Free She Laughs in Pink (Sheridan Hall #1) by Jessica Calla

guilty—”
    “I thought we established that I did want to hang out with you because I like you. I want to hang out with you every friggin’ day. You are by far the coolest chick I’ve met here.” She’s by far the coolest chick I’ve met anywhere. Just my luck she’s obsessed with my roommate.
    Her pink pout turns to a grin. “Even cooler than Megan?”
    “Way.”
    “Tina?”
    “Well…” I tease, squinting as if I’m undecided. She glares at me, and I blurt, “Yeah, way cooler than Tina.”
    When she giggles pink again, it reminds me of the sketch in my back pocket. I pull it out and hand it to her.
    She scans the page, and her eyes get big. “What’s this?”
    “You. I made it yesterday.” I’d drawn her last night, with her on her toes and her arms stretched overhead in one of the ballet poses.
    Her brown eyes dance over the picture. I’d tried to capture the joy on her face, not just her perfect body. Drawing her had turned me on, but seeing her study the drawing turns me on even more. To be honest, being in her presence turns me on. I’m the most pathetic guy in the world.
    She flips the picture toward me and points at it. “It’s freaking awesome.”
    “ You’re awesome. Did you contact the studio for classes?”
    “I did but I can’t afford it. I’ll have to stay local.” She sighs. “Sucks.”
    I know I won’t let that happen. I’ll make a call to Gram’s accountant, figure out how to tap my trust fund, and have an anonymous scholarship available for Juliet from Miss Stephanie. Done.
    “Something will work out. You’ll be dancing in no time.”
    She smiles. “Damn straight. Even if I’m dancing up and down the hallway.”
    “That would be a sight.” I ruffle her hair because I want to touch her again, and then lift her hand to kiss it. “I’m sorry you were upset with me.”
    “I’m sorry Rocco almost beat you up. You’re persistent.” She glances down my body.
    “Sometimes.” Her gaze lingers around my shoulders then returns to my face. “See something you like, gorgeous?”
    “Egomaniac much?” She chuckles and points to the door. “Out.”
    “Later?” There’s no hiding the twinge of hope in my voice.
    “Later.”
    As I walk down the hallway, I realize I may be turning into a chick. I just apologized for who knows what, told this strange new girl that she’s awesome, and now I’m going to finance her dance education. I’m a big, dumb bag of feelings around my roommate’s hot admirer.
    So much for my NLP and its no-women clause. Turns out, Juliet Anderson is way more fun.

Chapter Seven
     
    Juliet
     
    Miss Stephanie calls me on Thursday to advise me of a scholarship that hasn’t been claimed. I could take as many classes as I’d like at her studio. After thanking her profusely and checking the class schedule, I rush around my room, put on my leotard and tights under a skirt and cardigan, and try to make it to the next advanced class.
    I run down the hall, my ballet bag swinging behind me, and knock on Chase’s door.
    Ben answers. “Hey, Jules! What’s up? You look like you’re going to ballet.”
    Although I’m in a hurry, seeing Ben automatically slows my pulse. “I am. I need to ask Chase how to get there. Is he around?” Ben’s jeans are tight around his thighs and his big arms strain against the seams of his polo shirt. I get warm thinking of how those arms wrap me up when I need them.
    “No, he’s not back yet. Do you want me to take you?”
    Amazingly, I don’t. “Not necessary. Thanks, though.”
    He holds my arm as I try to walk away. “Hey, do you want to hang out later?” His brown eyes search mine. Something’s up with him, but I don’t have the time to talk.
    Hang out? “Um, maybe? I have to get on the train. I’ll text Chase and call you later.” I break his grasp and dart down the hallway.
    Ben calls after me. “Jules?”
    “Yep?” I spin around impatiently and adjust my ballet bag on my shoulder, inching toward the