Blocked (Boston Terriers Hockey #3) - Jacob Chance Page 0,37
I’m not doing anything wrong. Go find something else to do besides bothering me. I’m a big girl.”
“Maddie, there you are,” Clover calls out, interrupting us. Relieved to see her, I step around Shaw without another glance in his direction.
“Sorry, I got stuck talking to one of my brother’s friends. Let’s go.” I can feel Shaw’s eyes burning into my back with every step we take.
“We’ll talk soon, Maddie,” he warns.
I hold up my middle finger behind my head in reply.
“Jesus, your first frat party and you’re already bumping into Shaw. But I guess that’s to be expected when he’s one of the most popular guys on campus.”
“Yeah, that sounds like Shaw. But you knew damn well that bringing me here would mean bumping into him. Don’t deny it either.”
She bats her lashes at me. “Well, I might’ve known he would be here. He does live here after all.”
“Remind me why I don’t hate you.”
“I keep your life interesting and push you outside of your comfort zone. Everyone needs a friend like me.”
“I feel like I’m in enemy territory. And I have a feeling my brother and he are going to scare every available guy away from me. I’ll be treated like a leper by the time they get done.”
“Don’t worry about that. There are always plenty of other frats having parties, and there’s no shortage of hot, single guys.”
“I’m not even sure I want to date anyone, but I want the option to do whatever I want.”
“Let’s grab more drinks and see who else is here,” Clover suggests, and I hook my arm through hers.
We meet up with Tonya and Shauna. The four of us live on the same floor in the same building.
“Glad you guys are here,” I say. “It’s nice to see some friendly faces.”
“Don’t worry. Before you know it, you’ll know more people than you want to. Give yourself a few more weeks to settle in,” Shauna offers.
“Maddie, what are you doing here?” Marshall barks as he walks over.
I hold up my hand. “Don’t start on me. I’ve already heard a rash of shit from Shaw.”
“Good. Glad he’s looking out for you when I can’t.”
“Marshall, you both need to back off. I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m sober and hanging out with my friends.”
His eyes go to the three girls. “Ladies.” He smiles, charming them all, except for Clover of course. “Can you give me a minute with my sister?”
“We’ll be over there.” Clover points to let me know where to look.”If you’re a jerk to your sister, I’ll cut your tiny balls off.” She trails her fingers across his chest as she walks away.
I give a tight nod toward Marshall. I’m annoyed that he’s treating me like a child. Once they’re out of earshot I bark at him, “What is your problem?”
“Maddie, you didn’t think you were going to come to school here and not have me looking out for you, did you?”
“Actually, I did. I went to school for three semesters without you just fine. Now that I’m here, nothing should change. Pretend you don’t know me. We don’t need to hang out together or run in the same circles. This will be the last time I come to a party here.”
“That’s never going to happen. And if you’re going to a party, it better be here, where no one will spike your drink. Not to mention, I have a houseful of guys who can look out for you.”
“Yeah, no thanks. I don’t need babysitters ruining my life. Tell Shaw to back off me or he’s going to be sorry.”
Marshall chuckles. “I’m sure he’ll be extremely scared when I relay that message to him.”
“Whatever. Don’t be a dick. I know this is all hilarious for you, but it’s not for me. I just want to do my own thing without people knowing we’re even related.”
Marshall clutches his chest. “Ouch, sis. That hurts. You don’t want people to know we’re related? Are you ashamed of me?”
“More like embarrassed by the way you treat me.”
“You shouldn’t care what others think,” he tells me.
“Oh, okay. I won’t.” I roll my eyes. “Wish I’d thought of that myself.”
“Don’t be sarcastic, Mads. It doesn't suit you.”
“I like my sarcasm just fine, thank you. Now, I’m going to go find my friends, and you’re going to forget I’m here.” I wave my fingers like I’m shooing a bug away.
Marshall raises an eyebrow. “Did you forget you’re in my frat house? The same frat that I’m the president of?”
“Nope, but I