Page 11 of A Stealthy Situation

“A dude who wanted to surprise you with lunch.” He tilts his head. “Next time, if you’d rather be kidnapped, just let me know though. I’m not going to kink shame.”

“Not my kink, but good to know there’ll be a next time.” I stuff a fistful of fries into my mouth. “Damn, I love a free lunch.”

“You have sauce all around your mouth,” he points out.

Instead of putting down my food, I lean over and wipe my mouth on the shoulder of his T-shirt. “Gone?”

“You’re an animal.” He shoves me off, then checks the shirt like I’ve somehow stained the black material with ketchup. Judging by the way he’s holding back a laugh, he’s not too bothered about it. “I can’t believe you just wiped your face on me.”

“You pointed out I was a mess. I got self-conscious.”

“Yeah.” Benny drags the word out. “I doubt a guy like you has ever felt self-conscious in his life.”

He’s got me there. I might not be at the same level of snarky confidence that Benny is, but I’m … settled in who I am.

Benny inviting me to his frat party reminds me that I haven’t been out since I got back. Haven’t slutted it up, haven’t got drunk, just sat around the house playing video games with Marshall.

Dammit. Am I … maturing?

I shudder the responsibility off me and put it down to moving away from Liberty Court. There was always a party or casual drinks going on over there.

“Shit,” I say, catching sight of the time. “I’ve gotta run. Text me the party details, okay? Is it cool if I bring a friend or two with me?”

“What kind of friend?” he asks, head tilted to the side.

“Just my roommates.”

“Yeah, they’re cool, then.”

What, was he expecting me to bring my bible group or something?

“I’ll see you then.”

Benny’s smile stretches wide. “Can’t wait.”

4

BENNETT

“Thank you for forcing me to class today,” I say, banging into the room.

Emmett is sitting by the window, tissues littering the ground around him as surprise pulls at his face. “You liked it?”

“I like the guy who hit on me.”

He snort-laughs that quickly turns into a cough.

My good mood dips. “You okay, Emmy?”

“Fine. Just blocked up. Who hit on you?”

“A guy named Harrison. He’s droolworthy. Hot as fuck.”

Em shrugs. “Don’t know anyone in our class called Harrison and definitely haven’t seen anyone in our class who classifies as droolworthy.” Emmett’s eyes get unfocused. “Except maybe Professor Brooks.”

Before I can groan out my disgust over Em having the hots for that train wreck, he continues.

“Tell me about this guy.”

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