Page 48 of Strike & Score
“I am not,” she rears back.
“Right,” I reply sarcastically. “And neither of us are going four days without you tackling me.”
“I would nevertackleyou. Get over yourself.”
“You better behave. Can’t have mom and dad catching us,” I taunt.
“Don’t be gross.” She slaps my shoulder, and I laugh even harder.
The rest of the drive is fairly lighthearted and easy. Even though she continues to insist we won’t be fucking this weekend, she’s about to learn how wrong she is. I may be joking about her jumping on me, but really we both know neither of us can stay away.
Chapter 26
Mayson
When we get to the giant mansion, I shake my head just like I do every time I see this place. It’s crazy how we went from living in a tiny apartment to this. It’s never felt like home, but really nowhere has for me. We moved around too much and while this was the most stable place we lived, it wasn’tours. It was never mine. It was us moving into someone else’s home and inserting ourselves into their lives.
Which Colin made sure to make extremely clear when we met. And ever since. I don’t belong in his world, in his house. Or with him.
Except lately, it’s felt the opposite and I don’t know what to do with that. He’s always made it seem like he hates me and wants nothing to do with me. I fully realize whatever we’re doing is probably temporary and that he's just using me for sex. That he wanted that level of control over me. Maybe it’s all some extra level to the Rites that the guys are doing.
I don’t know, but it’s why I’m not letting myself get tooinvested in this. No feelings. I could never have feelings for him.
The sex is nice. More than nice. It’s better than I could ever imagine, and that only makes me want to guard myself even more.
Especially right now as we walk into the house. Colin’s carrying both our bags, and I wasn’t going to argue because he can be my pack mule. I’m independent, but if he wants to carry my shit, then he can go right ahead.
“Mayson!” my mom exclaims when we walk into the large open house and she sees us. She sounds way more excited than she usually is when I’ve come back from school. Immediately, I know there are guests here.
I’m proven right when we walk further into the entertainment area and see a woman around my moms age and a guy that has to be around mine.
“Welcome home, sweetie.” She pulls me into a hug I’m slow to return because we’ve never been overly affectionate and I hate when she puts on a show like this in front of other people.
“Uh, hi,” I hesitate.
“Be nice,” she whispers so only I can hear, then speaks up. “Come here, I want you to meet someone.”
She guides me over, and I look over my shoulder to Colin because I don’t want him to leave me alone with this mess. He drops the bags before trailing behind us. I can already see the anger burning in his eyes, and I worry this may take a turn very quickly.
“Mayson, this is my friend Nancy and her son Garrett.” She beams while introducing them.
“Hi.” I wave awkwardly. Nancy looks me up and down and I can see her nose wrinkle. Though, it looks like more of herface would do the same if it could move under the face lifts and botox.
I know I’m not dressed well, fully aware I’m in sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt with my hair thrown up in a messy bun. But it’s not my fault, I didn’t expect strangers to be here on our first night back for a holiday.
“Nice to meet you.” Garrett steps up to me, taking my hand and shaking it. I can feel Colin’s death stare without even looking back at him.
For some reason it has me pasting on a wide, fake as shit smile when I respond, sweetly. “Nice to meet you too.”
“Your mom has been telling us all about you. She said you were pretty, but you are drop dead gorgeous.” He grins, and I feel Colin step closer to my back as I smile at Garrett.
“I’m Colin, what has she said about me?” His deep timbre takes over the space. He covers my back with his chest, reaching around me to extend his own hand toward the new guy.
I fight the urge to sink back against Colin. Instead, straightening my spine, but I can feel his other hand grip my hip. I bite back my reaction because I’m not sure if everyone can see how he’s holding me, but it’s not very subtle.
“Oh, uh, n-nice to meet you too. Haven’t heard much about you,” Garrett stutters and I want to laugh at how nervous he is. If only he knew Colin is not someone to be afraid of, even if he thinks he is.
“Hm, interesting.” I can see how tightly he’s squeezing Garrett’s hand before he lets go.
