”

  “Aw, look at our little J-Bird. She’s growing up into one of us.” Kennedy came into the room with a smile.

  “What, a borderline alcoholic?” I replied sarcastically.

  “Yes. We are so proud of you!” She poured herself a whiskey as well, and we sat at our kitchen table.

  “I got an interesting invitation today.” I knew they were going to freak out when I told them about Aiden’s invite.

  “Does it involve our hot frat friends? Please say yes. Please say yes,” Maya chanted between sips.

  “Calm your tits, woman. But yeah, it does. Aiden asked if we wanted to head over to their house for a pregame with some of his friends.”

  “Oh my God. We are so going!” Maya jumped up in excitement and spilled her drink. “You told him yes, right? How could you not let me know this sooner? I have to get ready!”

  Kennedy and I eyed each other before laughing hysterically. “She’s a hot mess, that one. But I thought we were going to head to Garret’s for a pregame?”

  “No, he canceled on me. Had something come up, I guess. No big deal. Now we can pregame with Sigma! This’ll be fun!”