Page 27 of Palm South University: Season 2

“Of course. I would have paid more if it meant getting Cassie to go on another date with me.” He grins down at her and she flushes, just slightly, like she did the day I first met her.

“Another? I didn’t know you two had already been on one,” Skyler says, her arms still around my waist.

“We just went to dinner.”

“She’s playing hard to get,” Grayson argues, but they’re both smiling.

I’m highly annoyed.

“Well I guess she can’t say no to a five-hundred dollar proposition,” Clinton says, leaning forward to shake Grayson’s hand. “I’m Bear.”

“Nice to meet you, man.”

“Oh! Yeah, this is my Big, Skyler, and Adam and Jeremy. They’re in Alpha Sigma.”

Grayson shakes Jeremy’s hand first and mine last. His grip is strong, smile still in place.

“Hey, I know you. You’re the one who threw that kick ass concert last semester, right?” he asks as we drop hands.

“Uh, yeah.”

“Bro! That was so sick. Three of my favorite bands in the area were there. Are you doing another one next fall?”

“If I have anything to do with it, yeah.” Cassie is smiling up at him as we talk a little more about the concert. He really knows his shit about local music, and before I can stop him, Jeremy is asking if he’ll help scout talent next semester. The guy is nice, funny, not even a little douche-like.

I hate him.

My phone buzzes, and for the first time ever, I’m actually relieved to see a text from Clay demanding I get my ass to the house.

“Shit,” I murmur. Skyler leans over to look at the text. “Clay just called an emergency meeting.”

“Think it’s about the retreat?” Jeremy asks.

“Not sure, but we should probably both go.” I turn to Skyler, apologies at the ready.

“Don’t,” she says before I have the chance, holding up her hand. “It’s completely fine. I’m exhausted anyway and need to call my parents about what happened tonight. I’ll text you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, okay.” I smile and she lifts on her toes to give me a kiss. She breaks away too soon for me, so I pull her back, running my hand up her arm to grip the back of her neck, holding her to me. She sighs a little, as if my kiss reassured her of something I didn’t even know she was questioning.

“Have fun tonight.”

“You too,” she breathes when I break the kiss. “See you guys later. Nice to meet you, Grayson.” I nod my head as he holds his whiskey up in a cheers to me.

My eyes flick to Cassie’s, but just for a moment, not even long enough to read what lies behind them before I turn and make my way through the crowd with Jeremy.