was just tugging his shirt down over his ripped abs.
“We got caught in the storm on the way back to the house. I dragged him here to wait it out. Huck, this is my boss, Mercer. Mercer, my roommate, Huck Snyder.” The introductions were awkward because Mercer’s look was downright gleeful when she turned it on me. I had no doubt she was filling in the blanks as to why we were both disheveled and fixing our clothes when she came in.
“No problem. I know you can’t stand it when it storms. I’m glad you were close by and could take shelter. It’s nice to meet you, Huck. I’ve heard a lot about you lately.” She stuck out her hand, bracelets jangling merrily as Huck gave it a polite shake. She gave me an obvious and over-the-top look of approval over his shoulder.
She was literally just seconds away from flashing a cheesy thumbs-up sign, so I cleared my throat loudly to distract her before she could embarrass me further.
“Mercer took me in when I first came to town and helped me find my footing. She’s the first real friend, aside from you, I’ve ever had. I don’t know where I would be without her.” I frowned at her. “At least when I can get a hold of her. That’s been harder to do these days.”
Huck grinned, which dissolved the tension that followed my sharp words. “It’s good to find a friend like that. I’ve been lucky to find a few of my own over the years. They helped me keep it together when I wasn’t sure what I was doing with my life anymore.”
Mercer lifted an eyebrow knowingly and flipped her long, colorful hair over her shoulder. “Oh, I know all about you and your group of friends. I think everyone in this town does.”
Huck cocked his head to the side and gave me a look out of the corner of his eye. It was clear he had no clue just how popular he and his crew were on the Internet but was willing to play along. “We’re just a group of guys who had it a little tougher than others. We happened to find each other when we needed each other the most. We all think we’re pretty lucky. Once upon a time, Ollie and I actually used to be closer than I am with the guys. We were best friends.”
Mercer hummed a little and dipped her chin in a bit of a nod. “I heard you guys were tight. It looks like you’re getting back to that. I have to say, I’m glad to see it. Ollie needs more than me to keep an eye on her. She’s the type that seems to attract trouble whether she wants it or not.”
Huck gave me a look that silently agreed with everything Mercer said. “That hasn’t changed since we were kids. I got sidetracked this morning and missed my first class. I have a test in my next one, so I have to go change and get to school.”
“Oh, it’s still raining out. You must’ve been distracted and not noticed the storm is still going strong.” She smirked at me, and I rolled my eyes so hard I was surprised I couldn’t see the back of my skull. Mercer hooked a thumb over her shoulder in the direction of the back door. “I have an umbrella if you want to use that. Or you might wanna call for a ride. I don’t have a car or I’d offer to take you.”
Huck shook his head. “I’m fine. I’ll run for it. Like I said, I’m headed home to change anyway. It doesn’t matter if I get wet.” He turned his attention to me. “Are you going to be okay?”
I nodded. “I’m going to hang out here until the storm passes.”
Plus, I needed a minute or two to get my thoughts back in line. I’d gone from running away from him to having sex with him quick enough to give anyone whiplash. And it seemed Huck hadn’t forgotten why he’d had to chase me in the first place.
“Don’t disappear again.” His tone was filled with warning.
“I won’t. I swear.” I tried to sound earnest, but Huck’s look indicated that he couldn’t decide if he was going to believe me or not. I couldn’t blame him. It wasn’t like any of my choices lately had made much sense.
Regardless, Huck gave me a final warning look and headed out the door. Once he was