#Hater (Hashtag #2) Read online

  When I was home, I mentioned to my grandmother that I was thinking about getting some clothes, ones that weren’t so baggy. Considering she spent half my life trying to get me to wear the latest trends and I’d never once shown any interest, she acted like she’d won the lottery. She insisted on coming shopping (which I was glad because I had no idea what to pick) and she insisted on paying for it all. She also insisted on buying me three times what I actually needed.

  Ivy was gonna flip when she saw all the new clothes.

  The things I’d gotten were beautiful, but I had to admit I still preferred sweatpants, baggy tops, and messy hair. But I’d told myself this semester I’d lay off the pants that made me fall all over the place and try to wear things that were a little more flattering.

  I pulled out a pair of skinny jeans in a washed-out color and ripped off the tags. Once I slid into those, I dug around for a warm top, my hand landing on a grey-and-white horizontally stripped sweater that was thick and warm. I pulled it on over my bra and white T-shirt and enjoyed the way the back hem fell over my butt.

  The bangle Romeo gave me was still on my wrist. I planned to never take it off.

  My hair was a disaster because all Romeo and I had done since arriving was alternate between the couch and the bed, so I ran my brush through the tangles and quickly piled it on top my head.

  Romeo was by the door, lacing up a pair of brown leather boots. After he pulled his jeans over the laces, he straightened and smiled. He was dressed in a red long-sleeved T-shirt.

  “New clothes?” he asked as he pulled on his varsity jacket.

  “Yeah,” I said a little self-consciously. I wasn’t used to people looking at my clothes or noticing the way I dressed.

  “You look hot,” he said appreciatively.

  I smiled.

  “Where’s your hoodie?” he asked.

  I should have known he’d want me to wear his hoodie since we were going to campus. I glanced out the window. The snow was coming down a little heavier now.

  I ran back into the bedroom and dug into the bottom of my suitcase and pulled out my new coat. I loved wearing Romeo’s hoodie, but it was just too cold today. I needed a coat.

  I pulled on the white puffer jacket and zipped it up as I walked. The interior was lined with fleece and was cozy warm. The oversized hood lay against my back and was wild with gray faux fur lining.

  Romeo raised his eyebrow when I appeared, and I took his hand. “I don’t need to wear your name today because you’re going to be right next to me.”

  He grunted and we stepped out into the crisp winter air. I sucked in my breath at the chill and pressed into Romeo’s side as we walked.

  He chuckled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

  My eyes couldn’t help but stray toward the pool where wild snowflakes hit the water and dissolved instantly. There was also a slight cloud of steam rising off the top.

  “Why don’t your parents close the pool in the winter like everyone else?” I asked, my voice sounding grumpier than I intended.

  I couldn’t help it. My mother drowned in a pool. I found her body. Visions of the pink-tinted water and her lifeless form in the center made me shiver.

  Romeo clutched me a little bit closer and angled his body so I couldn’t see the pool anymore. Our steps quickened toward the Hellcat, the purr of its already running engine a familiar sound.

  “Because my mother likes the way it looks lit up at night. She says it’s pretty for parties and to watch the snowflakes melt in the heated water.”

  “Keeping it heated all winter has to be expensive,” I murmured. The mention of his mother washed away the ugly memory of finding my own mother dead. Valerie didn’t like me. She thought I wanted something from Romeo, a point she made very clear the night we met.

  I tried not to show how much it bothered me, but it did. Maybe it was because I no longer had my mother here and a friendly relationship with Romeo’s would have been nice. I know no one could ever replace my mother, but getting along with her was important to me.

  “I’m sure it is,” Romeo replied, drawing me out of my thoughts. He opened the passenger door of the Hellcat and motioned for me to climb in.

  Once I was in, he reached around me and pulled the seatbelt across my chest. I didn’t bother telling him I could buckle myself in. He never listened. “They don’t keep it swimming temperature.” He continued. “Just warm enough so it doesn’t freeze.”

  Once he was in the driver’s seat, he turned up the heat and it poured into the car. The remote start he had installed was the best thing ever. It meant never having to wait for the heat to warm up.

  After the windshield wipers swiped all the snow off the glass, he pulled around toward the street. My eyes went back to the pool as he drove and they stayed fastened to it until it was out of site.

  Campus wasn’t as busy as usual, even though there were people milling around as students arrived back from winter break. Romeo’s parking spot was vacant (as always) and he slid into it with ease. I braced myself against the cold once more as we rushed toward the building with the campus bookstore inside.

  The scent of coffee and food greeted us at the door because the upstairs level of the building was the food court.

  Downstairs, people milled about getting books and supplies, and the line at the register was longer than I would have liked. As usual, the second Romeo walked in, he was the center of attention. People called his name and gave him high-fives.

  As he talked and joked with people who’d walked up to us, I focused on pulling out my list of books and supplies. I tried to slip through the crowd to start my shopping, but Romeo tightened his hand around mine. I glanced up and him and he smiled.

  Even though he was preventing me from running away, I smiled back. I’d probably smile at him if I were dying. Just looking at him filled me up inside with joy. It was the reason I was learning to deal with his celebrity status. It came with him, and Romeo wasn’t someone I was willing to give up.

  “I love your coat,” someone off to the side said.

  Romeo nudged me because I hadn’t realized she was speaking to me. I jumped a little and turned toward her. It was someone I’d never spoken to before. I’d seen her around. Part of me thought she might be a cheerleader.

  “Thanks,” I said, forcing myself not to shrink into his side. Romeo didn’t need a girlfriend who ran from his life. He needed someone to embrace it just the way he’d embraced mine.

  I gave the girl a rueful smile and said, “Trying to find a coat in Florida is next to impossible.”

  Her eyes widened a little when I gave more than a one-word response. But she recovered and smiled. “You’re from Florida?”

  I nodded.

  She sighed. “So lucky. I’d love to live by the beach.”

  “Maybe someday,” I said because I had no idea what else to say. This was the longest conversation I’d ever had with one of Romeo’s friends. Besides Braeden of course.

  As if I conjured him into being, Braeden materialized nearby and shouted, “Rome! Where you been hiding?”

  The crowd parted slightly to make room for Romeo’s best friend, and he grinned when he saw me standing there. “Ah,” he said, “tutor girl is back.”

  I sighed dramatically. Was he ever going to stop calling me that?

  Braeden pushed into the center of the small crowd and put his arm around me, and Romeo let go of my hand as Braden tugged me into his side. “He’s been unbearable while you were gone,” he said. I was aware of everyone watching the easy affection he showed me. It made me slightly uncomfortable, even if I did enjoy it.

  “I doubt it,” I said, poking him in the ribs. “You were probably just annoying.”

  People around us laughed, and Braeden hooted. “Rome, I need to borrow your girl. She knows all about books and I can’t seem to find the one I need.”

  He shoved his wrinkled paper beneath my nose and steered me out of the crowd so I would help him.

  I fou
nd the book in like three seconds and handed it to him with an are you for real? look on my face.

  “Looked like it was getting a little crowded over there,” he said, taking the book. His eyes held a knowing look.

  He’d done that on purpose. He knew almost as well as Romeo how uncomfortable I could get.

  “Thanks,” I said, and I meant it.

  “Anytime, tutor girl.”

  “I do have a name, you know?” I said.

  “I know.” He grinned. It was the only answer I got. He definitely didn’t say he was going to start using it. “So is Missy back from break yet?”

  I glanced at him. “You haven’t talked to her?”

  He shrugged. “Why would I?”

  Because they were sleeping together… At least they had been before we all left. “Ummm,” I said, suddenly feeling awkward. It seemed I probably shouldn’t have to point out something like that to him.

  Braeden chuckled and threw his arm across my shoulders and yanked me forward. His abrupt movements caused me to lose my balance and I fell against him. His chuckle turned into a laugh as he steadied me.

  I straightened and then pushed at my glasses. “I think she comes back tomorrow.”

  “Cool.”

  I frowned. “You really haven’t talked to her?”

  “Nope.” He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. I wondered what Missy thought about that.

  “So you two really aren’t dating?” I pressed.

  Braeden sighed and looped his arm across my shoulders again and steered me toward a stack of books. “So innocent,” he mused. “Tutor girl, as your man’s best friend and your self-appointed big brother, I feel like it’s time I teach you about the real world.”

  “You’re my self-appointed big brother?” I asked, looking up at him.

  He nodded like it was obvious. “You and Rome… you’re an exception to the rule. You two are the real deal, but most guys, guys like me, aren’t looking to settle down. They like—”

  “To have fun?” I finished for him, slightly amused.

  “Exactly.”

  “But what about the girls?” I asked.

  He gave me a clueless look. I sighed. “Maybe it’s me who needs to teach you, brother.”

  He lifted an eyebrow.

  “Guys might want to have fun,” I said, using his words, “but girls have a harder time keeping their feelings from getting involved.”

  “Relax, tutor girl,” Braeden said. “I know how to handle things.”

  I didn’t know what that meant, but I hoped it meant Missy wouldn’t get hurt.

  Romeo appeared in front of us, crossed his arms over his wide chest, and stared at me and Braeden. Braeden didn’t seem to mind the death glare he was receiving. “You’re looking awful cozy over here with my girl.”

  “I was just schooling our girl here on the ways of the world,” Braeden replied smoothly.

  “Our girl?” Romeo repeated.

  “Don’t get your panties in a twist.” Braeden grinned.

  I interrupted their macho talk with some talk of my own. “He was asking about Missy.”

  Romeo grinned.

  Braeden dropped his arm from around me and gave me a look of betrayal. “What happened to brother-sister confidentiality?”

  I laughed.

  “Dude, there’s a hot girl in line over there,” Romeo said, motioning with his chin. “Go get in line behind her.”

  Braeden turned and a slow smile spread across his stubbled jaw. “Day-um,” he said. “Good looking out, Rome.” He held up his fist and Romeo pounded his against it.

  “Tutor girl,” Braeden said, and then he was gone. I watched him slip smoothly into the line right behind the girl Romeo just declared hot.

  She was the total opposite of me. She looked like some ski bunny who spent all her time lounging by the fire at some exclusive ski lodge. She was dressed in a pair of skintight black leggings, tall white boots, a hot-pink long-sleeved top, and a white vest zipped up over her ample chest. Her ultra-blond hair was pulled up and she had a pair of large black sunglasses on her head.

  The only thing that gave away the fact she wasn’t on skiing holiday was her arms were full of books and we were all standing in a bookstore.

  Braeden said something to her and she turned. I knew by the way her body leaned in toward his that she was interested.

  It left a sick feeling in my stomach.

  “Hey,” Romeo said from beside me.

  I pulled my gaze away from Braeden and focused on the list in my hand. “I think the first book I need is right over here,” I said and started off in its direction.

  Romeo caught me around the elbow and gently pulled me around. “What’s wrong?”

  “You used to be just like him,” I blurted out. Then I slammed my lips together, cursing myself for not thinking before I spoke.

  Romeo’s brows drew together. “Braeden?”

  I nodded. “You liked to have fun. You hit on a different girl every day…” I paused and took a breath. “Pretty girls.”

  Something very close to anger lit up his eyes and burned there like the hottest part of a flame. Before I could backpedal, his large hands slid beneath my arms and hooked beneath my shoulders. Romeo lifted me off the ground like it was easy, like it didn’t even take effort. My feet dangled in the air as he drew me up so we were eye to eye.

  “A thousand of those girls”—he made a slight motion with his head toward Braeden—“couldn’t even make up one of you.”

  “Romeo,” I whispered, caught up in the molten blue flame flickering in his gaze.

  “You know I was like that once. I’ve never made a secret of it. But you’re it for me now, Rim. There’s no one else. There never could be.”

  Even though he spoke softly, I still felt the room around us listening. My neck still prickled with a thousand stares, but I didn’t care. His words pierced me. They took the feelings of doubt creeping up inside me and totally vanquished them.

  I smiled and something in his eyes relaxed. Worry I hadn’t seen until that moment disappeared. He gave me one of his oh so charming lopsided smiles and pulled me closer to kiss me.

  It was a fast kiss, but it was more than effective.

  Once I was back on my feet, reality began to intrude and I noted just how much of an audience we acquired.

  I started to duck my head, but Romeo plucked the list out of my hand and tugged me along toward the nearest section. And just like that, everything seemed to start back up. Everyone began to move again; the room came alive.

  My lips were tingling as I reached out for one of the textbooks I needed and began shuffling through the pile, looking for a used one (they cost so much less). Romeo reached around me, helping me look.

  A few seconds later, he pulled back, his body stiff.

  “Did you find one?” I asked, turning around.

  His hands were empty and tension radiated off his body.

  “Romeo?” I said, pressing a hand to the small of his back. His muscles reacted, tensing immediately.

  I peered around him, wondering what could be causing such a reaction.

  I should have known.

  It wasn’t a what, but a who.

  Zach.

  And judging from the half snarl on his lips and the calculating glint in his eyes, I knew he hadn’t come for books like the rest of us.

  No, he was here for a piece of Romeo.

  Chapter Four

  Romeo

  Fucking Zach.

  If there were an award for asshole of the year, he’d be the reigning champ.

  He was so eaten up by his father’s reputation, his father’s money, and everything he thought he was that he never stopped to consider the truth.

  He was just a loser with a credit card.

  Maybe in the past I never realized that. Hell, maybe I’d been the kind of guy who thought money equaled class. Maybe I thought the air of arrogance Zach wore as armor made him superior to others.

  And the
n I fell in love with a girl who was the epitome of the opposite of my world.

  She shattered everything I thought I knew. And though she might be the one wearing glasses, it was me who was finally seeing clearly.

  Our eyes locked from across the bookstore. His lips were curved like he had something nasty to say, and I partially wanted him to. I’d love an excuse to wipe that look off his face.

  The familiar sound of phones beeping was partially distracting, but neither of us looked away. It was like we were locked in a contest of wills to see who would back down first.

  Rimmel’s small hand slid into mine, her fingers curling against my palm as her thumb curved around and tugged. I still didn’t look away from Zach.

  “Romeo.” Her voice was low and she tugged at my hand again.

  Zach’s eyes slid to where she was beside me, and a smile split his face. My upper lip curled in response, and I swiftly turned, putting my back to him and blocking Rimmel from sight.

  She held up her phone with a sigh. It was a Buzz about me and Zach. I glanced around and people averted their gazes. I couldn’t help but wonder who went running to the BuzzBoss about my staring contest.

  People needed to get a life.

  “You ever wonder who the BuzzBoss is?” Rimmel asked.

  “Nope,” I replied truthfully. “I couldn’t care less.”

  She pocketed her phone. “Well, they sure care about you.”

  “Let’s get your books.” I wanted to turn back to where Zach had been, but I resisted the urge. I wasn’t going to start anything with him here, now. Not when Rimmel was at my side. I didn’t like the way he looked at her, like he was a predator and she was prey.

  I swear she needed like fifty pounds worth of books. It seemed like every pile we passed she had to add another to her stack. “Damn, if I’d known you needed this much, I could’ve skipped training this morning,” I quipped.

  She snorted and turned to say something with a smile on her lips. But the words seemed to catch in her throat and her eyes went over my shoulder, then back to me again.

  “Still together, I see," Zach said from behind me.

  I drew myself up to my full height and turned fully, angling my body so it completely blocked Rimmel from view. Even though I paid him back for what he did to her in the haunted house, I wasn’t going to forget it. I didn’t want him anywhere near her.