Love and War | book 1 #Wattys2016 #tbpa2016

>> chapter 7

   Once Grant and I arrive in Lola's apartment a majority of her once extremely decorated place is packed away. The only things sputtered about are necessities.

   "Oh you guys are here!" Tommy says, emerging from Lola's bedroom with a box in his arms. Grant hustles over and takes it from him setting it near the front door with the others.

   I step through the madness and settle for sitting on a barstool at the kitchen island. "Just had a chat," I say quickly to Tommy. "Grant wanted to hear more about the studio internship."

   Tommy smiles oblivious to the goings on between Grant and I. The only people who knew were myself, Grant, and Lola. No one else needed to know. My virginity isn't really anyone's business but my own.

   Lola comes out of the bathroom with a crate of her shower and bathroom needs, walking it over to me. I take it as she talks, "Yea seriously. Grant did you even remember where you parked the truck?" She's obviously irritated that they're behind schedule.

   "It'll be fine Lo," I tell her trying to stay positive. I wasn't moving back home for another week and I had a month before I had to move to Minneapolis.

   "Can you help Grant find the car? He's terrible with direction, plus he doesn't know the campus," Lola asks me and I glare at her. She shrugs and I can tell she's partially serious. I will never understand this girl's fascination with the idea of me dating her brother.

   I grumble and turn to Tommy trying to find some voice of reason. He shrugs saying, "Most of its already packed we're just moving boxes to the door. You guys would just be in the way. Call me when you're back with the truck!"

   Damn you Tommy and your sweet oblivious self. I think and I calm my breathing before turning and frowning at Grant. He raises his hands to show he means no harm and chuckles lightly. I roll my eyes and head out the door, I wish Lola would've mentioned this while walking from my apartment. Then again she was probably up to no good per usual.

   Once outside Grant took a large inhale and stretched his arms before bending to touch his toes. I watch his body flex as his clothes tighten to his figure from the tension. I flush, tearing my attention from his backside as he begins to turn to me.

   "So do you remember anything about where you parked?" I ask refusing to look his way until I was sure by blush had subsided.

   My embarrassment seems to go unnoticed and I can hear the shrug in his voice as he says, "I'm not sure maybe a block or two from your place."

   I cross my arms before heading back in the direction of my apartment. The sun is beating down on my back and it makes me wonder how Grant is still in his jacket and jeans. I've decided on a pair of denim shorts and a loose tan shirt.

   "How are you not sweating?!" I finally ask.

    "Hm?" He grunts not understanding my question as he shoves his hands into his jean pockets.

   I can't help but laugh lightly at him and I repeat myself, slowly this time, "How are you not sweating?"

   "Oh I don't know, I guess it is pretty hot," he mumbles back as if mulling over the words as they left him. He shrugs and then removes his black jacket and I nearly faint. His white v neck hugs his muscular arms and chest. His biceps are bigger than I remember, it had been three years since I was this close to him. I had only seen pictures that Lola would show me. Or I'd seen online, I couldn't help but stalk sometimes.

   I find myself staring from his waistband up his left arm as he walks besides me. He has on a fossil black watch, and there's stubble along his chin down his throat. Grant is a very attractive devil. Soon my eyes lock with his and I realize he's been watching me gawk at him.