Chapter 1

My brother Ethan and I both attended the same university, which basically made him my personal errand boy.

I had him bring me meals, run to pick up my packages, and do everything.

Then one day, I found he'd blocked me.

Later that evening, Lucas, the ridiculously good-looking, notoriously aloof campus star, showed up at my dorm.

He pulled out his phone and played a video: there was Ethan, calmly accepting what looked like a credit card, nodding as he agreed to cut me off completely.

Lucas tucked his phone away and fixed me with this unfairly sincere look.

"If he'd drop you that easily for a bit of cash," he said softly, "he never deserves you. "So... let me step in. I'll do a much better job, I promise."

I just stood there, completely thrown.

*****

I woke up to a lazy, class-free Friday, and it was already lunchtime. Perfect timing, because a small mountain of eight deliveries showed up at my door right as my stomach started rumbling.

I fired off a message to Ethan Shaw, my brother: [Grab me lunch and a fruit salad. And get my packages. I'm waiting downstairs.]

He sent back two question marks.

Ethan was my go-to errand guy. Even if he had a rebellious streak now and then, all it took was a little "reminder" to get him in line. I smirked and sent a follow-up: [I'll tip you.]

Ethan: [Of course, my beautiful and gracious Josie. Yours truly is on the way!]

When Ethan showed up downstairs, he caused quite a commotion.

He can be a pain, but with a face like his, he's basically catnip for girls, especially the persistent, troublemaking ones. A few bad experiences have even given him a mild case of girl-phobia.

And he had our dad's last name, and I had our mom's. We'd been glued together since we were kids, so everyone just assumed we were a couple.

When he started at our school, the rumor mill decided the new campus heartthrob was already taken. The forum was flooded with disappointed posts for days.

He begged me not to spill the truth and even volunteered to be my lackey for two months if I'd just keep up the couple act and help him dodge all the unwanted attention.

So when he finally staggered over, buried under all my packages, he shot me a look. "Josie, are you single-handedly trying to keep the delivery industry in business? Maybe lay off the online shopping—and the snacks, too."

Instinctively, I tried to grab his ear like always.

But with all our history, Ethan could practically read my mind. He dodged before my hand even got close.

Only then did I notice he'd grown taller again. I went in for a rematch, determined not to let him get away this time.

We were in the middle of our little scuffle when I lost my balance and stumbled backward right into someone standing behind me.

I was about to turn and apologize, but when I looked up, I found myself locked in the gaze of a pair of strikingly cold eyes. The intensity of his stare was sharp, almost predatory, and I instinctively rubbed my arms.

This guy's features were sharp and perfectly defined, with a noble, untouchable elegance that made him instantly recognizable.

Wasn't he Lucas Bennett? The freshman whose half-profile photo, taken through the window of a luxury car, had set the campus forum on fire at the start of the year?

Since they were in the same class, every time he showed up, he effortlessly stole the spotlight from Ethan. Ethan would constantly complain, "Lucas Bennett? That guy's so cold. No way he's better-looking than me."

I snapped back to my senses. After a pause, I said softly, "Sorry."

Lucas pressed his lips together, his gaze lingering on me and seeming to darken.

The air between us grew thick with awkwardness.

Ethan, always quick to jump to my defense, grabbed my wrist and pulled me behind him. "Hey, she didn't do it on purpose. She already apologized. Don't tell me you're going to make a big deal out of it?"

Lucas's deep eyes flickered to me again. "No, I should be the one apologizing. I was in your way."

Having a hot-headed little brother is honestly a bit embarrassing sometimes. I gave his arm a quick pinch. "Will you stop with the tough-guy act?"

Ethan let out a disgruntled grunt, but all it took was a pinch to get him back in line.

Lucas had only taken a few steps when he stopped, his expression completely deadpan. "Ethan, Professor Jordan's class starts in five."

Professor Jordan was the infamous tyrant of the School of Finance. The reminder hit Ethan, and he took off like his life depended on it.

I looked at Lucas, who was still standing there, and asked without thinking, "Aren't you going to class?"

A faint, irresistible smile played on his lips, a glimmer passing through those captivating eyes. "I'm good. I've already got enough credits."

I blinked. Nothing stung quite like a direct comparison. I couldn't help but say, "Wow, that's impressive."

His mesmerizing eyes stayed fixed on me, and for a moment, I got that strange flutter in my chest all over again.

Noticing the crowd gathering around us, I hurriedly scooped up my things. "I'm really sorry about all this today. Gotta go. See you."

But there were too many packages for me to carry alone. Out of nowhere, a slender, elegant hand reached down and picked up several of the bags. "Let me give you a hand, Josie," Lucas offered.

When I hesitated, he just shrugged it off, his tone light and easy. "Hey, I'm always happy to help."

I nodded. "Thanks."

Once I made it to my dorm balcony, I casually poked my head out to check if Lucas was still there. Sure enough, he hadn't moved an inch.

The instant our eyes met, he gave me a teasing little smirk and tilted his head, the picture of effortless confidence.

Flustered at being caught watching him, I quickly pulled my head back inside, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from Ethan: [Joise, that asshole Lucas totally played me!]