The Revenge Pact (Kings of Football #1)(51)

“This is vital, River,” Lila declares.

“Your brothers can wait,” Carl says.

“Alright.” He folds his tall frame into the booth next to Carl and across from me.

Marilyn brings him a Guinness, and he takes a sip of it. “What’s up?”

Carl props an elbow on the table. “Let’s say, hypothetically, there’s a girl. She has her own personal demon to slay. You know how that is, right?”

River nods. “Indeed.”

“She’s been dumped in a nasty way and wants to get back at her ex. Let’s also say, hypothetically, this girl is thinking the best way to get back at him is to find a ‘hottie’—”

“To bang,” Lila throws in.

“—thus making Donovan regret everything,” Carl continues after a glare at Lila. “River, in your opinion, is this a good idea, or do you have other suggestions?”

“Kill me now,” I whisper.

River’s shoulder twitches. “Hypothetically, of course, assuming the relationship is truly over—”

“Oh, it’s over. He’s kicked to the curb. She ain’t ever hitting that again,” interjects Lila. Everyone stares at her. “Hypothetically,” she mutters.

River continues, “I’d say she’d be well within her rights.” He holds a finger up. “However, it would be wrong to pursue a member of her ex’s fraternity…you know, if he’s in one.”

“The hypothetical ass sure is,” I mutter as I lean in over the table. “So, what do you think of this…” My voice trails off.

“Revenge plan?” River raises an eyebrow.

“Such a strong word,” I say. “Any thoughts on who she should—”

“Screw,” Lila finishes in a loud whisper.

I sigh. “Can’t you be good?”

She shrugs.

River peels at the label on his bottle, his gaze lowered. “I’d suggest she find a hottie”—his lips tighten—“at a rival fraternity, or a super-smart guy. I’m assuming this hypothetical ex is smart?”

“Yes,” I say.

Carl taps his chin. “Someone he’d be envious of! The plot thickens.”

“No plot,” I say. “This is all conjecture.”

“A pre-med, pre-law, or physics major,” Lila exclaims. “Genius. The Phi Beta Kappas are doing the ski trip—all brains, skinny arms, and geeky, but you like that, Ana.”

Do I?

My eyes brush over the leather jacket on River, the slope of his broad shoulders, the color of his gaze. Tonight, the gray of his irises hints at smoke and his lashes flutter against his cheeks as he breaks our gaze.

“If I Can’t Have You” by Shawn Mendes plays on the speakers, a song about keeping your distance, about hating to admit how you really feel about someone you can’t have.

Goose bumps skate over my arms.

Why does that song make me think of him?

He twists his ring. “Let’s say there’s a third guy in this scenario. He’s a good friend of her ex. He’s a popular athlete—hypothetically. If this girl wanted, he could help her find the right guy. He knows everyone, could help by introducing her to the perfect rebound.”

My chest rises, nerves flying. “What does this third person want in return?”

He takes a sip of his beer and sets it down gingerly, eyes downcast. “This guy needs a favor.”

“What?” I ask, my voice lowering.

“He has four days to write a paper. He needs this girl to tutor him. It will mean a lot of work on her part, but he’ll make it worthwhile on the ski trip he’s going on.”

Lila looks between all of us. “I’m hypothetically confused. There’re too many fake people in this conversation.” She rolls her eyes. “River, will you help Ana find the right booty call that will make Donovan jealous if she helps you in that lit class?”

There’s a tense silence, then, “Sounds good to me,” he says in a tight voice. He rubs a circle on the table with his finger.

Lila faces me. “Ana, will you help River so he will set you up with some fine-ass man you can diddle, which will ensure Donavon knows you are better than him in every way?”

I glance over and see Harper trailing her fingers down Donovan’s arm.

My jaw sets.

“Are you for real?” I ask River, a tremor in my voice.

He looks up at me, and my breath snags at the uncertainty I see in his eyes.

“Yes.”

Five seconds pass as we stare at each other.

Revenge would be sweet.

Me showing Donovan I’ve moved on. With someone he’d be envious of…

“Then let’s rock this.” I breathe out and extend my hand for a handshake.

He exhales and takes my hand, his thumb skating over my palm, lingering. Fire goes up my arm.

“Hell yeah!” Lila calls. “Progress! My girl’s got balls!”

I barely notice her, and River doesn’t acknowledge her either. He drops my hand, picks up his beer, and takes a swig, never dropping his eyes. I see emotion there, hot and fierce.

Heat builds on my face.

Carl clears his throat, a little laugh coming from him as he watches us. “Alright, then. Crazy Carl saves the day! By the power vested in me by the aliens, I pronounce you participants in this hypothetical revenge pact. You may now drink up.”