One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

out to run his fingers through my hair.

“Sorry, princess. I didn’t realize you still had company. Besides, it’s like noon. You should be up by now.”

I shoot straight up. “Noon? Fuck, I have to go. I’m going to be late to class.”

Xavier chuckles. “Late? Try I missed all of my morning classes.”

I wince. “Sorry.”

He stands up, watching as I pull my shoes on and grab my bag. “It was worth it.”

My belly warms at his words. Missing class was worth it. Does he mean because of me?

Is it wrong that I hope it’s because of me?

“I’ve got to go. Thanks for the video games and pizza. Talk to you later?” I smile up at him.

He leans in, hugging me to his chest before placing a chaste kiss on the top of my head. “Text me when you get out of class.”

“Will do. Bye, Jack.”

“Yeah, bye Ace.”

I smile to myself as I shut the door. Ace. Jack called me that after our fourth round. He said I was an Ace at shooting, then demanded we play teams instead. I think his ego was getting wounded by all the ass-kicking I was doing.

Too bad for him. My brother always taught me to win. Never concede, even if it’s to stroke a man’s ego.

A pang hits me in my chest.

Ryan.

God, I miss him.

Shaking off my somber thoughts, I head to my room to quickly change. As I open the door, Rebecca accosts me.

“Where have you been, missy? Doing the walk of shame at noon.” She tsks her tongue.

“I stayed over with Jack and Xavier,” I tell her as I quickly undress before dressing again.

“Two men at a time? Damn, you’re such a hussy,” she teases.

“Not two men at once, you dumbass. We were playing video games ‘til late, and I fell asleep.”

She gives me a knowing smirk as I turn to face her. “So whose bed did you end up in?”

Rolling my eyes, I give her a quick hug. “I don’t have time for this. I’m already late. See you later!”

I rush out of the room and practically run to humanities. I offer a small smile in apology as slip into class ten minutes late. Thankfully, my professor doesn’t stop teaching as I make my way to my seat. Once there, I take a deep breath before pulling out my laptop.

I’m taking notes furiously when my phone vibrates in my pocket. Glancing up at the professor, I take a chance to glance at it quickly.

Avi: You made an impression on Jack. He’s been bragging to all the boys about his “Ace”.

My heart races. I don’t know why he does this to me. Typing out a quick response, I leave my phone on my knee.

Me: Haha. I’m surprised he’s telling anyone he got his ass kicked by a girl.

Avi: Oh, he isn’t telling them who Ace is. He is, however, signing you up for a tournament with all the guys and betting his basket on you.

I smile. Jack is a sweet guy. He reminds me a lot of Ryan in that way.

Me: For Jack, I may be willing to take on a hoard of guys.

“Miss Davis. Please pay attention.” I cringe as my teacher calls me out.

I slip the phone into my pocket, about dying when it vibrates again. I can’t tell you what was taught the rest of class because I was so focused on what he said.

The moment class is over, I rush out into the hall, pulling my phone out of my pocket.

Avi: Should I be jealous of this newfound friendship with Jack?

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.

Jealous?

Why does the thought of Xavier being jealous heat my blood?

Me: Don’t worry, Avi, You’re still my number one boo. *Blowing kiss emoji.*

For the first time in a long time, my chest feels light. I almost feel like the old Cassi. Leaning against the wall, I wait for his text back.

Avi: Good. I’d hate to have to take out a friend for poaching on my territory.

The way he flirts with me brings back those butterflies in my stomach. I know it’s just innocent flirting, but I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if its real.

Me: Territory? You’re such a caveman.

Avi: Damn right. You woman. Me Man. Get in my cave.

I burst out laughing, looking around to make sure no one noticed.

Me: Sure. Right after I club your ass over the head. That’s not the way to get a woman.

Avi: Well, wise one. What is the way to get a woman?

My heart stutters. Is he asking how to get me or another woman?

Red hot fury fills my veins at the thought.

Fuck, this is worse than I thought. I shouldn’t have slept in his bed last night.

Shoving the phone in my pocket, I make my way out of the building, trying to calm down.

The light feeling from before flees, letting a panic set in. For a moment, I was actually happy. I was focused on something other than Ryan.

I don’t know which caused me more anxiety at the moment. The thought that I could forget Ryan for even a second or that the happiness I had found could be ripped away.

“Cass.” I hear in the distance.

I glance back and offer a small smile as Mara jogs over to me.

“Hey, Mara. What’s up?”

“What’s up with me? No. What’s up with you? I haven’t seen much of you lately. I thought we were best friends.” Her pout isn’t lost on me.

This is how Mara is. Everything has to be centered around her. I know it killed her to be out of the spotlight when Ryan died.

Ryan.

“Yeah, I’ve been going to class and stuff,” I murmur, looking around for an escape.

I really am not in the mood for the Mara show.

“Or is it that new hottie you’re banging? Jared told everyone about him. The East Coast newbie that came in and swept you off your feet. Stole you right from under Jared’s nose.”

I scoff. “Seriously? I was never Jared’s to begin with.