Looking to Score(36)

“Damn, girl. You clean up nice!” Shelby said as she eyed me up and down. “Got a hot date?”

Shit. Was it that obvious? Yes. Yes it was. Did I have time to change? No. No, I did not. “No hot dates for me,” I insisted. This wasn’t a date. Nope. Not even close. My palms were sweating just for shits and giggles.

“Well, I don’t think I’ve seen you not wear yoga pants since you moved in,” Shelby scolded. She was wearing a long skirt and tank top with no bra. I saw her nipples practically cutting through the shirt. It wasn’t like I wanted to stare; I just couldn’t stop. It was like they were pointing and accusing me of something.

“Are you yoga-pants shaming me?” I asked, acting offended.

“Ain’t no shame in being comfortable,” she replied with hands up in mock surrender. “I’m just saying the extra effort looks good on you.”

I smiled politely. Dressing up felt like I was the try-hard girl of my past. I used to wear designer clothes to everything. I couldn’t leave the house without my hair done and my lash extensions expertly applied by Judy, my lash lady. My nails were always done. I was always polishing up my exterior to hide how fucking insecure I was—am.

“Well, I’ll see you later. Also, we need to talk about my parents visiting. No naked photo shoots.”

Shelby pretended not to hear me and walked over to her room, giggling mischievously as she shut the door. I debated hounding her about it, but the alarm on my phone alerted me to my meeting with Dr. Haynes.

I obsessed over my outfit the entire walk to Dr. Haynes’s office. I didn’t want Oakley to think that I had gotten all dolled up just for him. I mean, I had, I just didn’t want him to think that. It was so weird to be obsessing over looking too nice and wishing I was in my comfiest leggings and oversized sweatshirt.

By the time I got to Dr. Haynes’s office, I’d decided that comfortable clothes were preferable and that I’d never again subject my poor body to restricting clothes. The moment I entered his office, I sank in the chair with a sigh.

“Miss Matthews, I’m impressed with how you have been able to move on from your earlier indiscretion to be able to make Oakley shine and allow the university to showcase their star player,” Dr. Haynes said, almost beaming. “I have also checked in with the coach, and he is equally happy with your performance.”

Aw, shucks!

“We both feel confident that you are on track to graduate early like you have planned. I’m very proud of how you took a chance on this opportunity, even though I know it wasn’t your first choice, and you figured out how to excel.”

“Thank you, Dr. Haynes! I really couldn’t have done it without your guidance,” I gushed, trying to sound humble, but actually feeling myself.

“But if you really want to prepare for your desired career path, maybe I could speak to some connections about having you work with them on some projects. I’m representing a new company your father might actually be interested in. We professionals are always looking to wet our beak.”

I swallowed. Dr. Haynes was going to let me work with some of his clients? This was the best news ever. I squirmed in my seat with excitement.

“Yes! I would actually really love that. Thank you!”

“Any time.”

Dr. Haynes’s glowing review gave me the courage to ask if I could bring my parents by on Friday and introduce them. He readily agreed, and we set a time before my phone alerted me to my next...meeting...with Oakley.

Let’s do this thing.





The lunch room was buzzing with activity. I didn’t have a meal plan and rarely came here during the school year. I preferred to plan my meals out for my food journal and avoided eating in front of others if I could manage it.

The room was smaller than I expected. It was set up like a food court, with various options lining the wall, and tables and chairs were crowded together in the center. I scanned the room for Oakley and smiled when I found him sitting at the edge of the room by the exit leading outside, giving us a view of the city street.

His eyes were on me as I walked over. The backpack I wore reminded me that this was strictly professional. I had typed up a list of speaking points for post-game interviews and also scheduled him a photo op with a famous alumni known for his nonprofit work.

“Hey there, Solver,” he said with a smile. Oakley then pulled out a lunch box. I’d expected us to have to buy a burger drowning in grease, but it appeared that he packed us both a modern bento box. When he took off the plastic lid, I took note of the smoked salmon, cucumber, boiled eggs, pita crackers, and what looked like some sort of dill cream cheese dip.

“Wow,” I said before sitting down. “Thanks for making lunch.”

“Oh, this is for me,” he teased, yanking it closer. “You’re going to have to enjoy that surprise meat pizza they’re advertising.”

“Oh, um, you know what? I’m really not even hungry,” I said automatically.

Oakley laughed and said, “Calm down. I’m only kidding. What kind of a date do you think I am?” He pulled out a chair for me and motioned for me to sit. As I went to take a seat next to him, Oakley looked me over from head to toe. Slowly. His eyes lingered on my hips and then my breasts, which were high and perky thanks to a little help from Victoria.

“You look nice. Is all of that for me?” he asked with a devilish twinkle in his eye. He totally knew it was for him.