Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

FINN

There’s a giant smile on my face as I strut toward the library to meet my study group. It is one of the highlights of my week. I love the people who attend and even though we do actually study, we also talk about our lives and spend a good amount of time telling stories from our week. I consider the people in the group to actually be my friends now, which isn’t something I had a lot of before I started at GSU.

I come from a narrow-minded town where being gay on its own is frowned upon, not to mention a boy who likes to wear dresses and makeup. To say I was an outcast would be an understatement. The only reason I didn’t grow up on the streets after I came out at thirteen was because my grandfather took me in. He’s also gay. The only reason my family still has a relationship with him is because he’s stupidly rich and they think that by pretending to be nice it will keep them in the will. Since my dad is an only child he thinks that they are guaranteed to get something.

News flash—they aren’t. Grandpa already told me he’s leaving me everything but it’s fun to keep our asshole relatives in the dark. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bring me joy to see my dickhead brother, Donny, forcing a smile and saying nice things to me when we have our family gatherings. Heaven knows he isn’t like that when Grandpa isn’t around.

Donny was probably my worst bully growing up. He’s the reason I’ve always detested sports and most athletes. I’ve only recently started changing my tune that they aren’t all deplorable people, and that’s only because of attending Green Spring University.

This place has literally changed my life. For the first time ever, I feel accepted and welcomed. I have friends and I don’t feel like I have to constantly watch my back for just being me.

Even the athletes here seem to be nice guys. I know for a fact there are openly gay players on pretty much every team, which was mind boggling for me at first. One of my new friends and study group members, Emory, is actually a member of the diving club and is one of the most supportive people I know. He’s such a nice guy and is the reason I’ve changed my stance on athletes. I’m still leery of most of them, but I’m a little bit more open.

When I enter the library I wave at the librarian, Annette, who smiles at me and waves. “You’re looking amazing today,” she tells me, and I thank her before giving a little spin.

I’m rocking a light pink blouse with tiny, stitched strawberries all over it and a black, flowy floor length skirt. My makeup is on the subtle side today, but I’ve got my signature red lipstick on like I always do. I feel amazing and I’m sure anyone who looks at me can tell.

Annette giggles and waves me off.

I blow her a kiss before sauntering over to the corner of the library that our study group uses every Wednesday. Thankfully, we are allowed to use a space where we don’t have to whisper because I’m pretty sure I’m not capable of keeping my voice down. We still make sure we are respectful of those around us, but people know that this area isn’t going to be the quietest spot. If they need a space like that, the second floor is for them.

“Damn, you look hot,” Chantell catcalls me as she heads my way.

“Looking pretty fine yourself,” I tell her, turning her freckled cheeks the brightest shade of red.

“That’s only because you helped me go shopping,” she mutters, and I roll my eyes.

“Girl, I was just there for moral support. You picked out all your amazing outfits yourself,” I remind her.

Her smile grows and she shrugs. “I still appreciate you tagging along.”

“Always, babe. You know shopping is my favorite pastime.” I pull her in for a hug once she’s within arm’s reach and kiss her cheek. “Did this outfit earn the attention of that girl you’ve been crushing on?”

I didn’t think it was possible, but she turns an even brighter shade of red, her face almost matching the fiery color of her hair.

“Maybe,” she murmurs before pulling out of my grasp and taking a seat at the table.

“Spill the tea,” I command, sitting beside her.

She rolls her eyes but starts to tell me all about the girl she’s been head over heels for since she ran into her at a coffee shop on her second day at GSU.

As Chantell talks, I feel like someone is watching me, and I cast a quick glance to the side to see if there is anyone there. A few feet away there is a giant of a man talking with a petite blonde woman who looks at me for a second before returning to the conversation. I’ve never seen the woman before, but I recognize the extremely attractive man. He’s the kind of man you don’t forget. The kind that people turn to stare at when he enters a room, mostly because of his size. He’s a monster of a human being and exactly my type.

He's also the kind of guy I need to stay away from. He’s an athlete, but worse than that, he’s a baseball player. I only know this because of the hoodie he wears. Every baseball player I’ve ever met has been a complete douche and I refuse to interact with anyone like that. Not that I know this guy at all, but I don’t trust him. He and his friend are probably talking about me right now. I mean, I did catch him staring at me last week.

GSU has a strict policy against bigotry and homophobia, but that doesn’t mean everyone who attends this school is going to be amazing. Assholes are going to get in no matter what. And while I’ve never experienced any issues since starting in the fall, that doesn’t mean it’s always going to be sunshine and rainbows.

I’ve been trying to give people the benefit of the doubt since starting here. Trying to turn over a new leaf and stop thinking that everyone is out to get me, but it’s hard when you grew up the way I did.

Internally I give my head a shake and turn my attention back to my friend. I need to stay in the present and not let my brain take me down any negative paths. Or naughty ones. Because even though I know I need to stay away from the monster of a man who is sitting a few feet away from me, it doesn’t stop my body from wanting him in all sorts of naughty ways.

Things would be a hell of a lot easier if I could just confirm he was a douche. At least then I’d be able to get my dick in line with my brain to stay away from him.