Page 15 of Barker

“Have you had a Mountain Dew yet?” he asks.

I look at the counter in front of me where the leftovers are scattered. Somehow, I didn’t get one out along with the food. “No, why?”

“Oh good. Open the door then.”

“Why would I open my door?” I ask, just as a loud thud hits it. It sounds like a foot hitting against the bottom of the door. I make my way over and look through the peephole. Sure enough, there’s Barker standing with his arms loaded down with something. I open the door and give him a curious look while disconnecting the phone call.

“I was in the area and figured you could use some breakfast.” He shrugs and walks past me and into the kitchen.

“Come on in,” I tell him.

“Thanks,” he calls back to me with a laugh. When I reach the kitchen, I see him setting up the food on the island. “So, I know you love bacon, so I got you a double bacon and cheese biscuit from the diner, and of course,” he rummages into the sack to produce a bottle ofMountain Dew.

I study him and despite wanting to keep my distance, I feel a softening toward him.

“You didn’t have to do this.”

“I know, but Talon mentioned he had to go into the city today and I figured you could use breakfast. Aren’t you hungry?”

“I won’t lie. I’m starving.”

Barker breaks out into a huge grin, one large enough to make that dimple appear. “Then get over here.”

We sit in silence while we eat. I get a text from Vienna who was checking to make sure I was awake. Once I’ve finished eating, I tell Barker, “Thank you.”

“Any time. So, you got big plans today?”

His question quickly has my defenses up. After what happened last night, I can’t let him get the wrong idea. He may be insanely handsome and give me feelings I don’t understand, but there’s no way I can let him think this is more than what it is. I don’t have time or energy for anything else in my life, and I can’t need anyone. “Yeah, study group then visit with my dad before work tonight.” My tone is flat and cold; which Barker catches instantly.

Barker clears his throat and stands up while stuffing the trash in the bag. “Well, then I guess I should get going.” I stand up, following him to the door and letting him out. Barker turns around and his stormy gray eyes meet mine before he leans in. His mouth is just inches from mine and a part of me is praying he’ll kiss me again, even though I know he shouldn’t. “I’ll see you tonight, darlin’.” He’s gone before I can even catch my breath.

I’m in so much trouble.

Fifteen

Annistyn

The entire drive and my favorite band,Counterfeit, couldn’t make me forget Barker and his damn lips. I was trying my best not to think about him, but my mind didn’t seem to want to listen. I knew it was a mistake. I knew that wanting him would do no good and if I let myself give in to the temptation, then I was definitely in for trouble.

By the time I reached campus, I was completely frazzled and didn’t have a brain to really concentrate with. I was being ridiculous and I knew it. I mean, Barker Tobin wasn’t a relationship type of guy, so why was I so worried about the details? I mean, I was an adult who could ultimately do what I wanted, and if that included Barker for just one night, then so be it. I didn’t need to worry about the details because he wouldn’t. The problem is I’m a detail girl. Hooking up for just one night has never really been my thing. Give me a relationship over that any day but that’s where the trust issues come in. I run a hand through my blonde hair and think to myself, ‘I’m a mess’.

I crossed campus until I reached the library. I could have parked in this lot, but the fresh air and walking seemed like a good idea. Vienna was standing on the stairs waiting for me when I arrived. “There you are. I was getting worried,” she says.

I shrug. “Long night.”

“Was work rough? I mean, I didn’t think it could be any worse than what you endured at Vixens, but maybe I was wrong. I thought for sure Talon and even Barker would help you out if things got too crazy.”

I give her a confused look before I ask, “Why Barker?”

Vienna laughs before she stops walking and turns around to face me. “You’re kidding me, right?” I raise my eyebrows in question, because I know there’s no way she knows about the thoughts I’ve had about Barker. I’ve become a pro at hiding my actual thoughts and feelings. There are only two people who know me well enough to know exactly what I’m thinking when I’m lying and when I’m putting my fake smile on, and that’s my daddy and Talon. “Annistyn, that boy has it so bad for you!”

A wave of relief rolls through me before I laugh, dismissing Vienna’s comment. “Barker doesn’t have it bad for anyone. He’s got a line of willing tributes to volunteer for his games.”

Vienna laughs and shakes her head. “WatchingHunger Gamesagain?”

I shrug. “What can I say? I’m a sucker for it? Every time it comes on I have to watch it. You know I love me some Peeta.”

“I know, girl. Look, I’m not saying Barker can’t get whatever he wants when he wants it from pretty much every girl in town. What I’m saying is, that he wants you,” Vienna tells me, as she crosses her arms over her chest which means that she’s about to get down to business with me. I roll my eyes. “Don’t roll your eyes at me. You can believe what you want, but I saw him that night at the emergency room. He could have easily left. He had his motorcycle. He wasn’t stranded. Talon and I both told him he could leave, and he didn’t because he didn’t want to. He wanted to make sure you were okay, which means that he cares in some way.”

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