Page 43 of Embrace

That would be because I’m usually at a sorority mixer or tangled up with the first dude who makes me feel something. Though it would be a lot of staring up at the ceiling and doing my best moaning so I could get home and study for my test.

“That’s because life without Panhellenic obligations breathing down your neck is relaxing. I don’thaveto go anywhere.”

Sierra offers me some of the trail mix she’s eating and shrugs when I refuse. It’s not even the one with chocolate chips in it; it’s raisins. “Don’t act like you didn’t love it.”

“Sometimes. But if I was in a sorority right now we wouldn’t have this.” I pull her down on the couch with me, not caring that she’s sitting on one of my textbooks.Getaway Islandplays on my laptop, and she groans.

“Please just let me watch Dale Thunderman in peace. I can’t stand this show.”

I laugh, letting her go. “You’re lucky he’s hot, or I’d be concerned with how much you watch The Weather Channel.”

She makes a face, then picks up her towel and clothes. “I’m going to the gym.”

“Now?”

She shrugs, heading toward the door. “It’s either I get a hot shower after my workout or I take a timed shower.”

Every other day, Iona has timed showers because of Dalton’s water conservation pledge.

The door closes behind her, and I lie on the couch, watching my show and working on my Research Methods in Social Work homework. It’s only been five minutes when someone knocks on the door. I warily throw off my comforter and crack open the door, peeking out.

“You ready?” Kian’s dressed up, staring down at me as I open the door fully.

“For what?” I adjust my T-shirt as it slips off my shoulder and try not to bring attention to my penguin-themed pajamas.

He walks inside, going straight to the couch where I was just sitting. “We’re going out.”

“No.You’regoing out. I declined, remember?”

He thinks for a minute, then shakes his head as if he doesn’t like that answer. “This is lesson three—or is it two?” He scratches his head. “Either way, you gave me the responsibility to ‘fix your reputation’ ”—he uses air quotes—“so I’m helping. But that means we’re going out.”

“I’m not third wheeling your date with Cassie.”

“It’s not a date.”

I give him a look but he doesn’t break.

“It’s not a date. You’re my friend, and I’m asking you to go with me. Please?”

He looks at me with this kicked-puppy expression that’s impossible to refuse. The imaginary boundaries I’m trying to keep in place are flimsy, and the hope shining in his eyes is too bright for me to snuff out. This is supposed to help my reputation, right?

“Okay, fine. Give me a second to change,” I concede.

I head into my room and pull on the first thing I see. At any other time, I would decide on an outfit a day before, and try it on a hundred times to make sure it looks okay from every angle, but not tonight.

When I step outside, pulling my purse onto my shoulder, Kian stands from the couch with a smile, but it disappears the moment he sees my outfit. “What are you wearing?”

I look down at the black jean skirt and baggy brown sweater I threw on.

“Seriously, you’re saying that tothisoutfit, and not my penguin-themed pajamas?”

He doesn’t smile. “This isn’t you.”

“Well, this is all I’ve got.” I refuse to dwell on what he means byisn’t you. How does he already know whatisme?

I used to spend hours getting ready. It was my favorite part of going out. But now I don’t want to seem like I’m trying too hard to impress anyone.

“Nah, take it off,” he says too casually.