Jock Row (Jock Hard #1)(13)

I have goose bumps covering my arms and chest; my nipples could cut glass.

The simple fact that her friends haven’t come outside to check on this chick speaks volumes about their character, but that’s not something I’m going to voice out loud if she wants to turn a blind eye to it. It’s none of my business, and this girl sitting across from me has taken enough hits tonight without me pointing out how craptastic her friends actually are.

I mean, they’re leaving her outside for the chance to get banged by an athlete—who does that?

Let’s face it, whatever happens with Derek or Ben or anyone from the team, it won’t lead to anything but the morning-after walk of shame.

If this girl is waiting for her friends to reappear, she’d best be in it for the long haul, which means I’m stuck out here freezing my dick off.

“How long do you think you’ll last before giving up?”

“I guess when I start getting cold?”

That, too, has me laughing like a maniac.

The balls on this chick.

“You’re not cold? What are you, made of stone?” Because my nuts are shriveling inside my jeans like two raisins about to fall off the vine.

Her head cocks to one side. “I mean, this sweater is really warm, and I have this nifty scarf in my bag if you want to borrow it?”

“Hard pass.”

When I rub my bare biceps vigorously to warm them up, her eyes follow the motion up and down—and who would blame her? My guns are huge.

I flex once for good measure, and to get a reaction.

It works. Her eyes move along my torso, lingering on the front of my shirt. “You really should have planned better. It’s cold out—why are wearing short sleeves, anyway?”

“I knew it would be hot inside, and I wasn’t planning on squatting on the damn porch all night like a hobo.”

“Still,” she hedges, “it’s practically winter.”

“Thanks. I finally got the memo.”

“Layers, at least.”

My green eyes narrow at her, just the slightest bit. “Are you always like this?”

“Like what?”

“Such a pain in the ass?”

“Am I pain in the ass? Hmm.” There goes that damn dimple. “I guess it depends on who you ask. Tonight’s probably not a good night to take a poll.”

A ping fills the air, and she reaches for the cell lying next to her knees, lifts it, and taps the screen. Smiles, satisfied.

“They’ll be out in ten minutes.” The phone gets set back down after she taps out a reply. Rests her head back against the wall, smiling. “I knew they wouldn’t leave me out here all night.”

Liar. “You did not.”

This laugh is lilting. “You’re right—I was starting to get worried.”

She stands fifteen minutes later when her friends come stumbling out the door, brushing off her legs and ass. Stretches and holds out her hand to help me off the ground.

Which is so fucking ridiculous, because she’s tiny and petite and I tower over her by almost an entire foot. Nonetheless, I slide my hand into hers when she offers it, letting our palms sizzle from the contact.

Zap.

Standing on my own without her assistance, clasping her hand, I rise to my full height.

“Thank you.” She lingers a few seconds, glancing at her friends, now down in the yard, stumbling heels already clicking over the concrete of the sidewalk.

I release her hand, stuffing mine into the pocket of my jeans. Flex the fingers of my tingling flesh. “Don’t be such a pain in the ass next time.”

“I’ll try.”

She starts down the staircase, ponytail swinging in the breeze. Glances back once, over her shoulder.

And winks.





SECOND FRIDAY


“The Friday Where the Real Games Begin.”





Scarlett


Me: Hey Tess, you guys hitting Jock Row tonight?

Too desperate sounding?

I delete the message, bite down on my bottom lip, and start the message over, trying not to sound obvious. Like I’m fishing for an invitation to go out with them again.

Which I am.

Me: What are you and Cam up to tonight?

Tessa: We’re hitting Jock Row—Cameron is still totally into that Derek guy. Even though he was kind of an asshole to you last weekend?? Sorry bout that.

Kind of an asshole is kind of an understatement, but I let the comment slide. Tess has apologized a few times, even though none of it was her fault.

Me: I was thinking maybe I’d…

I hit send, even though I haven’t finished the sentence. Dammit, how do I tell her I want to go back to the house even though they kicked me out last weekend?

She spares me from asking.

Tessa: You want to come with us?? It would be so fun!

My stomach betrays my best intention to remain calm, rolling with anticipation.

Me: Would that be weird? Seeing as how they were calling me Cock Blocker and made me stay on the porch?

Tessa: I don’t think so. Those parties are so fun and there are cute guys everywhere.

Me: There sure are.

But there’s only one I’m interested in seeing tonight.

Tessa: Are you willing to take the chance that they’re not going to let you in?