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

“How about I drive you back,” Xavier offers.

“Are you sure? What about Jack?”

“He will find a different ride home. If not, I can always come back and grab him.”

“If you’re sure, I would appreciate it.”

Xavier stands, taking his phone out of his pocket. I check my pockets, making sure I have everything I need. I shoot off a text to Mara, letting her know I’m leaving.

“There, I texted him and told him I was heading out. You ready?”

“Yeah.” I smile.

Xavier rests his hand on my lower back, walking me out. Once outside, the cool air makes me shiver.

“You cold?” he rasps, leading me toward an old truck.

“No, I just didn’t realize how hot I was until we got out here.”

He opens the passenger door for me, letting me jump in before shutting it. I watch as he rounds the hood of the truck, sliding in. The truck starts off with a rumble as we buckle our seat belts.

“So, this isn’t what I pictured you driving,” I say as he pulls out of the parking lot, heading toward campus.

“No?” He smiles. “What did you think I would drive?”

“I don’t know, a BMW,” I say, making him laugh.

“Nah, I don’t own a BMW. I have a Maserati, this is Jack’s truck.”

“That makes more sense.” I nod.

Before I know it we’re pulling up in front of my door.

“Well, thank you for dropping me off,” I say as I unbuckle my seat belt.

“It’s no problem,” Xavier says, undoing his belt.

“What are you doing?” I frown.

“Just stay there.” He jumps out of the truck, running around the hood, and opens my door for me.

Has a guy ever opened my door for me not once but twice in one night? I mean you would think so seeing as I live in Texas, but those ways seem to have died out with my generation.

“Thank you,” I mumble, getting out.

“You’re welcome.”

I lean up, brushing my lips against his cheek. His stubble grazing my lips. “Have a good night.”

“You too.”

I walk around him, heading toward my building. Peeking over my shoulder, I see him standing there leaning against the hood of the truck, watching me.

Walking backward, I yell, “What are you doing?”

“Making sure you get inside the building okay!” he hollers back, making me smile.

I turn, walking up the steps. Gripping the door handle, I yell back, “’Night!”

“’Night.”

As I walk toward my room, all I can think about is how dangerous a guy like him could be.

3

Xavier

“What are your plans for this weekend?” Jack asks.

I shrug. “Nothing planned really. Thought I might see if Cassi wanted to hang.”

“Cassi, huh?” He wiggles his brows at me.

“It’s not like that. She’s a really chill girl who’s fun to hang out with.”

“Sure. It doesn’t hurt that she has a nice rack either.”

I toss a pillow at him.

He holds up his hands. “Hey. Didn’t know you were that into her.”

“I’m not. It’s not like that. We’re friends.”

He sits down on his bed facing me. “Listen, you keep telling yourself that, but let me give you a warning. Cassi seems like one of them girls.”

“One of what girls?”

He chuckles. “I forget you’re a city boy. We call girls like Cassi, one of them girls. She’s down to earth, can hang with the boys, and is just as likely to chop your balls off than kiss you. She’s a pistol, that’s for sure, but when you get you one of them girls? It’s done. Game over. They are the type you would be stupid not to marry. Especially if she gives you the time of day. Cassi is one of them girls.”

“That’s a lot of thinking for you, bud. Your brain okay over there?” I joke.

He shakes his head, standing to go to his dresser. “Laugh it up, X. Those girls are once in a lifetime. Meet them at the wrong time and you could miss out on the best thing in your life. I hope I don’t meet one of them girls until I’m at least thirty. I want to sow my wild oats. Feel my freedom. Don’t get locked down by one of them girls, X. Don’t do it.”

“You’re reading way too much into this. Cassi’s just a friend. I’m not looking for anything right now.”

“Sure. Whatever you say. I’ll be at the bar if you need me.”

With that, he leaves.

Picking up my phone, I call Cassi.

“Hey, what’s up?” Her voice comes over the phone.

“Nothing much. How was your day?” I ask.

“Good. Classes droned on forever. I’m so glad it’s Friday.”

“Same. What are you up to this weekend?”

“Tonight I’m watching movies with Mara. Then tomorrow I’m going on a hike, so I’ll probably crash early tomorrow night. Why? What’s up?”

“Nothing. Hiking, huh? You’re not scared of bugs and snakes?” I tease.

She chuckles. “Hell no. I can handle myself with a few forest critters. Maybe if a bear came along, it would worry.”

I shake my head, laughing. “Of course. You can take on the world.”

“Damn right. I may be five-foot-five, but I pack a mean punch.”

“Okay, Rocky Balboa. Calm down over there. Where are you going hiking?”

“Why do you want to know? You planning on stalking me? I mean, I know I’m hot shit, but that doesn’t warrant light stalking.”

“Ha. You wish. I’m just wondering where in the great state of Texas there are any mountains. I’ve only seen desert and city since I’ve been here.”

“Of course you have. You haven’t ventured off the beaten path. How about this? No stalking required. I officially invite you to go hiking with me tomorrow.”

“Sure. I’m down.”

“You realize I’m leaving at five in the morning.”

“I’m a morning person. It’s no problem.”

She chuckles. “Don’t you go out buying new hiking boots and shit tonight. You’ll regret it tomorrow. Wear something comfortable. It gets hot quick. I’ll make sure I have everything you need. What size shoe do you wear?”

“Whoa there. I don’t reveal that until the second date,” I tease.

“You’re so stupid. I might have a pair of broken-in boots for you. What size?”

“Twelve