The Entitled (The Entitled Duet #1) - Cassandra Robbins Page 0,28

“I have to go. I don’t have a problem with Jay. But I don’t trust him, especially with you.”

“That is crazy—all he does is his job.”

“Don’t make excuses for him. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

After I give him a dramatic sigh, I stomp up the bleachers, scooting into the corner.

Reed grins. “Perfect. Now stay there where no one can see you.”

“That’s the plan.” Smiling sweetly, I wave to him. He stops and stares at me, then climbs the bleachers after me. I squeal as he grabs for me.

“Go, so we can get out of here.” I laugh.

“One more kiss.”

A loud whistle interrupts us. “Saddington, you plan on joining us, or are you going to keep groping your girlfriend?” Coach scowls and walks back into the locker room.

“Don’t move, Kitten.” He points at me and runs down the bleachers.

“You’re so weird.”

He grins, making my stomach flutter. I wish I could control myself more. Staring at his incredible ass as he takes the bleachers two at a time, I tear my eyes away to my backpack and pull out my history notes. I need to focus, concentrate. Reed sucks. He always distracts me. This gym always smells like sweat and feet and I hate it, I think, wrinkling my nose.

Leaning back, I try to keep my eyes from wandering. But I start to daydream about Reed. Somehow, I’m picturing if I want a train and a veil for my wedding or simply a veil. Groaning, I snap my notebook shut and it echoes in the almost-empty gym. I stretch and glance at the clock on top of the basketball hoops. “God, it’s only been fifteen minutes.”

Why, do I listen to Reed?

My attention is piqued when I see a guy come out of the coed bathroom. He is wearing a gray sweatshirt with the hood pulled over his head covering his face. He puts his hands in his pockets and slinks out of the gym. Creepy. It’s hot and muggy out, so of course I start to visualize that the guy is a mass murderer or a terrorist. What the hell is wrong with me?

Standing up, I walk down the bleachers, noticing that most of the girls are outside. Apparently the cheer and dance squad members are having their own meeting today as well. Moving at a slow pace, I make my way over to the bathroom. I have no idea why I’m being so silly. The guy was probably working out or he likes sweatshirts. Either way, it’s none of my business. Now that I’m almost at the bathroom, I might as well go pee. The gym bathrooms are coed for sporting events. The lights are off. Feeling around, I find the switch. And nearly trip over a body lying on the floor. I freeze. Blood is smeared all over the white tile, and a slim body is curled in a fetal position.

Shit, shit, shit! Oh my God! This poor guy is dead, and the creepy guy with the sweatshirt is a murderer!

Taking a breath, trying not to let my imagination take over, I yell, “Are you dead?” Frantically, I lean down to him and gently touch his cheek, thankful that he’s warm.

“Don’t worry. You’re okay,” I say, my voice soft. He starts to move and moan. I check his pulse; it seems normal.

Then, he opens his beautiful chocolate eyes and stares at me.

At first, I’m stunned. How have I never realized how striking this guy is? Blinking, I reach for my phone. “Don’t worry. I’m calling 911 right now.” I smile and stroke his cheek reassuringly.

He pushes up on his arms and sits up.

“Here let me help you.” I help him scoot back, so he can use the wall to help him sit up.

“Don’t call 911. Trust me, I’ll be okay.” His voice, which has a slight accent, sounds steady.

Shocked, I shake my head. “Don’t be crazy. You need medical attention. You’re bleeding… and you have a black eye.”

“Fuck, I hit my head on the sink when that dick hit me in the eye.”

God, what do I do? He’s speaking clearly, and the bleeding seems to have stopped on his head wound.

“I’m so sorry you’re stuck with me finding you.” I give him a smile.

“I don’t think I could have dreamt a better person to rescue me. Do you believe in fate, Pretty Girl?”

“Yes… I do.”

“So do I.” His pained eyes lock with mine, and it’s like looking in a mirror. His loneliness and insecurities are all right