Always Making Waves (Providence University #5) Read online

  “Hey, man, how’s it going?” Micah shook my hand as I watched my date be dragged off with her gal pals.

  “Going, man. You know how it is. I have to work on my grades a bit, but I’m hanging in there. How’s the party so far? Any trouble?”

  Micah had gotten rid of our Omega House rat, and I hoped that was the last of them. Guys like that brought the house’s already wild reputation to a whole new level.

  “No, I think everything’s finally back to normal. I haven’t heard of anyone needing to be carried to safety.” He chuckled. The guy had carried more chicks to his bed, only not to fuck them, than seemed normal for a straight man, but with Natasha Kelly on his arm, there was no disputing the guy’s sexuality.

  Speaking of the devil, the girl approached at that very moment and wrapped her arm around his. “There are a few asking why there is no fruit in the punch.”

  “Did you tell them it’s because we’re all too lazy to go to the grocery store?”

  “A few of the girls ran out to get some.” She planted a kiss on her man’s cheek and gave me a smile. “Sharon was one of them, in case you’re wondering.” Her eyes sparkled, and she gave me a sympathetic smile.

  God, he was one lucky man. Natasha was super sexy with a body that didn’t stop. I’d have given my left nut for a woman like her to have even looked my way in high school, but I was one of the more unfortunate guys back then—tall and lanky, all knees and elbows.

  I glanced around at the house and my housemates, and even though I’d been a part of Omega since my sophomore year, it was hard to believe I finally belonged somewhere besides the swim team. I’d been a late pledge, but it had been worth it.

  Sure, I had a hot girl like Sharon as my date, but apparently, sucking fruit had proven more important than being by my side, which pretty much summed up our relationship. “I don’t know why I expect her to bother telling me. It’s not like we’re here together or anything.”

  Micah shook his head. “That girl’s a wild one. I’ve actually been impressed at how much she’s toned it down since being with you.”

  “Sharon?” He nodded. “I wanted to make sure we were talking about the same girl.”

  Natasha laughed but nudged me. “If she’s so bad, why are you with her?”

  “Maybe the girl I really want isn’t interested,” I said.

  “Who would that be? Anyone I know?” She wagged her perfectly sculpted brows that gave her an innocent look. She did know Clara, but I wasn’t naming names. “Could it be a certain tutor I know? Someone who is actually living right off her parents’ dime?”

  “I have no idea who you’re talking about.” I continued to play dumb, so she turned toward her man, Micah.

  “What’s with the fruit anyway? Am I missing something?” She curled her nose like it had no appeal.

  “The liquor soaks up into the fruit, and the girls suck it and eat it and get completely wasted. It’s like doing shots, but you don’t know how many you’re doing and you’re drunk before you know how or why.” Micah explained it as best he could. “That’s why we call it Thunder-fucked Punch.”

  “And why no one wants to clean up Omega House the morning after,” I added.

  “Oh, gross. That would be awful.”

  “Yeah, as I said, they all overdo it.”

  “Good thing Sharon’s an old pro. She handles her liquor.”

  “Lucky you, and look. There’s Avery Russell. I wonder if her sister is around.” Natasha gave me a knowing glance.

  Micah scrunched his nose. “Who is her sister again?”

  “Clara Russell,” Natasha and I both said at the same time.

  She turned and laughed, the knowing smile still in place. “I wondered if you were interested in her. I’ve seen you around campus together.”

  “She was my partner on an English project.” I didn’t tell her that I’d let Clara down.

  “Oh. Well, you two looked really great together. She’s a nice girl.” It was obvious Natasha had never been on the receiving end of Clara’s insults or rants, but as upset as I was with her, I understood I’d let her down.

  “Thanks.” I shifted on my feet as Avery walked by, beelining for Seth Mills. That arrogant bastard had lost the hottest girl in school to Jayce Moore, and now he was onto Clara’s little sister. I kept my eye on them as she walked up and hugged him. I wondered what the oldest Russell sister thought of the youngest being involved with a guy like Seth, and much more than that, was she coming to the party to witness it?

  I hung with Natasha and Micah a few minutes more until I saw Avery headed to the door while Seth went upstairs.

  I took the opportunity to find out. “How’s it going, Avery?”

  “It’s going, Dillon. How are you?” She was just as pretty as her sister but with lighter hair that didn’t set off her green eyes nearly as much.

  “I’m good. Is Clara coming out tonight?” The question amused her, or perhaps it was just me, but she gave me a sympathetic smile.

  “My sister barely goes to parties, and she wouldn’t be caught dead here. She hates Omega House as well as all of you Omegas for some reason.” Avery’s eyes moved to Seth as he crossed the room and then behind me like someone was there.

  I turned to see Sharon standing just behind me with a bag of grapes, three oranges, and a pissed-off look on her face. “I’m gone for ten minutes, and you’re already asking about Clara Russell? Really, Dillon?”

  “I was just asking because of an English assignment, and it’s not like I knew you were gone. You didn’t tell me you were leaving.”

  “They didn’t have any fruit in the punch, and Danielle suggested we remedy that on our own. She knew the store manager and got all of this and six more oranges for free.”

  Jasmine walked up with a few more oranges in her hand. “And all she did was show him her coconuts.”

  “You wanted to show him more,” teased Sharon.

  “He was so cute!” Jasmine pulled out her shirt to take out all the loose oranges. “I’ll go get these ready. You kiss Dillon’s boo-boos.” Jasmine made kissy sounds and headed into the kitchen out of sight.

  Sharon sauntered up and put her arm around me. “Did you worry about me?”

  “Nah, Natasha told me where you were. But it would be nice to know next time. I won’t have to assume you ran off with someone else.”

  She poked out her bottom lip. “Very funny, Dillon. You know you’re the only one I see right now.” She met my eyes. “Here I am all ready to have some fun, and you’re mean.”

  “I’m not mean. How am I being mean?”

  “You were asking about Clara, for one, and I know you’ve had interest in her in the past.”

  I wanted to ask why she cared, but she had made it more than clear that she didn’t like the girl. I only wished I knew why. I wasn’t about to ask and get another fight going.

  “She’s just a friend, and you know I could never be interested in a girl like her. Stop being silly and come here.” I pulled her close, ground my hips against her, and brought my mouth down to the top of her breasts. I needed to distract my mind from Clara Russell.

  I’d liked her since our sophomore year and never had the courage to approach her. When our English teacher had thrown us together for the project, I thought it was my chance. But then my friend had needed me, and I’d made the decision to stay with him and talk him down.

  Will Tanner had been trying to do his best, and I knew better than anyone that when things got tough, sometimes all a person needed was a friend to be there for them.

  Sharon held my face and kissed me deeply. “You’ve got me so hot, baby. I think I’m ready for you to take advantage of me now.” She let loose a giggle, and I let out a grunt and lifted her up into my arms. She straddled me, grinding into my hard cock as I went for the stairs.

  I prayed no one would be in my room, and I considered plan B in case I was out of luck. We rounded the corner with her still draped on me like a cheap coat. She reached out for the knob, and I waited for her to let it go before kicking it open.

  “Good, I don’t have to run anyone off.” I placed her on the bed, and she wasted no time taking off her shirt and lying back for me to do the rest. There was a time when I wouldn’t have been picky about which sexy girl I was undressing, but the entire time I peeled off Sharon’s pants, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to undress Clara.

  She was so different from all the others, and I had to admire the part of her that didn’t need to be caught up in it all. Seeing her out was rare, and I’d never seen her at Omega House. She was a good girl and nothing like Sharon, who had her hand down my pants and was working my cock before even unbuttoning them.

  “Take it out.” I pushed my hips forward, and she pulled out her hand and went to town undoing my zipper.

  I’d always been the one eager to please, eager to be popular and liked, but being a part of the Omegas had been a fast track to getting people like Sharon eager to please me.

  She gripped my cock and stroked it before taking it into her mouth and working me good. I let my head fall back and closed my eyes. I was determined not to think of anyone one else, but for some reason, the only person I could picture was Clara.

  Clara wasn’t the type at all. I had to keep reminding myself of that. This would and could never happen with her. I opened my eyes and looked at the goddess on her knees before me. She might not be worthy of worship, but I was going to give her all the attention I could manage.

  Sharon pulled her head back away from me. “How’s this for kissing your boo-boos, Dillon?”

  I was more wounded than she knew, but not by her.

  “Don’t stop, baby. Take me all the way to the edge.” I held her head still and thrust my hips forward as she mo
aned and let me do what I needed to. Once my release built up and I felt it coming, I let go of her hair and tapped her under the chin. “Fuck, I’m going to come, baby.”

  She looked up into my eyes and pushed herself down on me like a greedy little slut. With Sharon, it was like a badge of honor to be naughty, and as I exploded inside her mouth, all my stress and tension from earlier with Clara was gone. Instead, it was replaced with regret.

  If only I hadn’t fucked things up so badly, would Clara and I have had a chance? I wasn’t sure, but she was sure worth trying to make it right. Maybe all we needed was a fresh start?

  No, I fucked it up too badly. So badly, in fact, that she’d yelled at me in front of everyone in class the day I returned. She’d called me a jackass earlier too, and meant it. I’d have to get it through my thick head and move on.

  I’d always had a problem with trying to get people to like me, and it had always bothered me when I knew someone didn’t. It went all the way back to middle school when I’d been teased for being short and pudgy. I’d never been liked much then.

  Like an answered prayer, the summer of my freshman year brought a growth spurt that had made me not only taller but thinner too. My life had changed that summer and all my dreams had come true where the bullying was concerned. I finally had an ounce of hope.

  I’d need that kind of hope if I wanted to land Clara, and luck didn’t happen like that for someone like me twice. I’d need a miracle.

  Chapter 3

  Clara

  Mornings didn’t get started with the Russell sisters until we had our coffee, so Avery and I had a set date every morning for breakfast before class. I found that some mornings were harder than others to get motivated, even with coffee.

  A yawn took control of my face, and I covered my mouth before stretching.

  Avery made a face. “Eat a donut already. You’re really dragging, and your yawns are making me yawn.” She covered her mouth and yawned too as if just to prove a point.

  “No thanks. I’m sure that thing was sitting on the shelf yesterday.” I curled my lip at her donut as she bit into it.

  She washed her food down with a sip from her cup. “You’re such an ass. They make new ones every day, and you know it.”

  “Still, no thanks.” I never ate breakfast anymore. It used to be my big meal of the day, thanks to my father who loved to cook breakfast but left dinner to my mother.

  Avery eyed my lonely cup of coffee. “Do you even eat? I swear I never see it. You eat like a bird.” She took a sip of her coffee and pushed a large bite of donut into her mouth.

  I decided it was time to change the subject. “I heard you were at Omega House Friday night. I’ve told you about hanging out there with those assholes. It’s not safe, Avery.”

  “Yeah, yeah. It’s not safe, and you’re no fun. I didn’t come to college to sit in our apartment and study all the time. You know, you should get out more.”

  “I’m maintaining a few friends and good grades. That’s all I need. Mom and Dad wouldn’t want you partying all the time.” Both of our parents had given us the talk about not getting caught up in too much drama and focusing on our grades.

  She let loose a short laugh. “I’m not partying all the time. I’m trying to make the most of this experience.”

  “Is that what you want Seth Mills to help you do?” From across the table, I could sense her tension.

  She met my eyes with a scowl. “For someone who doesn’t have any friends or a life, you sure know an awful lot that goes on around here.”

  “Because I do have friends.” A few, sure, but enough. “Word gets around. I hear things. I’m the quiet observer, and I know more than you think. I have been here a lot longer than you, and a lot can happen in two years.”

  “Yeah, but in your case, nothing. Let me live my life, and tell Natasha and Emily to keep their big mouths shut. Just because they found their true loves doesn’t mean they have to get in the way of me finding mine.”

  “And Seth is your true love?” I snorted a laugh, and she gave me a narrowed look. “He didn’t treat Layla very well when they were together. Besides, he’s just like all the other guys. Those parties are about being out-of-control drunk and having sex.”

  “Maybe some of us want to have sex?” She shrugged casually.

  “You only think you do.” I pushed my coffee aside and leaned in toward my sister. “Listen to me, Avery. The Omega House is not safe. You really need to steer clear of that place, and Seth Mills too if you’re smart. I hear you two have been eyeballing each other since Layla and Jayce got together. Don’t be his rebound lay.”

  She rolled her eyes and let out a sound of frustration. “We’re friends. We both play rugby, and we have a lot to talk about. That’s it.” She took one last sip, finishing her coffee, and met my eyes directly with a smirk. “Maybe you should worry about Dillon. He asked about you the other night, so I guess your little blowup in English class didn’t deter him.” She stood, grabbing her bag from the chair and slinging it over her shoulder.

  “Dillon asked about me?” I tried not to sound too anxious, but my heart was pounding in my chest.

  “Yeah, he wanted to know if you were coming to the party. I told him you hated the Omegas and that he shouldn’t hold his breath.”

  I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked around the table with her. “You would have to tell me that when I’m on my way to English with him.”

  “He’s a nice enough guy and good looking. I don’t think his girlfriend liked him asking about you though. She’s that skanky cheerleader who was caught blowing those two guys in the locker room last year. If you go out with him, I’d have him tested.”

  “Very funny. Thanks for the public health warning.” We walked out and drove the short trip to the university where we each went to our respective classes.

  My stomach growled so loudly that I wondered if anyone else could hear it as I went inside and took a seat up front against the wall. I dropped my bag, and my shirt fell off my shoulder.

  My clothes were getting so baggy that it was time to go shopping for new ones. I knew I must have lost a few pounds, but it was nothing to be proud of, not when I needed to lose so much more.

  I looked around the room at the others chatting and laughing, and I reached down to take out a notebook just to look busy. Then Dillon walked in, stopping in the doorway to slap hands with another one of those awful Omegas.

  “Hey, I’ll see you, man. Take care.” As his friend departed, he came inside and sat behind me. “How’s it going, Clara?”

  The guy was a glutton for punishment. I kept my mouth shut and my eyes on my notebook where I read through my notes. I’d be glad to get done with this semester and be out of this class for good.

  “Good morning, ladies and gents.” Professor Myers was her usual chipper self in the morning. She sat up on a table in the middle of the room and put her coffee down beside her as the class welcomed her. “I know many of you are ready to find out what I’ll be assigning for you as we near the end of the year, and since my life’s as hectic as the rest of yours, I’ll make this easy.” She clapped her hands in front of her and smiled big. “Hell, I’ll even give you help—in the form of a partner.”

  Hearing her say the word “partner,” I wanted to sink into my chair. Not again, please God, not again! My skin crawled when I looked up, and she was sipping her coffee, her eyes staring right into mine over her cup. She had it out for me, and I didn’t know why.

  “We’ll start over here with Ms. Russell and Mr. Coleman and mix it up a bit.” I wasn’t the only one who groaned. Others in class who had sat beside their friends and were now partnered with the strangers sitting behind them jeered.

  One girl raised her hand. “Professor, is it possible to switch partners? I’d rather partner up with a friend if it’s not a problem.”

  “And what do you think you’d learn about Ms. Carr that you don’t already know?”

  “Nothing, I guess. We’re best friends. I know her like the back of my hand.” The two giggled.

  The guy behind her cleared his throat. “I’m okay with that too since her friend’s partner is my partner.”