Boarding with the Bad Boy [COMPLETE + BONUS published edition]

THE BOARDERS: 36

Lo

Jared and I pull up to Aaron Hart's just before 10:30. I'd be willing to bet my college savings that Sam is in this house somewhere.

Jared mixes himself a drink in the kitchen, handing me a red cup full of water upon my request. He's sweet and protective, clearly keeping an eye out for both Brandon and Sam as we sidle through the party. But he's been responsible for me for long enough tonight, and when he gets visibly excited to see a group of kids he played travel lacrosse with in middle school, I excuse myself to use the restroom

I pretend to look for it, ducking around corners and scanning for a glint of rings and the black hat I've come to associate with Sam. I'm half hoping to see my roommate, half hiding. It doesn't matter; he's not here.

I allow my imagination to take me to the place I've been actively avoiding all night: is it possible that Sam and Molly are still together in the dorm? That Jared was wrong and they're doing more than just kissing for my benefit? It hurts my chest to even consider, but at this point, I have to concede to the fact that it's more than likely. And, if that's the case, it's my fault.

I remind myself that I've gotten what I wanted. I should be happy about this.

In the time I've spent pretending I have to pee, I've realized I actually do have to go, and I take myself upstairs in the hopes of hiding out in a bathroom until Jared's ready to leave. I poke my head into half the doors on the second floor before I come to one that's closed, a light streaming through the crack below it. I'm almost positive this is the bathroom, and I twist the knob, attempting to open it. It's locked.

"Just a minute," a girl's muffled voice calls.

I wait thirty seconds before knocking. "I really have to pee," I call, trying not to sound pathetic and failing desperately.

There's a crash of something falling, a shriek of high-pitched laughter, but no response. I give another knock, harder this time.

"Fuck off!" A guy's voice now. I'm officially annoyed and I'm preparing to take out all my anger with Sam on this random couple, bringing my hand back to slam on the door, when it opens. I blink hard before stumbling back against the wall behind me.

Sam stands in the doorway, his hair mussed to oblivion, eyes wild.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he demands, his features hard. I realize with a start that his belt and jeans are undone and hanging low off his hips. My throat goes completely dry.

"I have to pee."

Sam looks incredulous. "What?" He's obviously pissed at the interruption and his anger feeds my own.

"I have to pee. I didn't expect that you were fucking around in here." My voice is a little hysterical. Molly, behind Sam, asks who it is.

"No one," Sam says, moving to close it in my face.

"It's Lo," I say, loudly enough that I know Molly can hear me. "Sorry to interrupt the love fest, but I really need to pee."

Sam narrows his eyes on me, his jaw setting in the way that I know means trouble.

"Where's Jared?" He asks finally, emphasizing the name.

I shrug. "Downstairs with some friends."

"Sad," he simpers. His eyes don't hold any emotion.

"Can't you move into one of the bedrooms? They're all available."

"What do you think this is?" He takes a step back and I can see that he and Molly aren't in a bathroom at all. In fact, they appear to be in Aaron's bedroom. Under different circumstances, I'd like to join them, if only to steal some things from the kid that enjoyed making my life hell almost as much as Brandon did three years ago.

Sam watches me, his eyes hard. Bracing himself on the doorway, he leans his upper body toward me and my breath catches as his face draws nearer to mine. His lips curl into a grin at my reaction to his proximity, though it's not a kind one.

"I'm not quite finished showing Molly just how cleared up my Herpes are." Sam's warm, minty breath kicks my pulse into high gear. "That little gem didn't go unnoticed this afternoon, Somers. And don't think for a second that you're not going to pay for it later."

I shove him back, hardening. "I know what the doctor said, Evans," I announce loudly, for Molly's benefit. "No sex with blisters. You don't want to spread that shit around."

I drop my voice to a hiss and continue: "I'm not going to pay for anything."

"Careful," Sam warns. "Don't make promises you can't keep."

I open my mouth to retort—with what, I have no idea—but it doesn't matter; I don't get the chance. Sam slams the door in my face, locking it again. I bang on it, cursing. I realize I'm acting crazy and, at this point, there's nothing I can do. I spin from the door and walk directly into a hard chest.