Page 7 of Chasing Xander
“What’s wrong withme? You’re the one using my leg as a punching bag for your foot.” Kylie reached down and rubbed her shin again. “That really hurt.” An uncontrollable shiver worked its way through her at the idea of Xander massaging her leg.
“You just got done telling me how hot Xander is and how you wanted to see him again. Well, he’s here, so stop being rude.”
“I’m not being rude.” Kylie sat back and crossed her arms.
Celeste stared at her accusingly.
“Okay, fine, so maybe I was a little rude. But put yourself in my situation. That super-hot guy watched me chase tampons down the sidewalk while he picked up my underwear. How am I supposed to act around him?” She shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
“I don’t know. Why don’t you try actingnormal? If he was half as embarrassed as you are, he wouldn’t have come over here to talk to you. Just relax, okay?”
She sighed. “I suppose you’re right.” She glanced toward the food line. Xander and Finn stood near the cash register, deep in conversation, oblivious to the fact they were being watched.
“Finn is hot.” Celeste propped her elbow on the table, dropped her chin into her hand, and stared. Finn had the classic surfer look: shaggy, sandy-blond hair, blue-gray eyes, tall and tanned, but not quite as muscular as Xander.
“He’s not bad, but Xander is hotter.”
“Yeah, if you like that sort of thing.” Celeste tore her gaze from the guys and tossed a french fry at her.
Kylie laughed. “You mean muscles and chiseled abs and dimples and dark, brooding eyes… Yeah, who wouldn’t like that?”
“Who wouldn’t like what?” Finn asked as he sat.
“This delicious dining-hall food,” Kylie said, holding up a pickle. “It’s so good.”
Xander laughed and took the seat next to her. “You’ve got a strange sense of humor.”
She shrugged. “You must like it. You keep coming back for more.”
He twisted the top off his water and took a long drink. “I’m a glutton for punishment, I guess.” He sliced a glance at her, and she didn’t miss the mischievous glint in his eye.
Her breath caught, and she had to look away. He had a quick comeback for everything she said, and for some strange reason that sent ripples of excitement coursing through her.
“So, did you get all moved in?” he asked, changing the subject.
“We got everything into our room, but we still have a lot to unpack and put away.” She picked at her fries, her appetite dwindling.
“You two are roommates?” Finn asked as he squirted ketchup onto his chicken patty.
“Yup,” Celeste said.
“I take it you two knew each other before this?” Xander took a large bite of his taco salad.
“We’ve been best friends since the fifth grade.” Kylie pushed her tray away and folded her arms on the table.
Finn whistled. “Nice.”
“What about you two?” Kylie found herself leaning toward Xander as if her body had a mind of its own and was trying to get closer to him. He smelled of soap and the outdoors. It was a heady combination that left her slightly dizzy.
“We met three years ago when I pledged RAT house,” Xander said.
“So, you’re both juniors?” Celeste asked.
Finn shook his head. “I’m a senior. Xander’s a junior.”
“Lucky you.” Celeste smiled.
Kylie’s heart sank. He was an upperclassman. There was no way he’d be interested in an underclassman. More than likely, he’d felt sorry for her earlier and was simply being nice, helping out the klutzy freshman. She was silly to think he’d been flirting with her.
