Emerge by S.E. Hall

This guy seriously belongs on the cover of “World’s Sexiest Reasons to Drop Your Panties.”
     WTF? Where did that come from? It may be the dirtiest thought I’ve ever had and I feel vulgar that it crossed my mind. But seriously, you’d have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to notice this guy…or a lesbian.
    Nope, pretty sure a lesbian would at least do a double-take.
    “Hey, I’m Dane. Nice to meet you both.” He’s looking at me when he says it; right at me.
    “Laney…Walker, nice to meet you, Dane. This is Bennett.” I nudge her with my shoulder.
    “B-B-Bennett Cole. Freshman. Drama. Single. Room 128.”
    The boys both laugh while I cook her with my eyes. Seriously, blabber out bio and MY room number much?
    “Really?” Whitley says in the nastiest voice I’ve ever heard. I don’t say anything, but this girl is pushing it. I won’t let her dog on Bennett again.
    “Ok, well now you know Bennett,” I laugh. Awkward. What do I do? “Um, can I use your bathroom?”
    “Sure, door’s right there.” Tate points.
    “I’ll show her.” Ah, roommate Sawyer speaketh.
    “Bennett, would you come with me, please?” It’s not really a request, as I’m dragging her zombie ass by the arm. Yes, boys, girls always have to go to the bathroom in pairs, that’s all, I’m not about to kill her.
    “It’s right here. Laney, Bennett, I’m Sawyer Beckett. Sorry, didn’t mean to be rude, I just had to finish that game.”
    Sawyer’s a big ole badass-looking dude and I don’t mean big like a teddy bear and I don’t mean badass like could hold his own. He’s all out intimidating as hell…until he smiles, which he just did or I’d be running from the room. His hair is dark brown, what he has, anyway, and cut pretty close to his head. I can’t tell right away if his eyes are really dark, deep blue or what, but that’s my guess. He has an eyebrow ring and the biggest muscles I’ve ever seen. Again, not talking Evan muscular, more like competition muscles.
    “No problem, nice to meet you. We’ll be out in a minute,” I say as nonchalantly as possible while I shove Bennett in and lock the door.
    “Ok, you have three minutes to snap out of it or we’re leaving. You’re the one who wanted to do this thing, Bennett. What the hell is wrong with you?”
    “I don’t know. I’m so sorry, Laney. I swear to God, this has never happened to me, ever. That Tate, he literally just short-circuited my brain.”
    “Do you want to leave?”
    “NO! I want to stay, and lick him…well, maybe not really, but I want to stay. Please help me; cover the odd for me. Please kick in and be my wing girl! I know you can do it, for meeeee?”
    If I’m her only hope for wing girl, she’s obviously desperate, so pity for that alone takes over. Debating internally for a minute, I give her a confident nod. “Yup, I got this. I’m Laney Walker, all grown up and all alone. Well except for you, B, but you’re not really here right now. I got your back; let’s go!”
    I have no idea what I’m saying, but even I’m getting sick of feeling sorry for myself and acting all “sheltered bitch” with everyone, so what the hell. Bennett needs me! And for different reasons altogether, I need her. She’s upbeat, jovial, loving life…the way I was when I was little, before I second guessed everyone’s motives and intentions. I remember it being fun. I know how to hang out with people; I’m not a leper or shut-in…and these people seem cool, right?
    I walk out of the bathroom determined; I’ll be damned if I give these guys any reason to suspect I’m not a pro at this. The boys appear to be bartending, and Stars of Track & Field is playing, heck ya—I love this song. Sawyer’s glance screams “You two freaky chicks gonna make it?!”
    “Hey, guys, sorry. Soooo love this song.” Oh hell, I am so bad at this.
    “Oh yeah, what’s it called?” Dane smirks.
    “‘End of All Time.’” I shoot him a know-it-all grin. Don’t even