The Chase: Harbor University by M. C. Clay

Author:M. C. Clay [Clay, M. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2023-08-21T16:00:00+00:00

If Avery thinks she can just walk away and expect me to just go along with it, she’s wrong. I know she’s afraid. I know she’s scared to give in to this intensity between us. I heard the way her voice cracked when she said she couldn’t do it anymore. She could barely even meet my gaze. It’s just a matter of wearing her down now, proving to her that the incident with Heather really was just a massive mistake, not something that will continually recur. Avery Dumont wants to just be friends? Fine. I’ll make myself irreplaceable to her.

I follow a few steps behind her as we work our way back to the table. We slide into the booth across from one another and I look at her, willing her to meet my stare, but she won’t. She keeps her head turned toward the dance floor, occupying herself with anything and anyone but me.

“You okay, Ave?” Rayna says, getting her attention.

“Mmm,” Avery hums with a nod, “I think I’m going to head back to campus.”

“Are you sure? Do you want me to come with you?” Rayna asks, but the look on her face says she wants to do anything but go home right now.

“No, no,” Avery insists, “You stay. I’ll just get a ride share or something.”

“I can take you home,” I offer.

Avery’s lips part like she’s about to say something, probably turn me down, so I quickly add.

“That’s what friends are for, right?” I ask. It’s a challenge, I know. I can tell by the way her eyes narrow at me that she isn’t pleased, but she’s not going to turn me down in front of all of our friends.

I can feel everyone’s eyes on us, especially Tripp, but he can kiss my ass. He knew Avery was off limits and she still is, even if she doesn’t want me.

“Fine,” Avery caves, rolling her eyes and sliding out of the booth, “I’ll see you when you get home,” she says to Raynabefore turning and heading for the door without bothering to wait for me.

I catch up to her in a few long strides and we step outside together. It’s a cool night and I’m suddenly glad I brought my car instead of the bike. I lead the way to my car and open the door for Avery.

“Thank you,” she says, settling into the seat as I shut the door.

Once behind the wheel, I start the car and crank the heat for her, watching as she rubs her hands together trying to get warm. As I pull out of the parking lot and start driving toward campus, I feel at a loss for words. I thought it would be easy to give Avery exactly what she wants. But being kind and friendly isn’t really in my wheelhouse.

“Nothing snarky to say now?” she asks as if reading my thoughts and calling me on my shit.

“Guess not,” I shrug, suddenly wishing I hadn’t volunteered to drive her home. All I want

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