“No, it’s…” I sighed heavily and looked away. “…it’s not a big deal.”
“Want me to come in?” he offered. “I can make a mean cup of hot chocolate, and if it’s guy problems, I’m pretty sure I can give you some awesome advice.”
Something about his expression was too eager.
“No.” I pressed my fingers against my temples. “I have a killer headache, and I’m really tired. But thanks.”
“Oh.” He snorted. “I see how it is. You let Dr. Blake in, but not me? What? I’m not old enough for you?”
The abrupt mood change took me back. “No, that’s not it at all. I would say no to anyone right now.”
He took a step forward, a mocking sneer in place; his eyes were wild. I’d never seen him like that. His eyes darted back and forth, unable to focus.
“Rumor has it you don’t say no — ever.”
My heart started racing. “Jack…” I tried to smile. “…let’s not fight, alright? You’re a friend, a really good friend.”
“Friend?” he spat. “Friend?”
“Look, if I gave you the wrong impression, I’m sorry. I just—”
Jack gripped my wrists and slowly backed me up against the hallway wall. A few girls giggled and walked past as he winked at them. But I was terrified, terrified that he could switch from happy to pissed so fast.
“And if I want more? Hmm?”
The way he tilted his head reminded me so much of Taylor that I almost threw up on his shoes.
“What would you say then?”
“No.” I swallowed. “Because I value your friendship too much.”
“Bullshit!” He slammed the wall above my head. “It’s Dr. Blake, isn’t it?”
“Don’t be silly. He’s our professor.”
“Exactly,” Jack hissed. “Our professor.” He shook his head in disgust then jabbed a finger into my chest. “Just remember, you did this to yourself. You know I could have protected you. You know I had the power to protect you. That it was me all along that wanted to save you, despite what you did?”
“What I did?”
“Professor Blake,” Jack sneered. “Right. Well, have a good night, Lisa. I’ll be sure that he knows I’d like to switch partners. Yeah, I’ll make sure he gets that memo.”
Jack charged down the hall, leaving me gasping for air. A few girls poked their heads out of their rooms but said nothing. That was the thing about college. There was so much drama, and the school was so big… well, it was my fault I’d never really made friends with the people on my floor. That, and the fact that I’d opted out of having a roommate once Kiersten had moved in with Wes.
I gave the girls a watery smile and let myself into my room. With a cry, I slammed the door. Hands shaking, I twisted the lock and leaned my back against the wall.
All the lights in my dorm were off. I quickly flipped them on and was horrified to find that I hadn’t been robbed.
No, that would be too easy.
Instead, there were pictures — hundreds of pictures — scattered around the floor and attached to the walls. I knew who they were of before I even looked closely… me with Taylor.
With shaking hands I dialed Gabe’s number.
“Lisa?” he barked. “Thank God, are you okay?”
“No.” My voice wouldn’t stop shaking. “No, I’m not, I just… I need you. There’s pictures, and my study partner just freaked out on me and…”
“Shh, I’ll be there. Lock the door and windows and keep your cell phone on you, alright?”