Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
I nod slowly, absorbing that information. “Do you get in your head about it?”
Chase shrugs. “I think we all do at some point. University is tough. Between classes, practice, workouts, homework, and a social life, it’s hard not to get swept up in all the fun stuff and forget that this is step one of a much bigger goal.”
“To finish a degree and make the pros?” I ask, fascinated.
“Basically, yeah.”
“You’re an interesting guy, Chase.”
“You think so?” The smile that lights up his face makes my heart flutter.
“Definitely.” I’ve never been friends with an athlete before. It’s a lot of responsibility and dedication. They have to function as part of a team and juggle all the same things I do on top of that.
He opens the door to our residence building. Half a dozen people say hi to him while we wait for the elevator. People ask if he’s coming out tonight and he deflects saying he has assignments and early practice. We cram ourselves into the elevator and Chase pulls me into a corner and moves me to stand in front of him, settling a hand on my waist while we ascend.
More people say hi to him and give me curious looks as we walk down the hall to my room.
The note I didn’t notice from yesterday is still on my whiteboard.
Can I please have your number?
CL
I tip my head up and smile, feeling shy. “Yes, you can have my number.”
“Cool.” He pulls out his phone, snaps a quick picture, adds my name, and passes me the device.
I key in my number and hand it back. My phone pings a second later.
I pull it out and show him the text he just sent me. “Got yours now, too.” It’s only five thirty. I don’t have to leave for class for another hour. “Do you want to come in for a bit?”
“Yeah.” Chase nods, then shakes his head. “But no.”
I try not to let the disappointment show on my face, but I’m pretty sure I fail.
“If I come into your room, I’m going to want to do things.”
“Kinda the point.” I wish I had my backpack to hold on to so I don’t fidget.
Chase smiles. “I want to show you I like you more than just a hookup.”
He looks so determined, and I like it. “Okay.”
“So maybe tomorrow morning I can meet you for coffee after my practice?”
“Sure. Yeah. I’d like that.” I think he just asked me on a coffee date.
“Cool. Awesome. That’s great. I’ll text you later.”
“Okay.”
He bites his lip and his eyes dart to mine.
“Can I kiss you, though?”
“Yes, please.”
He drops both of our backpacks and nods at someone as they pass. He glances over his shoulder, waiting until they disappear around the corner before his warm palm curves around the side of my neck. I tip my head up as he drops his.
He brushes his lips over mine, then pulls the bottom one between his, sucking softly. We make matching needy sounds as our bodies gravitate closer. We angle our heads at the same time. Our tongues meet and brush against each other. I settle a hand on his biceps and give it a happy little squeeze.
“Lovett, Lovelock, if you do that on the other side of the door, no one has to witness it,” Colby shouts from not very far away.
I free my lips from Chase’s and pull my hood up. Chase’s lips press into a line and he gives Colby the death stare.
“I’m helping you out here, man. Your buddy Gage just snapped a picture. You’re welcome. If you need condoms, you can visit the health center.” He saunters past us, wearing a satisfied grin.
Chase thumbs over his shoulder. “I’m going to go beat up Gage.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks.” He kisses my cheek and grabs his bag, rushing down the hall as he shouts, “Steele, I’m coming for you!”
I can’t stop smiling. I have so much to tell Tally.
CHAPTER 13
CHASE
“So what’s the deal with you and your hotel roomie?” Gage asks as we’re changing back into street clothes after practice.
“Her name is Cammie,” I correct.
“What’s the deal with you and Cammie?” He stresses her name.
“I like her.”
“I figured that with the way you were sucking face in the hall. You sure it’s a good idea to hook up with one of the girls on our floor? Sort of limits your options unless you’re aiming for awkwardness when you move on to the next one.” He pulls a shirt over his head, covering the tattoo on his chest.
“I’m not planning to move on to the next one.” I spray deodorant under my arms, then give it an extra courtesy spritz for good measure.
Gage stops messing with his hair to gape at me. “Dude.”
“What?”
“We’re two months into four years of fun times.”
Brody rolls his eyes.
Gage points an accusing finger at him. “Don’t even. Your monk status is ninety percent of the reason girls won’t leave you alone. Mac at least flirts with them.”