He grins. “It never hurts. Tell me I’m pretty, Kerry, so we can both get on with our lives.”
I roll my eyes and say it. “You’re pretty. Happy?”
“For now.” He reaches over and tries to take my shoulder bag that has all my books inside.
I swat his hand away, but he doesn’t stop trying. “Dear God, Kerry, just give it to me.” He tugs it away from me and carries the bag. This kind of guy is rare. I don’t know how to classify him, but it’s a combination of dashing, daring, and dumb.
“You’re annoying.”
“I know.” He smiles over at me. “So, I heard things.”
I stare straight ahead and ignore the prickling sensation at the back of my neck. “Did you?”
“Yes, I did. Curious things, Kerry. They were the kind of rumors that can’t possibly be true.”
“Why not?”
“Because if they were, you’d be even more of a goddess than you already are. It was so fucking sexy—I can’t believe they were talking about you.” He’s watching me with an expression on his face that makes my heart pound hard. It’s the sex face, the I-want-you face. Matt used to look at me like that—complete adoration fueled by lust. That’s the way Josh is eyeing me now.
I stop walking and stare at him. My eyebrows knit together, and I fold my arms over my chest, glaring, “What are you talking about?”
He leans in close to my ear, his lips brushing against my skin as he speaks, “Your secret is safe with me, don’t worry. I’m just saying that you don’t have to pretend anymore.”
“Pretend what?” My hands are on my hips, and I’m ready to strangle him.
“That you don’t put out for free.” He rubs his thumb against his two forefingers, indicating that there’s money involved. My spine straightens, and I’m ready to scream, but his voice is so even and soft that I stand there, frozen between wanting to hear more and junk punching him. “I knew that banging body wasn’t off limits, and don’t worry—I didn’t tell Beth. You know how girls get when other women are open-minded.”
I smile at him and lean in close like I might kiss him. Before I speak, I grab the collar of his shirt and squeeze it tight. “You’re a dick. It’s not true, and if you don’t tell me who started that rumor right now, I’ll make sure you sing soprano for a week.”
He laughs and puts his hand on top of mine, caressing it. “Kerry, Kerry. I knew I liked you.”
Irritated, I tighten my grip. “Tell me.”
“Someone who knows you well. Apparently, there was a reason Carter was following you around campus. He wasn’t begging for scraps, he knew where to get the good stuff. And I thought you were a tease. Good cover, by the way. No one would suspect a damned thing with that get up you’ve got going on.”
I’m stunned. “Carter? He said that about me?”
He nods. “I might have overheard him talking about you and an indecent incident. Another guy saw you in the men’s room when you first got here, and then the modeling thing. It all fits your MO. Sexual favors from a beautiful woman. You should have told me. I could have helped you out, sent you clients.”
His voice sounds like it’s far away and it takes a few minutes to realize that he believes it. I turn and see his eyes wide and dark, curious. “Josh, it’s not true. He lied.”
His smile drops instantly. “I’m sorry, what? It’s not true. That means that Carter was, what? Crucifying you to a bunch of guys, and speaking loud enough that I heard him as I walked by? Why would he do that to you?”
My bottom lip begins to quiver, and I want to sink into the lawn and die. Carter is telling people this about me? Is he saying I’m a whore? Oh, God! Josh's stance changes and he morphs into big brother mode. His arm is over my shoulder, and we’re in his car before I can start crying. Anger pours off of the guy. “He lied? He made this shit up? Carter never lies!”
“Oh, God.” I cry into my hands, and when I look up, I see the truth in his eyes. I know what it means, and so does he. “Everyone will believe him.”
Chapter 8
Josh finds Beth quickly, explains what happened, then announces he’s late for a date. I shake my head. Less than an hour ago, he was trying to buy my services. He can tell what I’m thinking.
He whispers, “I’m a dick, what do you want me to say? I’m not passing up a chance with you, paid or not.” He shrugs and ducks back into his car, before peeling away.
Beth is standing with me in front of the bus. She glances up at it. “Come on. Let’s gas this sucker up and head out to the STIC.”
“What stick?”
“Not what stick, the STIC. It’s my brothers’ place. They rent a house together and refer to it as the STIC. Sexy Testosterone Induced Coma. S.T.I.C.”