"How was Tray?" I ask Layla, taking a bite of my spaghetti. She called me two hours ago, suggesting we have dinner together. As I didn't have any plans, I agreed without the slightest hesitation. Anything is better than staying in the room with Jordan.

"Energetic." My best friend takes a sip of her soda, casting a gaze to the side.

"Energetic?" I repeat, putting my fork on my plate. "It sounds like... I don't even know... like you're talking about an old man, who surprisingly had enough energy to fuck you."

She rolls her eyes, shaking her head. A small smile stretches across her lips. "Sex was good. I just... I'm tired of him. That's all."

"Hm..." I push myself from the table, leaning my back against the leather sofa. "Why?"

"I think I like someone more than I expected..." Layla chews on her bottom lip, her brows knit together.

I wrinkle my nose, arching an eyebrow at her. "Thompson?"

"Yeah..." she murmurs breathy, a dreamy expression on her face. "Yesterday he was looking for a hookup, and if I were alone... I could have approached him and..."

"You're off-limits for the hockey team." I exclaim and she grimaces.

"Drake and his stupid rules!" She takes a bite of her sandwich with so much irritation that lettuce and tomato fall out on the table, but she doesn't pay any attention to it. "Who cares if I date someone from the team?! It's not like I'm going to have sex with my boyfriend for everyone to watch!"

"Erm... you said yourself that Thompson doesn't date anyone." I remark, and she shoots me an angry glare.

"He just hasn't met the right girl yet." She cuts me off, but for some stupid reason it's hard for me to bite my tongue and keep silent.

"And you are the RIGHT girl for him?" I taunt and her eyes widen.

"Maybe." Layla scowls, looking displeased. She doesn't like that I question her, or more like doubt her. Just... I know the type and he's not for her. Or better to say she's not for... "Grace said that he kicked you out of the party."

I hold her gaze. Deliberately I wanted to keep that to myself. I just forget that people talk in our social circle, just like high school, it reminds me of a beehive. Everyone knows everything, and rumors spread faster than a wildfire. That guy made a fool of me last night for everyone to see. Indeed, I will be a laughingstock on Monday.

"He did." I tilt my head to the side; my hair falls on my face and I blow it away. "Still want to be with a guy like him?"

"You slapped him across his face." Layla shrugs, taking a bite of her sandwich again. I know we're good, and it's just a moment when we aren't getting along. Not the first time, not the last time for sure. "What did you expect?"

"I expected nothing." I say, a fire flaring behind my eyes. The guy... He's just ugh... When I saw him today on my way out of Drake's room, I honestly wanted to disappear. Why him? It could have been anyone! Even Layla! But no... It was him, and he didn't have anything better to do except riling me up. Again. It's like this stupid universe is trying to have me colliding with him any chance it gets!

My best friend sighs, setting her sandwich on her plate and finally noticing the lettuce and tomato on the table. She puts them on her plate as well and then cleans the table with a napkin. "Look, Ava, I'm sorry... You just got under my skin with your questions and I kinda snapped at you for it. You didn't deserve to be kicked out, and I'm very sorry it happened. Did you find your way back to the dormitory quickly?"

I feel my skin warm, memories of her brother flood my mind. "With Drake's help." I murmur, seeing her jaw drop open. "He saw what Thompson did and wanted to make sure I was okay... because I wasn't. I got lost, and without him I probably would have wandered around campus all night. Though, I spent the night in his room. I saw my roommate leaving the house with some dude, and had no desire to listen to her sex again. So..."

"Aww, poor thing." She pats my palm, smiling at me gently. "I'm so glad Drake found you. You're like a sister to him, so I can only imagine how pissed he was at Colt."

I almost choke on my meatball. That's the same bullshit that I told that asshole. 'He's family.' Family won't fuck you all night, making you come over and over and over... I clench my thighs together; perfectly aware how wet I am just from my memories. Fucking Drake and his miraculous tongue! "Yeah... You two are like family to me." I'm so going to hell for my secrets! "Drake promised to talk to Thompson. Though, I'm not sure it will change anything."

"Colton is difficult to deal with. Everyone knows that." She comments, glancing at the clock on the wall. "But it's my brother we're talking about also. He hates when someone acts up and he never hesitates to do the right thing."

"Uh huh." If she continues going on and on about how great her brother is, I'll be tempted to tell her about my time with him. I don't want a relationship with Drake. Hell no! The guy is gorgeous but he's not my type. He's a good one. But the sex is amazing, and no one gets me off like him... Maybe if I'm honest with her, she won't be opposed to us being friends with benefits? 'Hey bestie, can I occasionally fuck your brother?' Ugh, I can't even imagine that conversation! I better find something else to talk about real quick. "What are you going to do about your crush on Thompson?"

"Dunno." She whines, as I dig into my food. "Well, not exactly." Layla looks at the clock again. "I'm already doing something."

"Meaning?" I mumble with my mouth full.

"The hockey team has a tradition. They always come here the next day after party... to talk about stuff..."

I'm so irritated with her right now! It's not even fair to hide that from me! "Why didn't you tell me that?"

"Because you would have said no if you knew." Layla stares me right in the eyes, unbothered with my annoyed look.

"You should have asked Grace." I spit my words, pushing my plate away. I'm not hungry anymore.

"I can't ask her." My best friend squints her gaze to the side, contemplating what to say next. "She's in a whiney mood."

"Baker sent her packing, didn't he?" I grab my juice and take a sip. In all honesty, as soon as I saw Layla's roommate and him, I totally knew that she had zero chances. The dude is arrogant and narcissistic, enjoys bragging about his daddy's money and how good in bed he is. When his eyes landed on me, I felt as if I was a piece of meat for sale, as if I was an object. I hate guys like him.

"Well yeah... He found another hookup for himself, a girl from Drake's class." Layla dips her chin, leaning closer. "I'm glad Grace hasn't slept with him. He's an asshole, and she's too good for him."

"I can't really argue with that," I add. "Thompson is an asshole too, but their energy is different. Baker is way worse; I don't even know why I think that about a guy I haven't talked to at all."

"There were rumors about him," she lowers her voice. "that he forced himself on a girl."

"And why is he still on the team?" I frown.

"His dad has money and power." Layla licks her lips, looking uncomfortable. "Charges were never filed."

"Jesus..." I mumble under my breath. "He's even more disgusting than I thought."

"I tried talking to Grace about him, but she was too blind and stubborn like a mule." My best friend huffs and chews on her bottom lip. "Just... Colton's family is pretty rich also, but you would never guess that. He never shoves it in people's faces."

I open my mouth ready to answer her, but the door of the diner opens and a group of guys walk inside. The hockey team. I blow the air out of my lungs, looking away. I should have left before they came. Now, if I leave it will look like I am running away because of the asshole.

"Layla!" A voice booms, and I recognize it. It's Clay.

"Hey Clay!" She chimes, waving her hand. I bite my inner cheek, not looking at anyone. I have no idea what my best friend has in mind. "So glad to see you!"

"You too." He comes closer and slides into the booth Layla is sitting on. "Hey best friend."

"Hey." I lock my eyes with his and see humor in them. He's a jokester, isn't he? "How was the party?"

"Pretty good." Clay exclaims, while all the other guys go to sit in the farthest corner. They move tables and chairs, so they all can fit. It's their place since no one says the word about their actions. "Woke up with my cock hidden in a very warm mouth."

"Ew!" Layla yelps, hitting him on his forearm. "Talking about your hookups isn't allowed here. Go back to your friends if you want to brag."

"I'm just trying to convince Ava to change her mind." He quirks an eyebrow at me, and I burst into laughter.

"Telling me about the girls you fucked definitely won't change my mind." I snort, shaking my head and digging into my purse. I take my packet of M&Ms and put it on the table. It's my favorite one with peanuts, though I also love ones with milk chocolate. Nothing beats the classic in my eyes. I plop one candy into my mouth and meet Clay's amused gaze. "What?"

"Colt!" He bellows, and I instantly pinch my brows together. Why the fuck does he need that jerk over here? "Come over for a sec."

I hear footsteps, bracing myself for another round of bickering. Not that I don't like it, but he gets under my skin too easily. "What?" He asks, while I concentrate on Clay. "Hey Layla."

"Hey Colt." She purrs in the sweetest tone of voice, and I suddenly feel nauseous. She is trying too hard. "How are you?"

"I'm fine." He cuts her off quickly, even if he attempts to sound nice. "What do you want, Rodgers? Aren't you going to sit with us?"

"Soon." Clay shrugs with a lopsided grin on his face. "Benson and Baker are on their way, and we still need to wait for them. There is no harm in spending a few minutes in pleasant company."

"Questionable." I mutter under my breath, but Layla hears and chortles.

"Aww, sweetie, you break my heart." Clay presses a hand to his chest, and a stupid beam starts playing on my lips. He's kind of adorable.

"Rodgers, why am I here?" The asshole asks, irritation rises in his voice.

"Here." Clay reaches over to my M&Ms and snatches the pack and extends to his friend. "Aren't these your favorite?"

I cast a gaze to the side, watching as Thompson furrows his brow and takes my packet in his palm, staring at it as if it's a precious treasure. He chuckles, nods his head, and dumps almost all of the candies in his other palm. He looks like a kid, suddenly so happy and cheerful. I open my mouth and close it again as if I am a damn fish on the surface. The audacity!

"Hey!" I shriek. "Those are mine!"

He meets my eyes; a stupid smirk stretches across his lips. "Not anymore." With that, he turns around and goes back to his friends. What the actual fuck?!

"What was that?" Layla asks, her voice full of amusement as her gaze stays glued to Thompson.

"Colt loves M&Ms." Clay explains, looking between us. "His cupboard at his apartment is packed with these. Though, he's more into ones with milk chocolate, but he also likes the peanut ones too. The classic."

Just like me. I start chewing on the inner side of my bottom lip, uncertain what to make of it. My best friend tsks. "Why didn't I know that?"

"Because you're not his friend," Clay says simply, just as the door opens. I meet Drake's eyes instantly. He looks surprised for a brief second, but then just breaks into a coy grin. Someone is definitely happy to see me. "Oh... your brother is here." He stands up, looking down at Layla and me. "See you later, ladies."

He strolls away, and Drake takes his place near our table. Baker walks past him, but then stops and joins Layla's brother. His eyes travel down from my face to my chest, a smug smile tugs on his lips. Yet, he keeps silent, not saying a word.

"Hey sis, Ava." Drake greets us, his hands hidden in his pockets. I nod my head and just continue to observe him. "What are you two up to?"

"Hey hey." Layla sing-songs, looking mischievous. "Just had dinner. You?"

"As if I'm going to believe that." He laughs loudly. "Wanted to hear some fresh gossip?"

"Maybe." She confirms sweetly, shifting her gaze to Baker. She sees him staring at me and frowns. "Erm... Hey Adam."

"Hey Layla." His voice is low and penetrating. "Can you introduce your friend to me? Last night I didn't have a chance to meet her because your roommate kept me busy..."

"I'm Ava." I interrupt him sternly. "And I'm not interested."

Fury flickers in his eyes, and he quickly covers it with a pretentious laugh. "Girl, you have no idea what you're missing out on."

I tap a finger on my bottom lip. "Still no."

His face contorts in anger, while I observe him. He reminds me of Draco Malfoy from the final Harry Potter movies. Platinum blonde with blue eyes, but unlike Tom Felton, this dude doesn't attract me, at all. I want him gone.

"Baker, if she says no, she means no." Drake exclaims, his gaze is heavy. "Go away."

"Whatever." He barks and storms to the guys from the team.

"Thank you," I mouth to Drake, and he smiles at me warmly. "Did you sleep well?"

His eyes go wide and blush creeps on his cheeks. Isn't he the cutest? "Yeah, like I told you... as soon as you left my bed, I finally got to sleep comfortably."

"What do you mean she left your bed?!" Layla is so loud, that everyone at the diner looks at us. Drake and his choice of words... Dammit!

"Your brother is a gentleman," I lend him a hand, because he's obviously going to drown us. "He let me use his bed, while he slept on his beanbag chair."

"Oh..." She mumbles, looking between us while I flash my biggest smile at her. There is no way in hell, I'm telling her about my hookup with her brother. It's not the right moment. "I'm sure it wasn't comfortable." Her gaze softens. "But I'm very grateful to you. You took care of my best friend when she needed it. It means the world to me."

"Don't mention it." He shrugs, licking his lips. Does he have a boner? The bulge in his groin becomes more visible. Drake, you motherfucker... "I gotta go. See you later."

"Bye." I say, feeling relief washing over me. He almost exposed us!

"Bye." Layla isn't looking at him anymore. Her eyes are focused on something behind my back. Or better to say, someone. We're not leaving anytime soon, are we? "Drake?"

"What?" Her brother shouts from the table he is already sitting at.

"Any chance you can give us a ride back to the dorms?"

"Sure." I roll my eyes and lean my back on my side of the booth. I have no clue what she plans to do to get her hands on Thompson, but looks like we are stuck here.