Carter slaps his forehead. “Damn. I was an idiot back then. I don’t think that anymore.”
“I was wearing a tank top and shorts that day.”
“Shit. No wonder you hate me. I don’t remember the day, but I bet I made it worse the entire class.”
“You did. You and your friends were making gross comments.”
“I’m so sorry, Trina. I never should have said something like that. I was an asshole. I promise, I would never say something like that now.”
Suddenly, the weight of hating Carter is lifted. I’ve had this silly thing bubbling up inside me for years. Now that it’s out in the open, it doesn’t feel as big. Yes, I’m still mad that anyone would say something so gross, especially when the person next to him is doing the thing he’s commenting on. But, in hindsight, we were all practically kids back then. People grow and change. I have to trust that Carter is one of those people.
“Thank you for apologizing.”
“I would have back then if you’d called me out. Or during our first session. I wish you’d told me I hurt you instead of just freezing me out and being kind of rude.”
I laugh. “I wasn’t kind of rude, I was incredibly rude. I begged Ben to send you somewhere else. It was awful of me. So, I’m sorry, too.”
Carter smiles. “Now that all of that is out of the way, we can enjoy our lunch.”
“Yeah, we can.”
On cue, the waiter brings over our meals. As we eat, we start to get to know each other a bit.
“So, you live in Rhode Island and you’re an only child, right?”
Carter nods. “Yeah. I got to go to the beach a ton as a kid, but it was kind of lonely. Luckily, my mom’s sister lives in the same neighborhood. I have a cousin my age, so she and I hung out a lot. We’re still really close. I’d consider Shelly my best friend.”
“That’s awesome. I have two younger brothers. They’re twins. We’re a little over four years apart, but we’re still close.”
“Nice. And you’re close to your parents, too, right? You go home a lot.”
“Pretty much every weekend.”
“So, you never come to my games?”
I laugh. “Listen, I have other reasons for not liking football players. Plus, it’s not really my sport. I prefer baseball.”
Carter covers his heart with his hands like I’ve stabbed him. “Take it back!”
“Not a chance. My brothers are huge football fans, though. They’ll be thrilled to know I’m friends with the quarterback. I have gone to a couple games over the last few years, but only because my brothers wanted to go.”
“You should come this weekend and bring them along. I’d love to meet them.”
“Isn’t your game away?”
“You’re keeping an eye on my schedule?”
“My brothers keep me up to date. I think we’re going next weekend.”
“Perfect.”
My heart flutters. How did I go from hating Carter to wanting him to meet my brothers? I’m even considering bringing Mom and Dad so they can get to know him. We’re not dating, so this is ridiculous.
After we finish eating, Carter and I decide to order dessert. Our school makes delicious ice cream, so we each get a sundae. We still have some time before my break ends.
“I’m really glad we did this, Trina,” Carter says. “Thank you for agreeing to lunch with me. It wasn’t terrible, right?”
I blush. “No, it wasn’t. I actually had a great time.”
“Does that mean you’ll go on a date with me? Thursday night?”
“Okay. Yeah.”
“Great. I’d say Friday, but we’re leaving super early on Saturday for the game. It’s not too far away, but it’s their homecoming, so the game starts at one.”
“Thursday works for me. I get off work at six.”
Carter smiles. “Then I’ll pick you up at six, okay? At the tutoring center?”
“Perfect.”
We talk and finish our ice cream until it’s time for me to go back. Despite my protests, Carter pays the bill. This may have just been lunch, but I’m counting it as our first official date.
Carter and I walk back to the tutoring center.
“I’ll see you on Thursday,” he says as he gathers up his stuff. “Don’t forget.”
“I won’t. But we should also exchange numbers in case something comes up.”
I give him mine and he texts me so I have his. Eliza knocks and lets me know I have a walk-in, so our conversation has to end.
“Bye, Carter,” I say. I give him a hug, which surprises us both. I’d like to kiss him, but that’s not a good idea. I’m at work and he’s still technically my student.
“Bye, Trina.”
I watch as Carter walks away. He is truly a beautiful man.
And I get to go on a date with him on Thursday.
Chapter 14
Carter
My palms are sweaty. I don’t even get this nervous before a big game. Why am I freaking out about this date with Trina?
I grin alone in my car. I’m freaking out because I’ve wanted to go on a date with her since we met at the tutoring center. I still don’t remember knowing Trina when we were freshmen. Since it was such a bad experience for Trina, we both agreed to pretend we met this year instead. I much prefer that. I like Trina a lot more when she doesn’t hate me.
I still can’t believe I was such a dick to her when we were freshmen. I bet I was showing off for some other guys on the football team. I wanted so badly to impress them. Now, some of the younger guys treat me the same way. I have to make sure they’re not assholes like I was. Wouldn’t want a pretty girl hating one of them for years because of something stupid they say this year.
The lot closest to the academic resources center is mostly empty at this hour. I’m lucky to find a spot. I was worried I’d have to stop and text Trina that I’m here. Instead, I can go in and pick her up like a gentleman.
Ben is sitting at the front desk when I arrive.
“Hey, Carter. You don’t have an appointment today, and Trina leaves in a couple minutes.”
“Yeah, I’m here to pick her up.”
Ben furrows his brow. “What do you mean?”
“We’re going on a date,” Trina says. I look up and see the beautiful girl I’m lucky enough to go out with tonight. She’s wearing jeans and a tight-fitting sweater. I could stare at her all night.
“Trin, you know the rules.”
“I do, and we’ll figure something out.”
“What are the rules?”
“No dating students,” Trina says. “I might have to tutor you outside of my working hours.”
My face falls. “I wouldn’t ask you to do that.”
Trina smiles. “What if I want to?”
“Well, then, I guess it’d mean spending time with you…”
“Exactly.”
“If you can work it out, it is what it is. I’ll have to tell your coach…”
“I’ll explain the situation. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
“If you say so,” Ben says. He goes back to his work, ignoring us. Someone is not happy I’m going out with his girl.
Trina looks back at Ben as we walk out of the office, but she doesn’t say anything. Does Trina still have feelings for her boss? It doesn’t matter. She’s going out on a date with me, not him.
“So, where are we going?” Trina asks as I guide her to my car.
“The options are limited on campus. I thought we’d go a few towns over to Jimmy’s. They have outdoor seating, with heaters, and a live band tonight.”
“Oh, that sounds like fun!”
I hoped Trina would like my idea. I’d normally take a girl to a sporting event or mini golfing or something. I like dates where there’s an activity to do at the same time. It gives something to talk about and makes sure the date isn’t awkward.
Since it’s too cold out for mini golfing and the only sport happening around here is football, I figured my next
best bet would be a restaurant where something else is going on at the same time. We’ll be able to talk about the band if we end up in a lull, but it’s the kind of setting where we can get to know each other at the same time.
I drive the thirty minutes to Jimmy’s. When we arrive, the patio is nearly full. We’re able to find a seat on the edge farthest from the music. It works out, because this way we can hear the music and each other.
“Have you ever been here before?” I ask Trina.
“I actually haven’t. I don’t usually leave campus, and when I do, it’s the other direction. That’s where I grew up.”
“Well, you’re in luck. They make the best pizza. How do you feel about eggplant and garlic?”
“I love them both.”
“Do you mind if I order the pizza, then?”
“Please!”
When the waiter arrives, I order a beer and Trina gets a spiked seltzer. I think we both need a little alcohol to loosen us up. I also order us a large eggplant parm pizza. It’s their best one. They deep fry small pieces of eggplant and toss them on a traditional pizza. They also add pieces of roasted garlic that make it extra delicious.
As soon as the waiter comes back with our drinks, the band comes on.
“This is really nice, Carter. I like the band.”
“I’m glad they don’t suck. That would’ve been embarrassing.”
Trina laughs. “We could’ve just sat here to make fun of them.”
“True. Now, we’ll listen to them be amazing.”
“And get to know each other?” Trina asks. “I feel like you know more about me than I do about you.”
“I like hearing you talk. And you’re more interesting than me.”
“That’s not true. Tell me about football. When did you start playing?”
Now this is a subject I could go on about. “I was six and my parents put me in flag football. I was too lively as a kid, so I needed to channel my energy somewhere. They’d tried soccer, tennis, and a few other things before giving football a try. It stuck, and I’ve been playing ever since.”
“Have you always been quarterback?”
“Actually, I didn’t take that position until I was a freshman in high school. Our QB got injured and I ended up in a game. Turns out, I’m pretty good at it.”
“I’d say. My brothers say you’re sure to get drafted.”
I sigh. “I hope so. Football is a really important part of my life. I’ve been dreaming of playing for the NFL since I was a kid. My chance is coming, I hope.”
Trina puts a hand over mine. “You’ll make it. I know you will.”
Despite the happiness of the words, there’s a sadness in Trina’s eyes. Why does me making it to the NFL seem like it’s a bad thing to her?
Before I can ask, Trina changes the subject.
“What do you do for fun when it’s not football season?”
“Not much. I’m kind of a homebody. I hate going to parties. I’d rather stay home and read or watch a movie.”
Trina’s eyes widen. “Seriously? I never would have guessed that about you.”
“It’s the truth. I usually make an appearance and then leave when the football team throws parties. Most of my weekends are spent at home relaxing. I can’t play well after a long night, anyway. It’s better for me to stay in.”
“I prefer that, too. I mean, my roommate and I usually just hang out and watch movies together if we’re home on the weekend. The football party last weekend was a fluke.”
I smile at her. “I’m glad you came. If you hadn’t, we wouldn’t be here right now.”
“True. I’m glad, too. But don’t expect me to go to any more.”
I laugh. “I’d rather we hang out at my place or yours.”
“Me, too.”
Our food arrives, so we spend some time eating pizza and listening to the band play. Trina was right, they are really good.
“Wow, this pizza is amazing,” Trina says, her mouth full.
I grin. “I’m glad you like it.”
“It sucks that it’s so far away. I’m going to want this every weekend.”
“It’s worth the drive. Trust me.”
“I believe you. My roommate would love this too.”
“Let’s bring her with us next time.”
“She’d love that.”
This time, it’s my turn to change the subject. Now, I want to hear more about Trina.
“So, you want to be a teacher, right?”
“A professor. When I was a kid, we’d have those like ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ things, and I always said professor. My grandmother was a professor at an all-girls school in Massachusetts until she retired. That’s how I learned the word and decided it was what I wanted to do.”
“Wow, that’s impressive. I knew I wanted to play football at a young age, but I didn’t know about going pro until late in high school. I didn’t think it was possible for someone like me. The engineering, thing, though has been a dream forever. I’ve been good at math since I was a kid. I used to build stuff in my backyard. My cousin was always my assistant. She’s going to med school now, though.”
Trina and I kill the pizza as we continue to chat and enjoy the band. After we’re done eating, the waiter brings the check and I drop my card to pay.
“I’m not ready for the night to end,” Trina admits. “I’m having too much fun.”
I smile. “What do you say we go to my place and watch a movie?”
“That sounds great.”
The drive back to my place is spent listening to the radio on low while we talk. I love how easy it is to keep up a conversation with Trina. There’s never an awkward lull between us. The same happens when I’m in tutoring, though we usually talk about my progress on homework. This conversation is much more fun, in my opinion.
Trina sits on the couch as I get us a couple sodas from my fridge. Neither of us are big drinkers. The alcohol at the restaurant helped us loosen up, but we don’t need that anymore. The date is going great.
I sit close to Trina and put on whatever movie I find first on Netflix.
“Do you even know what this is about?” Trina asks.
“Nope.”
She laughs. “Good.”
Trina leans forward and kisses me. I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m not about to complain. I return her kiss and slip my tongue between her lips. My fingers tangle in her curly brown hair.
“I want you, Carter,” Trina says. Her hands find my belt and start to take off my pants.
“Wow, you’re a frisky one.”
Trina giggles. “I just always go for what I want.”
“I’m not complaining.”
My jeans fall to the floor and Trina slides down on the couch until her head is equal with my crotch. She slowly licks up and down my hard cock before taking the entire thing down her throat.
“Shit, Trina,” I moan. I only let her go down on me for a few minutes. There’s somewhere else I’d rather be.
I kiss her again, our tongues engaging in a sensual dance. I slowly remove all of Trina’s clothes and my shirt, leaving us both naked on my couch. I’m glad I don’t have a roommate because there’s no way I’m stopping now. Moving to my room might ruin the mood.
“Are you ready for me?”
Trina nods. “Please, give it to me.”
My cock enters Trina’s wet slit easily. I start off slow until she begs me to go faster. We kiss and paw at each other as I fuck her hard right there on the couch.
“I’m gonna…” Trina warns. Her pussy tightens around my cock.
“Fuck, baby, I’m close.”
“Cum inside me. I’m on birth control, it’s okay.”
I’m glad she says it, because I don’t want to pull out. I plunge deep inside her one last time before exploding, filling Trina with my seed.
I lay back on the couch and pull Trina against my chest. We’re both spent. The movie is still playing in the background, but neither of us are watch
ing.
We fall asleep on the couch tangled in each other’s arms.
Chapter 15
Trina
I yawn and turn over in bed. Why is it so bright in here? I never sleep with my blinds open.
I sit up. This isn’t my bed. It takes me a second to remember where I am. Beside me, Carter stirs and opens his eyes.
“Hey, Trina,” he says, smiling.
“Good morning.”
Carter leans forward and kisses me. “I like waking up next to you.”
Despite my initial confusion, I like it, too. Being next to Carter feels warm and safe. I never would have guessed I’d feel this way after freshman year.
“I could get used to it.”
“Good. You should.”
“I don’t want to leave.”
Carter laughs. “Me, neither, but I have class soon.”
“You have morning classes on Fridays?”
“Not usually, but I’m sitting in on a different section because I have practice this afternoon.”
“You’re dedicated to school. I like that about you.”
Carter kisses me again. “There are so many things I like about you.”
“List them.”
“I don’t have nearly enough time. I really do need to get up and shower, even though I’d much rather lay here with you.”
I climb out of bed. “I should get home, anyway. I do have a class this afternoon.”
“And then you’re in the tutoring center the rest of the day, right?”
I nod. “Yeah. You’ll be practicing?”
“Then going to bed early. We have to get up crazy early tomorrow.”
“No football party?”
Carter shakes his head. “They’re having one, but I’m not going. I need my beauty rest.”
“I’ll see you…”
“Sunday afternoon? We’ll have lunch.”
I smile. “Sounds perfect. Text me.”
“Will do. Do you need a ride home?”
“I actually live a couple blocks from here.”
“I could still take you.”
“It’d be easier to walk, trust me. The foot traffic is insane.”
“Okay. I’ll see you Sunday, then.”
Jock Blocked: An Enemies to Lovers Sports Romance Page 9
