Chapter 10: Hunter

This night has turned to total shit, and there's no way to salvage it.

Not even the two gorgeous girls tucked under my arms are enough to pull my attention back to them. Although, they're trying their damnedest. Their hands stroke over my chest as they press their firm titties close to my body. If this were any other night, I'd be kicking back and enjoying the female adoration that comes with being QB for the Claremont Cougars.

With Skye in the vicinity, that's not possible. I'm ridiculously aware of her on every level. If she shifts a muscle or inhales a breath, I'm cognizant of it. Worse than that, I can't stop myself from watching her. Every so often, our gazes will lock before she quickly jerks hers away.

If I'd thought I was mentally prepared to see my ex after all this time, I was mistaken. Catching my first glimpse of her was like getting tackled from my blindside. My chest tightened, and for a heartbeat, the time, distance, and hurt fell away, and I was staring at the girl I'd once loved beyond all reason. Even though it's been more than an hour since she slammed into me, I still feel off-kilter. My world has tilted on its axis, and there's no way to right it again.

Skye fucking Sinclair.

A million unbidden memories flood through my mind. It was Skye's golden blond hair that first caught my attention freshman year of high school. Once she looked at me with those bright green eyes, I was a goner.

It's disconcerting to realize that the attraction I'd always felt for her was just as powerful. If Skye had been pretty as a teenager, she'd grown into her looks, becoming drop-dead gorgeous. Her body had always shown signs of curves, her breasts more than a handful, but now her waist was nipped in and her hips lush.

And I wasn't the only one noticing. All I had to do was glance around to see how many guys were checking her out. She was attracting way too much attention. It took every ounce of my tightly leashed control not to stalk over and chase every single asshole away from her.

Instead of staying as far from Skye as I could get, I'd positioned myself to watch her. Every time she shrank away, trying to melt into the crowd, I stalked closer. There were times when her anxiety would ease, and she would flash a smile at whoever she was talking to before her gaze would unexpectedly collide with mine. In the blink of an eye, her happiness would dissolve, and she'd attempt to slink farther away from me.

I haven't allowed her to get far. It's as if there's an invisible string connecting us.

Where she goes, I follow.

Whether I want to or not.

With my attention locked on Skye, I don't realize that one of my teammates has sidled up to me.

Uncaring of the girls pressed against me, Lucus points at Skye. "Who's the chick with Jaxon?"

I bite off the frustrated growl that aches to slip free. I know who he's talking about, but it pisses me off that he's zeroing in on Skye. There are plenty of chicks at this party. Can't he sniff around one of them instead?

"His girlfriend, Lanie."

Lucas frowns before scoffing. "I know who Lanie is." He jerks his head in Skye's direction. "I'm talking about the blonde honey with the big titties. Haven't seen her around before." He smacks his lips together and leers. "Damn, but I love me some fresh meat."

You know what I'd love?

To punch this joker in his fucking mouth. Instead, I flex my hands to keep them from curling into fists and doing exactly that.

"Skye," I grunt.

"Huh?"

"Her name," I reluctantly grumble, "is Skye."

Lucas strokes his chin as a shit-eating grin slides across his face. "I don't know about sky, but I'm willing to bet there's a little piece of heaven between those gorgeous thighs."

Motherfucker!

"Whoa!" Lucas's voice turns panicky. "What the hell, dude?"

It takes a moment to realize that I've dropped my arms from around the girls and am advancing on Lucas until he throws up his hands to ward me off. My jaw is so tightly clenched that I wouldn't be surprised if it cracked under the pressure.

"Sorry, dude. Didn't know you had interest in that direction. I'm not trying to step on any toes." When I don't take the conversation any further, his muscles gradually relax, and he snorts while giving me a bit of side-eye. "Not like there isn't enough pussy to go around."

Fuck. I shouldn't give a damn about him or any other guy who wants to get in her pants. Unfortunately, that knowledge doesn't alleviate the anger pumping through my veins. "Stay away from her. Got it?"

"Loud and clear, Price." Lucas claps me on the shoulder and takes off like his ass is on fire. I blink and realize that the two girls who had been groping me have also scattered. I plow a hand through my hair.

You know what's not helping this situation one damn bit?

Standing around watching Skye like a love-sick teenager. I need to stay as far away from that girl as I can get. And even that wouldn't be far enough.

Why the fuck did she have to return now?

I need to get out of here, but I'll be damned if I leave this party alone. All I'll end up doing is sitting around and stewing over the past. Much better to have a distraction for a few hours. Maybe then I'll be worn out enough to fall into a dreamless sleep.

My gaze roves over the crowd until it lands on a couple of chicks who are watching me with hungry looks. I know exactly what these girls want, and luckily for them, I'm in the mood to give it. It takes effort to smooth out my features before forcing a smile to my lips. As soon as I do, they start in my direction.

I don't have to lift a finger. It's almost too easy.

When they're close enough, they say in unison, "Hi, Hunter."

"Hey." I give them each a chin lift in acknowledgment.

One's a brunette, and the other is a redhead.

Perfect.

Both are toned and athletic-looking.

Even better.

They look nothing like the girl I've spent three years trying to evict from my head.

"You ladies want to get out of here?"

Their eyes light up as they nod.

"Great." I wrap an arm around each girl before tugging them close.

As I'm about to walk away, I glance in Skye's direction. It pisses me off that I'm unable to resist the temptation. I already know that her presence on campus is going to be a problem.

It's Skye fucking Sinclair.

How can it not be?

Sadness flickers in her eyes right before she rips her gaze away.

Once upon a time, I gave this girl my heart, and she stomped all over it. If she knows what's good for her, she'll stay the hell out of my way.