Page 61 of The Pass Protection
I throw my arms around her shoulders while hers wrap around my waist. We rock back and forth, neither wanting to let go. She all but tackles me as we stumble against the wall.
“I freaking missed you, bitch.” Liv pulls away, a brimming smile on her face.
“I missed you! Come meet everyone.” She grabs her small suitcase and follows me into the kitchen.
“Hey guys, this is my bestie, Liv.” I flick my hand toward the two in the kitchen. “Liv, these are the guys.”
“Tyler,” he introduces himself as he wipes his hand off and reaches out for her to take it. He tips his head behind him, gesturing to where JP is talking on the phone. “That’s JP.”
Olivia smiles as JP gives her a nod. Liv and I move away from the kitchen and into the living room, where Crew is stretched out on the couch watching ESPN. “Crew, this is Liv.”
At the mention of her name, Crew whips his head in our direction as he springs from his spot and moves to us. Liv and I don’t have a chance to react before he throws his arms around my best friend and pulls her in for a hug.
“Thank you for saving our girl.” His words are whispered, but I don’t just hear them. I feel them. He remembered everything I told him all those weeks ago. My chest squeezes at him thanking her for being there when I was at my lowest of lows.
Olivia wraps her arms around his middle and squeezes him back. Her eyes find mine, and her face softens. The two have a moment, and I can’t help the wobble in my chin as tears spring in my eyes. Mytwo favorite people just met, and the sincerity in Crew’s voice has me shaking.
The two pull apart, and I watch as Olivia takes a black manicured finger and wipes the smeared liner from her wet lashes.
“Well, fuck.” Liv’s voice cracks as she gives us a watery smile.
“Did Crew tell one of his stupid jokes already?”
Liv opens her mouth to respond, but I send her a quick, subtle shake as I cut her off. “You know Crew.”
Tyler gives a tight-lipped smile and nods as he moves past us and into his room.
“He’s hot,” Olivia blatantly says. “Which position does he play?”
“Quarterback.”
She hums. “I’ve never hooked up with a quarterback.”
“Don’t sleep with my roommate.” Olivia moves past me, but not before she leans over and whispers. “But you’re sleeping withyourroommate.”
She’s got a point.
“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” she asks, sitting on the couch in the opposite section from Crew, his legs spread wide to accommodate his large body.
“I don’t have any plans. We can do whatever you want. There’s a party tomorrow night after the game, and that’s all I know.” I step over Crew’s legs and sit in a space between his spot and the corner where Tyler sits.
“I’m fine with staying in.” Liv shifts her shoulders.
“Yes, let’s do that, and you can catch me up on all things Arizona.”
“It’s still hot and dry as fuck.”
Crew shifts in his seat, running his palms down his athletic shorts. “Rebel told me you did all of her tattoos.”
“Have you seen my favorite one?” A subtle smirk spreads across Liv’s face. I stretch my legs out and attempt to kick my bestie. She giggles as she mimes, zipping her lips closed.
Crew leans forward as he looks at Liv. “But yes, I have seen it.” He says the words in a whispered rush just as Harris comes out of his room.
“You guys in for the night?”
We all nod.
“Want to all watch something and hang out?” Turning, I lean on my shoulder and shout toward the kitchen. “JP, do you have to work?”
