Chapter 1: Introduction
The rain was like a waterfall as it poured onto the streets, the sound so loud I had to lean closer to Darren to hear what he was saying. I was trying not to get my mascara all smudged when I heard him say, “Knock, knock.”
I grinned wearily, my breath fogging up the window. “Who’s there?”
“Lettuce.”
I cocked an eyebrow.
“Lettuce who?”
Darren chuckled, his voice warm and comforting. “Lettuce in, it’s pouring out here!”
I laughed, wiping away a stray tear that had escaped during my argument with Brandon. “Well, come on in then,” I said, pushing open the door to my dorm room.
The room was a typical college mess - clothes strewn about, books piled high, and empty pizza boxes scattered across the floor. But to me, it was home. And right now, it was the only place I wanted to be.
Darren stepped inside, shaking off the rain like a wet dog.
His tall frame filled the small space, and I couldn't help but notice how his t-shirt clung to his muscles. He caught me looking and smirked, running a hand through his damp hair.
"Nice place you've got here," he teased, eyeing the clutter. "Very... lived-in."
I rolled my eyes, grabbing a pile of laundry and tossing it onto the floor next to the hamper. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I've been a little preoccupied today."
Darren's smile faded, and he sobered up.