Best Friends Forever Read Free Page A

as though he likes what he sees.
    I gather up my stuff, careful not to let my shirt get wet from my towels, and toss the bag over my shoulder.
    “Nice seeing you, Roman,” I say as I give my hips an extra shake for him.
    “Nice seeing you, too, Hazel,” he says with a chuckle.
    And just like that, I know I will have him. Maybe not tonight, maybe not this week, but before the semester is up, I will be sleeping with Roman.
     
     

Four
     
    There’s something about a hot August night at the beach that really turns me into someone I never thought I would be.
    Cheyanne and I arrive at eight-fifteen, after she assured me that arriving late would be better than getting there early. I have to admit, she was right. We are still among the first people there, but there’s a small crowd. I pick Roman and Audric out immediately, leading Cheyanne to them.
    “You didn’t tell me Roman was going to be here,” she whispers harshly in my ear.
    “I didn’t know. Chill out,” I whisper back and then turn my attention back to the guys as we approach. “Audric!” I step forward and put my arms around his waist, initiating a hug I’m not sure he wants to reciprocate. He does, though, but I guess it’s because he doesn’t want to be rude.
    My goal is to make Roman jealous and out of the corner of my eye, I swear he’s seething. “You didn’t tell me you and Hazel were so close, Audric,” he says to his roommate as we pull apart.
    “I didn’t know we were,” I hear Audric mumble.
    “Audric and I go way back,” I lie, just to incite Roman’s anger.
    “I see.” He’s obviously pissed off and I think I’ve got him right where I want him. “Hazel, nice to see you again.”
    “Ditto. Although I wish I’d seen more of you,” I say in a hushed whisper as I move to stand next to him.
    Cheyanne shuffles her feet, suddenly uncomfortable, although I can tell she wants to say something to me, probably about my interest in Roman.
    Seeing her discomfort, Audric speaks up. “Cheyanne, can I get you something to drink?”
    “Sure. Actually, I’ll just go with you,” she says with a glare at me.
    She and Audric aren’t gone for more than ten seconds before Roman turns to me. “Are we going to keep playing this little game?”
    “Which game is that?” I ask, feigning complete innocence.
    “You know which game,” he says, his breath in my ear. Before I have a chance to reply, a group comes up to us.
    “Roman! How’s it going, man?” a tall black guy with a shaved head says to Roman. Beside him are two girls, both with that girl next door look with dirty blonde hair. They look like they could be sisters, they’re so alike. Their only difference is their eyes – one has blue and the other has brown eyes.
    “Andre, good to see you. I see you brought the entertainment,” he nods at the girls, who both gasp. Hell, even I knew it was a joke.
    “He’s kidding, girls. Roman, this is Miranda.” Andre gestures toward brown eyes. “And this is Destiny.” He puts an arm around Destiny’s shoulders, obviously staking a claim. His eyes meet mine and he raises a brow.
    “Oh. I’m Hazel,” I introduce myself, as Roman seems to have lost interest in me and is now staring intently at blue eyes.
    Andre smiles at me momentarily before glaring at Roman, who hasn’t taken his eyes off Destiny. It’s awkward for a second, eternally awkward until Roman puts an arm around my shoulder. Andre backs off, relieved.
    “Let’s get this party started!” a voice yells from behind us.
    We all turn to stare at the guy and I have to admit, he’s very attractive. He’s at least a few years older than us, but he’s ruggedly handsome with a few days’ worth of stubble along his jaw. His hair is wildly curly and dark brown, bordering black. His chocolate-brown eyes are deep, intense. I find myself staring into them as he approaches the group with several solo cups of cheap beer.
    “Who wants one?” he asks and I raise my hand faster