Page 134 of The Deceptions

"Who is it?" I quip, crossing my arms.

Huxley's eyelids droop slightly, and he sighs. "Amanda. She's fucking exhausting.Huxley come over. Huxley fuck me." He scowls, clicking his screen a few times, and puts his phone into his pocket. "The sooner I get out of that, the better off we'll be. She wants to move fucking in before the damn wedding date."

"Uh, fuck no. There are three of us and one of her. No way." I cross my arms like a child.

"I'll keep digging," JJ grumbles, opening his laptop again with a sigh. "You two go kill each other. I'll take care of everything else."

"You got an alarm set for tomorrow?" I ask as I reach the door to the basement.

JJ sends me a glare, his golden brown eyes basically telling me to fuck all the way off. "I'm not waking you up. You're an adult."

So he says. I don't feel like a damn adult.

"Whatever." I shrug and disappear into the fully finished basement that we converted into our own private gym. Because we'll be fucked if we use the one on campus or the only one downtown.

Who knew gyms wouldn't be a lucrative business here in Greenwood? Not me.

"So, shall we start with each other?" I grin, cracking my knuckles when Hux comes down the stairs.

"I'll even give you a free hit," he grits out, tapping his cheek a few times.

"Well, then. This is Christmas to me!" I shout as we begin our match, and I ram my fist into my best friend's face.

Ah, the good life.

“Fun party?”Wade asks, through a mouthful of ice cream, as Simon and I enter the dorm room.

He lounges on the couch with his shirt off, exposing his tanned and toned body. Damn. Who knew the dude who wore three shirts at a time could be so buff? Maybe the volunteer life is good for the body and soul.

I shake my head, focusing on the delicious ice cream entering his mouth. My mouth waters. My cramps intensify. Fuck. He's got the right idea. Ice cream. Shirt off. Man-spreading on the couch.

I'm sold.

I peek at the freezer. My ice cream beckons me.Come to me, Olivia. Eat me!You don't have to ask me twice. I’m itching to get my fingers on the cold, delicious treat I’ve been salivating for since I bought it.

I grimace when a twinge of pain burrows further into my stomach. I swear my damn ovaries are shouting in pain. Addibuprofen to the list of needs before I go to bed and curl up with my heating pad.

But first on the list? Rocky Road ice cream.

“You guys look like you had fun,” Wade comments with a euphoric smile, pulling at his ice-cream-stained lips.

There's something about him. Something lighter floating around him, giving him a joyful aura.

“Funnnn!” Simon sings, spreading his arms wide. “You missed out. Where were youuuu?” He puffs out his bottom lip. “Did you work too much again, Wadey? You have to stoppppp.”

I cover my mouth with my hand at Simon's antics.

Wade shakes his head with a laugh. “I can see that. Yeah, I had too much to do at the shelter before I could leave.” He sighs heavily, but it doesn't match the energy wafting off him. “Too tired to socialize at a big party.” He shoves another bite into his mouth, noticing me practically salivating at the ice cream. I'm in need. “I got more in there, if you want some.” He points toward the kitchen as I narrow my eyes at the ice cream. “Picked up some extra after I got off work. Thought you might want some more.”

I cock my head. “Thanks, man,” I say, clearing my throat. “I still have some I got.”

Is this typical of dudes? Sitting around and eating ice cream together with their shirts off? I mean, I can't participate in the taking off your clothes part, but I’m down for sitting around and eating until I can’t feel my period anymore.

Simon sighs, plopping next to Wade, and leans his head back. “It was a fun, fun night. Lots of booze and girls and guys and ohhh, I got a number. He was hot with a capital T!” He fumbles for his phone in his pocket, but gives up with a huff when he can't slide it out. “F-fuck I drank too much,” he groans, rubbing his forehead and, lifts his head. “You know their dog likes Oli. Like… came-came up to him and let him pet him!” Hehiccups slightly, collapsing back into the couch with a grin. “It's impressive,” he slurs.

Lord. He's drunker than I thought. How much did he have in the short time we were there mingling? Seriously, he's like a toddler. I can't take my eyes off Simon for a second or he'll suck down an entire keg of whatever they're offering.

Wade momentarily stops eating, and his brows furrow. “Their dog? Waffles? Likes you? That's weird. That dog doesn't like anyone. I swear he growls at me every time he sees me.”