Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Matt

" D ude!" Chase comes up, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. I can tell he's definitely feeling the buzz. His cheeks are bright red, and he's a little unsteady on his feet. "Have you ever seen a finer selection of ladies?"

They are gorgeous, I'll give them that, but I'm wondering if there's much more to them beyond their looks. The few girls I've chatted with so far reminded me of girls from my high school. Self-absorbed, shallow, fake. I couldn't even handle a five-minute conversation with them, the thought of spending hours on a date with them gave me hives.

"Should you really be saying that?" I raise my brow. "I don't think Ruby's going to like that you're checking out other girls."

"I'm just trying to psych you up, man. None of these girls are my type. Ruby's the only one for me." His rosy cheeks smile broadly, looking like he's got hearts in his eyes as he thinks of his girlfriend, and I definitely think the alcohol is talking. "Did I ever tell you how we got together?"

I shake my head.

"It happened during a game of spin the bottle." He chuckles. "She was the shyest girl I'd ever met. We all used to call her the recluse because she'd always be tucked in a corner reading. But when she kissed me…" He lets out a whistle, as if the memory is catching him in the heat. "Man, I miss my girl."

I bet he does. Long distance is for the birds. Most of the time the relationships don't even work out. Four years at our age is a long time.

"So what are you going to do about the date?" I ask.

"Already asked a girl out. All I plan on doing is taking her to dinner to check off Hunter's box, so it's no big deal. I'm pretty sure Ruby will be cool with it."

I think he should ask her first before he follows through, let Ruby decide for herself if she's okay with the plan. Knowing what he's said about her, she probably will be, but it's better if he's upfront with her.

"What about you, man? Did you pick someone yet?"

"Not yet." I take a chug of my beer, scanning the room again, looking for a girl with a genuine smile, not so much makeup caked on, and maybe with a little more of her body covered up. Most of the girls came dressed with intent. Their cleavage on full display, their asses barely covered, and way too eager looks in their eyes. And unfortunately, that's not my thing.

"Dude, you need to get on that before Hunter comes after your ass. He'll pick out the hardest chick for you to get." I bet he would. Hunter loves making guys sweat. "What about that one over there? She's looking right at you."

I look to where he's gesturing and there are three girls staring our way. As soon as I make eye contact, the blonde in the middle gives me a wink. I assume that's who he's talking about. Sure, the girl is pretty. Slender, with long wavy golden hair and blue eyes, but I'm still not feeling it. I give her a smile then turn my attention back to Chase.

"I don't know, man. She's not exactly my type."

"Dude, what do you mean you don't know. That girl is everyone's type. And by the way, she's checking you out hard-core. That girl would be a definite yes if you asked her out. And that's all that matters to keep your ass off the chopping block." He tries to urge me forward. "What are you waiting for? Go on over there and talk to her."

"I prefer brunettes," I say just to get him off my case. The night's not over yet, so there may still be a chance to find someone I'm actually interested in. "But she's a possibility." Though, my going preference is personality. I like girls who are smart, sweet, and not so aggressive. I'm not interested in being pressured for sex, and the girl biting down on her lip as she winds her hair around her finger looks like she'd be making a play for my dick on the first date.

"Yeah, well if you don't want Hunter to pick for you, I suggest you get to choosing." Just as Chase says his name, I spot the president of the frat heading in our direction. His eyes narrowed right in on me. Of all the big brothers I could've gotten paired with, it had to be him.

"What the fuck are you two losers doing over here?" He directs his attention on me. "Why aren't you mingling with our guests? I expected you to be surrounded by a harem of girls by now, Matt, not hiding in the corner with your dick tucked between your legs. Why haven't you made a move?"

"He's been chatting up the ladies all night," Chase defends. "We just took a breather to grab a drink and regroup. He's trying to make a decision."

"They're too many pretty girls to choose from," I interject, taking a swig of my beer and playing it smooth. "I'm trying to decide which one I want to ask out."

"Yeah, well, who are you considering? I'll point you in the right direction." He looks around the room.

"That one." Chase tips his head toward the blonde, shooting me a look to just go with it when Hunter turns to see for himself. But I'm really not interested in that girl. She's giving off the bitch vibe and that's definitely not my thing.

When the girls see us look in their direction again, they all flip their hair and stick their chests out further, sending a very clear message that they're up for the taking. The blonde gives me another wink, trying to seduce me, and I want to smack Chase. Hunter's probably going to send me to the vulture and force me to ask her out.

"Nah." Hunter shakes his head. "That's Margot. My stepsister. She'll spread her legs for anyone. You need more of a challenge. You need to go for a girl like…" His head scans the room again then suddenly stops, his eyes going up to his hairline, looking struck by something. "Damn, who is that?" He sounds like he just found his target for the night. I turn to see who he's checking out, and my entire body freezes.

"What the hell is she doing here?"

Of all the people I thought I'd run into at college, I never expected to see Sienna Rushmont. I thought she was heading to some dance academy. How the hell did she end up on my campus? At my frat party?

"You know her?" Hunter snaps his head in my direction, looking envious of the fact, but he really shouldn't be. She's a bitch. As plastic as they come. Stuck-up and pretentious are her going traits. Sure, she's probably the most stunning girl in the room, but as soon as you get to know her, you see right past those looks; she is one ugly girl.

"Yeah, I went to high school with her. Wouldn't get your boxers all in a bunch over that one. She's a bitch."

"What the fuck does that have to do with anything? I'm an asshole. Fuck, she's hot."

Sienna certainly came dressed to impress tonight. Her black dress is short and tight. Her full cleavage out for the world to see, and those long, sculpted legs are on display. Personally, I think she has on way too much makeup, and her smile is as fake as they come. But so is her personality.

"Dude, give me an introduction." Hunter smacks me in the chest. If it were any other brother forcing my hand to go over and talk to her, I'd say no, but I can't refuse the president of the frat who could kick me out for not following his orders.

"I'm telling you, man. The girl used to stir up drama back in school. She turned on her best friend and spread lies about her. She's toxic. You really don't want to get involved with that."

"Quit cockblocking, you asshole, and make the introduction. I need to get her back to my room and get that little black dress off her. Fuck. I may be staring at my wife, boys."

For some reason, Hunter's comment rubs me the wrong way. Though, knowing what Sienna's like, she's probably perfect for him. They're both self-centered, pretentious snobs. Still, for some reason, I don't like the fact that he doesn't see her as more than a hole. Whether I'm a fan of Sie's or not, she's still a girl who deserves to be seen as more than that.

"Fine," I agree. "Come on. I'll introduce you."

Right as we start walking in her direction, she turns, looking right at me. When our eyes connect, the dread hits the pit of my stomach, but her face lights up like she's thrilled to see me. And the smile that splits her cheeks looks genuine. We were never friends in school, so I don't know why she looks like we were.

"Matt." She smiles even brighter as we stop in front of her. "What are you doing here? Oh my goodness, it's so good to see you." She wraps her arms right around my waist, giving me a hug. When she squeezes tight, not letting go, it actually feels like she's truly excited to see me. I give her a squeeze back, trying not to be rude, but the longer she holds me, the more uncomfortable I feel.

"Sienna, let me introduce you to my friends." I pull out of her embrace and notice that her eyes are shimmering under the lights. Almost like she's caught with emotion. That definitely can't be the case. The girl is ice-cold and doesn't have feelings. If she did, she never would've hurt Lexie the way she did.

"Sienna, this is Chase and Hunter. Guys, this is Sienna."

"Hi." She smiles, holding out her hand, but Hunter doesn't shake it. He takes it and pulls her right to him, locking her in his embrace.

"I want a hug too," he practically purrs, giving her a squeeze. I have to keep my eyes from rolling at his stupid move. Hunter may be known as the hottest guy in the frat house, but Sienna is still way out of his league. And I doubt she'll go for some cheesy pick-up lines from a guy coming on way too strong.

"Um…okay, it's nice to meet you, Hunter." She gives him a quick hug and pulls back, moving in closer to my side. I almost have the urge to wrap my arm around her shoulders to protect her. But this is Sienna we're talking about. She's a shark and can definitely hold her own.

"It's nice to meet you." Chase smiles, keeping his distance. He's got a girl and clearly isn't interested in making waves.

"So, you went to school with our Matty?" Hunter's voice still sounds like a slithering snake. "Tell us what he was like. Was he popular?" He's already trying to drill her for the scoop. Sie and I weren't friends back in school, so I doubt she has much to say. I don't even think she noticed me.

"Matt was one of the nicest guys at our school." She looks over and gives me a smile. Another genuine one from what I can tell. "He was definitely popular. Everyone liked him. Plus, he was a total rock star on the football field."

I'm shocked by her glowing comments. I figured she never paid any attention to me. She was always caught up in her bitchy little circle, busy stirring the drama pot.

"What was he like with the ladies?" Hunter moves in closer to her, crowding into her space. "Did he break a lot of hearts?"

"He definitely broke hearts." She nods. "There were so many girls who wanted to date him, but he would never give them a chance." Shit, she's going to mess things up for me if she doesn't quit talking.

"So, you're a member of the Gamma Zetas?" I ask, desperate to change the subject.

"I'm not done with my questions yet, Matty." Awesome. Now that's going to be my house nickname. The girl's doing a bang-up job of ruining my reputation in a matter of five minutes. "I want to know why you didn't give any of the girls a chance."

"I dated. Just not the girls from our school." I dated girls from my church. They were much more my speed and didn't spread gossip. The only girl I ever had a crush on from school was Mercy and she was in love with Banner, so I didn't stand a chance with her. None of the other girls really caught my eye. Except for Sienna, who I wouldn't have touched with a ten-foot pole.

"What else can you tell us about our new pledge?" He gives her another cheesy smile. "Any juicy gossip?"

I don't know what Hunter's after, but if it's Sienna, then he should start asking questions about her, not me.

"No real gossip, except that every girl thought it was so sweet that he was still a virgin. It made them all crush on him even more."

Really? Did she really feel the need to share that? Now, these guys are going to think I'm a loser. Being a virgin in college is a straight ticket out of this frat. Fuck. How would she like it if I just told him she was the biggest whore in our school? Though, that honor went to Mindy. I don't know who Sienna fucked at our school. Like I said, I wasn't interested in any part of her world.

"A virgin? Are you fucking shitting me?" Hunter's shocked as hell, and Chase is in the background sobering up by the second. He didn't know that fact either. It's not exactly something I was willing to share as he was bragging about how wild his sex life is.

"Is there something you need to tell us, Matty? There ain't no shame if you have a preference for dick. We accept everyone here." Except, judging by the look in his eyes, I'm guessing that's a lie. Shit. This is exactly what I was worried about. He's going to kick me out. Claim that I don't have what it takes to be an Omega Chi.

"Rumors aren't always true. Right, Sienna?" I turn my attention back on the one who's fucking things up for me. Let's see how she likes being put in the hot seat.

"Oh, please, Matty." She shakes her head. "We both know it wasn't a rumor. Kayla's cousin went to your church and said you told the youth group you were saving yourself for marriage, and there isn't any shame in waiting."

"You're saving yourself until marriage?" Both Hunter and Chase nearly choke on their shock.

Fuck me. This girl is digging my grave deeper. Can she shut her mouth now? I don't understand why she's airing all my personal shit anyway; doesn't she have respect for people's privacy? Now, everyone in the frat house is going to hear about this. While there isn't any shame in waiting, the Omega Chis will see it as a weakness, not a strength. I need to clean this mess up quick.

"I wouldn't believe everything you hear, Sienna." I narrow my eyes in on her. "Because I'd heard you fucked Jax. But we both know that wasn't true. That was you just trying to make Lex jealous. I still don't know what she ever did to you to deserve your wrath. Man, you were mean to her."

The smile on her face falters, her entire demeanor shifting like I just made her uncomfortable. Now she knows what it feels like. It's not fun having your business aired to strangers, is it? But she's quick to stiffen her shoulders, looking just like the girl I knew in high school.

"Mm…a girl who can hold her own is so fucking hot." Hunter nods, trying to regain her attention. "Tell me you'll go on a date with me tomorrow night."

Obviously, he isn't even swayed, which is fine by my me. It's not my problem. If he wants to get his dick screwed over by the bitch, let him. I'm just thankful the heat is off my back and he's no longer pinning me down under his scrutiny. But if I don't act quick and ask some girl out, then he's going to know that there's truth to what Sienna said.

"I have an idea. Let's go on a double date tomorrow. Me and Margot, you and Sienna? What do you think?" Maybe if I go for the easy girl, Hunter will look past my virginal status. It's not like I won't make out with a girl, I'm just saving sex for marriage.

"Margot?" Sienna's eyes shoot to mine. "You're going out with Margot?" It doesn't sound like she's too happy about the fact.

"Hunter, don't be rude." A girl's voice has us turning, and the one we were just talking about is standing right next to us, giving me one hell of a seductive smile. "Introduce me to your friend."

"Margot, this is Matt." Hunter sounds annoyed. "Matt, this is my stepsister Margot." The girl practically rubs herself against the front of me as she comes in and wraps herself around my shoulders, giving me a hug. She and Hunter may be stepsiblings, but they seem like they're cut from the same cloth—coming on way too strong and sex being their driving force. If they weren't related, they'd make the perfect pair.

"It's nice to meet you." I smile, trying to be nice and not remove her hands from my body. I look over at Chase and he gives me a smirk. He knew she'd be easy.

"So, you're taking me on a date?" Margot smiles up at me, batting her eyes, as she stays wrapped around me like a moth to a flame. At this point, it's not like I have a choice. It's either take her out on a date or lose my spot in the fraternity.

"I'd like to." I nod. "Are you free tomorrow night at seven?"

"I am definitely free at seven," she purrs, running her hands over my chest. "And I'd love to go on a date with you."

She just learned my name and she's already inching in closer like she's trying to get a kiss. Hunter wasn't lying. She'd probably spread her legs for me right now if I wanted her to.

"Try to have a little decorum, Margot. You're coming across as desperate."

She jerks back at Hunter's comment, whipping around and pointing him with one wicked stare. This girl is definitely not my type. Her claws are way too sharp. But thankfully, she's no longer touching me.

"Decorum?" She crosses her arms. "That's a big word for a guy who has such a small dick."

"You know it's not small, and don't even try to pretend." Hunter glares her down.

I'm sure as hell hoping she's accidentally caught him naked in their house before and that there isn't another reason she would know his dick size. All I know is that I'm regretting the fact that I didn't ask a different girl out and spare myself this mess. Now, I'm going on a date with three self-centered snobs.

"So, seven?" Hunter looks around his stepsister to the girl who's standing by my side again. Sienna looks just as irritated as I am at the moment. I don't think she's interested in Hunter, which I can't say I blame her.

"Um…" She hesitates. "Sure. Seven works."

I'm actually shocked by her answer. The Sienna I knew from school would've turned the guy down with no remorse, but now we're both locked into a date neither of us is interested in. Awesome.