welcome. FYI, it's never wise to hookup with old hookups."
I sighed and shook my head. "You've been reading that fucking sorority advice website again. What's it called?" I tried to think of the name. "The one with great articles like 'Fifty reasons guys don't need blowjobs' and 'Ten ways girls with flat butts rule.'" I stared at her and tried to cover. "By the way, they're wrong."
"Girls with flat butts don't rule?" She grinned.
"Guys definitely need blowjobs."
"Why Dak, you actually read." The flirt was back in her voice, like she was trying to defuse, too. "Your choice of reading material, though. Are you trying to get in touch with your feminine side?"
"Just a confused guy trying to figure out the opposite sex."
"And?"
"Confused as ever."
She studied me. "The day we figure each other out is the day the mystery of love dies." She shook her head. "If you really have read that article, then you know it's true. Guys don't need a blowjob to get them excited." She held my gaze, but her lips twitched like she was trying not to laugh. "I've never seen a limp dick."
"That's purely anecdotal evidence. I've seen plenty of limp dicks."
She held my gaze. "Prove it. Show me yours right now." She reached for my crotch.
I arched away and grabbed her hand. "Come inside and I'd be happy to. Not out here. It's too cold. I don't want to risk shrinkage and have you get the wrong idea."
"I've seen it all before. I know the size of your package."
"Don't tell me you're not tempted."
She just smiled. "Relationships only work when both parties know and respect the boundaries. We're sobriety buddies, Dak. I'm here for you, in a sobriety sort of way. I gotta go."
"Damn. I was going to show you my new video game." I leered at her for effect.
"I'm sure you were." She turned.
I caught her arm. "I'll walk you home."
Morgan
At the sorority house, Seth and Dillon were spreading sand and de-icer on the front walkway.
Dakota paused where the walkway to the sorority house met the sidewalk that ran along the street.
"I think I can make it by myself from here." I shook my hand free from his as I caught a glimpse of Alexis in the front window. What was she—the house police?
Dakota waved enthusiastically to her. I didn't know why I should have been jealous, but I was. Their relationship was off kilter and odd. After he'd caught her in bed with his best friend, how could they still be friends?
He turned back to me. "Sure? It's slick. I don't mind."
I nodded, suddenly possessive and reluctant to let him go. "Seth and Dillon will rush to my aid if I need them." Well, Seth might. Dillon would love to see me land on my butt. "Thanks."
Before Dakota turned to leave, I kissed him. Lightly. A bare brush of my lips on his that rocked me all the way to my toes with the innocent pleasure of it. I didn't know why I did it. Sudden impulse, I guessed. To protect Dakota and show Alexis that he was over her.
I turned before he could react, or I could see it. I was weak and liable to tumble into his bed again too easily. But I was through with my lusty-hookup phase and my-longing-for-a-guy-I-couldn't-have phase, and on a quest for true love. Yeah, that sounded sappy. But whatever. I slid up the walkway to the house, trying to mask my expression.
Seth looked up from his work, catching me by the elbow as I wobbled near him. His eyes narrowed as he studied me. "A little early to be coming home, isn't it?"
He was teasing, yet he sounded relieved. There was no love lost between him and Dakota. Seth was firmly in Zach's camp and not fond of frat boys in general.
"On the contrary, it's a little slippery to be out." I winked at him, giving him the impression it was dicey being with Dakota. "And getting worse by the minute."
I had to force myself not to turn and watch as Dakota walked away. I stretched out my hand for Seth to help me up the steps. "Have you de-iced these?"
"First thing." He took my hand. "But it's a losing battle. At the