Page 3 of Forever Yours
I give a false, tinkling laugh. I wave my hand in the air. “You know I’m over that, Reina. It was just a silly crush.”
Reina narrows her eyes as she gazes at me. “Yep, just a crush that’s lasted since you were in elementary school. No biggie.” She squeezes my upper arm and hands me my purse. “Soph, I know you. You’ve been raving about this guy since we met. You’ll never be over Liam Collier. But at least, now that we’re at college, you can focus on someone else. What’s that saying? The only way to get over someone is to get under someone else.” She waggles her eyebrows. “In your case, I’m hoping that’s true.”
I close my eyes and picture Liam Collier, the only guy I’ve ever wanted to look at me with desire in his eyes. Black curly hair and steel grey eyes. Muscles that ripple with every movement.Sigh.He’s so damn big. Everywhere, I suspect. That thought makes my body heat and my panties damp.
Unfortunately, Reina is right. He looks at me as if I’m his little sister and nothing more. I went to visit him at his apartment the other day and he barely spoke to me. I felt ridiculous and promised myself that I wouldn’t bother him again. After what he said at the barbecue I should have known. He made it clear that he would be too busy for me.
I straighten my shoulders and turn to look in the mirror one last time. I give my hair one last fluff and grin. “You’re right. It’s time to move on. No one finds their soul mate at eight-years-old anyway. It’s time to get out there and meet some other people.”
Reina’s lips spread into a Cheshire-cat grin. “That’s my girl. Operation Get Sophie Laid in effect right now.”
I laugh as I close our dorm room door behind us. “I wouldn’t go quite that far. How about Operation Forget Liam Collier in effect?”
She loops her arm through mind. “I can get behind that. Anyone who doesn’t realize what a catch you are clearly doesn’t deserve you.”
That thought doesn’t comfort me.Liam, I wish you could see me. The real me.
Chapter Four
I’ll always watch over her. -Liam
Liam
How the hell am I supposed to make sure she stays safe if she won’t stay still? I use my height to look over the crowd again, hoping to catch sight of the bright pink streaks in her hair.
She shocked the hell out of me with that change tonight. I had no idea that my girl would go and change her hair to pink before I followed her here tonight. I expected my Sophie to have her usual golden locks. Surprisingly, the pink curls suited her delicate face. Unsurprisingly, just seeing her at all made my cock jump in my pants.
My Sophie. I sigh as I push my way through the crowd. A flash of pink finally catches my eye. I narrow my gaze when I realize she’s holding onto the arm of the biggest prick at Crestwood University, Matt Kramer. He’s on the football team with me and fancies himself a ladies’ man. He’s actually a giant douche with a penchant for treating girls like shit. My Sophie will not be one of his girls.
I hear Sophie’s girlish giggle and my muscles tighten as I stalk through the crowd.Fuck, even her giggle makes me hard.
By the time I catch up to them, Matt is using a ladle to pour Sophie a green liquid from a giant punch bowl. I catch his hand in midair.
“I don’t think you want to do that, Matt.” I tighten my fist around his hand and some of the liquid sloshes onto both of us.
“What’s your problem, man? Sarah and I are just having a good time. She wants some more of this Incredible Hulk punch. Don’t you honey?” He asks Sophie with a goofy grin.
Sophie hiccups and her blue eyes sparkle with a combination of mirth…and intoxication. Shit, I stayed outside too long, not wanting her to realize I was following behind her. She’s obviously been imbibing in the punch way too long.
“Yep, I sure did Matty.” Her eyes suddenly widen. “What are you doing here, Liam? I thought you didn’t go to parties.”
“I’m rescuing you, princess,” I say softly and then turn to Matt.
“Her name is Sophie, you jackass, and she’s coming with me now.” I crunch together the bones of his hand one last time. He howls and I grab for Sophie’s small hand. She slips it into mine with confidence.
It’s always been like this. Since we were little. Sophie’s hand in mine. I’ll always protect Sophie. I’ll always take care of my girl. Because she’s the only thing that truly matters.
Chapter Five
The only things I know about love I learned by being hers. -Liam
Liam
I grasp Sophie’s hand tighter as we stalk through the crowd. Most people give us a wary look and a lot of breathing room. I have a reputation at this school as a loner and a football player who is known to demolish his opponents on the field. Smashing wide receivers to the ground keeps me from lashing out at others like my dad did so I get their fear. I’m a big ass scary motherfucker just like he was.
Sophie tugs on my jacket. “Stop, Liam. You need to slow down. I…I don’t feel so good. I think I’m going to…” She lets go and clamps her hand over her mouth. Before I know what’s happening, she’s sprinting towards the front door like her ass is on fire. People move out of her way when they see the green look on her face.Shit.
I catch up to her just as she leans over the porch railing. “So…sick, Liam,” she whispers shakily.
