by Fox, Cathryn
Her eyes pop open. “Oops, sorry. That one is on the house, obviously.”
“No, it’s not on the house. It’s on me, literally,” I tease. As she blinks dark lashes over innocent eyes, a part of me can’t help but think I deserve it. Yeah, if I slept with Ella and Ivy in the same night, I definitely deserve it. Don’t even get me started on the blow job in the theater. Jesus Christ, I can’t be with Ella now. Not after that. She deserves a guy who’d treat her better. Ivy grabs a bunch of napkins and starts dabbing me dry as Brady smacks my back.
“What’s up, bud?” he asks, as he takes in the mess that is me, and the way Ivy is touching me all over.
“Hey,” I say and angle toward him as Ivy whispers in my ear that she’s going to the little girl’s room. “How was dinner?” I ask when she disappears, and it’s a stupid question. I can tell by the tightness in his shoulders that his father gave him shit again.
“Same old. Same old. I gotta win at all costs, and keep my eye on the prize. I’d like to tell him where to shove it, but he’s holding my tuition over my head, like he always does. Man, when I make it, I am going to pay him back every cent and live my own goddamn life.”
“Sorry, bud.” I hold my hand up and gesture the guy who just replaced Peyton for a couple more beers. “It really sucks.”
He runs his hand through his hair. “He just fucking rattles me. Tells me how much he sacrificed for me, and that I owe it to him to make it to the NFL.”
“I know,” I say and nod, understanding the pressure, but Brady doesn’t want advice—not that I really have any—he just needs me to listen so listen I do. He rants a little more, and after a few minutes, he takes a big breath and puts his hand on my shoulder. “Thanks, I feel better.”
“Good,” I say. I glance past his shoulder as Ella takes a seat at the end of the bar, and Peyton slides her a drink. She takes a sip and leans in, her eyes wide as Peyton tells her something. A moment later, Peyton unties her apron and joins Ella on the other side of the bar. The two completely ignore us and when the band starts playing a fast song, Peyton drags Ella to the dance floor.
“So Ella, huh?” His gaze goes from me, to Ella, back to me again. “In your room?”
“She was tutoring me and then we watched a movie. Nothing happened,” I tell him when he raises a brow.
“Maybe not, but you wanted it to.”
“I don’t know what I want, bro.” It’s a lie. I do know. “I mean, she wants to be friends, we agreed on that. I still don’t even know if I slept with her.” I slowly look out to the dance floor again. Jesus, I can’t seem to keep my eyes off Ella. The way her hips sway, the way she touches her hair, the way she smiles, tugs at something deep inside of me. I turn to find Brady watching me.
I take a big sip of beer, and drop my glass onto the bar top with more force than necessary. I give an exaggerated exhale and meet his gaze. “What?”
He shrugs. “I didn’t say anything.”
“Didn’t need to. If you got something on your mind, just come out with it.”
“If you want her, you should go get her.”
“It’s not like that Brady. I don’t know if I slept with her and even if I did…” I groan and grip my glass. “I can’t be with her now.” I lean into him, my words for his ears only when I tell him what happened in the dark theater.
“Fuck,” he curses and takes a big drink of his beer.
Ivy comes back from the bathroom, with Jaxon tight on her heels. He’s wiping his mouth, and she glances at him over her shoulder, grinning. Did those two just hook up in the bathroom? I must be mistaken. Jaxon has a girl, and Ivy wasn’t gone that long. Jaxon is also a buddy. He saw Ivy crawling all over me tonight and would never go after another guy’s girl. Bro code and all—at least within your own teams. Poaching a girl from the other teams is fair game, and not something I’m ever planning on doing again. That didn’t end well my freshman year. Cameron and I both have the scars to prove it.
Wait, is Ivy my girl?
Instead of coming back to the bar, Ivy dances over to her sister as Ella watches the band, hips swaying ever so slowly. Ivy leans in and says something, and Ella hugs herself, tripping backward a tiny bit—a familiar gesture when she’s in the vicinity of her sister. Ivy wobbles on her too-high heels, and Ella grabs her seconds before she face plants. I push from my stool and hurry over to them.
“Hey,” I say to Ella. “Never seen you in here before.”
“Yeah, well this is my week for a lot of firsts,” she says, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s talking about being in my bed.
I put my hand on Ivy’s back to help stabilize her as she sways in her ridiculous heels. “Thought you had homework.”
“I do, but Peyton said the band was great, so here I am listening.” As Ella gives a casual shrug, Ivy throws her arms around me.
“I was just telling Ella about our little trip backstage this morning, and how I helped you destress,” she blurts out far too loudly. As heads turn our way, blood drains to my toes, and my stomach knots. Fuck, why would she go and do that?
“I think you should take her home, Landon.” Ella’s eyes meet mine and real concern lives there. “I think she’s had too many shots of Patron.”
“Okay.” I put my arm around Ivy and anchor her to my body. “Let’s get you home,” I say, and she smiles up at me.
“That’s right, you owe me.” She giggles and then hiccups.
“Yeah, right.” I have no intentions of taking her back to my place or sleeping with her. “Ella,” I begin. “Earlier, I saw you with Cameron.”
“Yeah,” she says, her eyes wide, like it’s none of my business and really, it’s not. But it is. I’m pretty sure the reason he’s sniffing around her is because she’s an innocent, and he saw the two of us together at the party. Yeah, I’m sure it has everything to do with the grudge he’s held against me since our freshman year.
“I just…be careful around him, okay?”
“Maybe you should worry about the sister in your hands,” she says, and Peyton grabs her and drags her away from me, abruptly ending our exchange. Feeling like a total asshole—I’m responsible for the mess between the three of us—I meet Brady’s gaze and let him know I’m taking Ivy home, but will be back shortly. He lifts his beer in salute, and shakes his head at my predicament. I can only nod my head in agreement.
Ivy laughs at nothing, some joke only she’s privy to, as I walk her back to her sorority, and hand her off to one of her sorority sisters at the front door. Once I know she’s safe, I hurry back to Growler to find Ella and Peyton still on the dance floor. They head to the bar, and both take a few shots. Her gaze lifts as if feeling my eyes on her and I stare, wanting to go talk to her.
She turns from me, says something to Peyton and a minute later she heads outside as Peyton puts her apron back on and goes to the back.
“I gotta go, bro,” I say to Brady and he just lifts his glass in salute again. I move through the crowd and hurry toward Ella. “Hey,” I call out, and she stops and glances at me over her shoulder.
“Is Ivy okay?” she asks.
“Yeah, saw her home safely.”
Her shoulders relax. “What are you doing back here, then?”
“I wanted to make sure you got home okay, too.”
“I’m okay, Landon. I only had a few drinks.”
With my throat tight, I say, “About what Ivy said, you know, in the theater.”
She holds her hands up. “Hey, I don’t want to hear it. What you two do is your own business.” She waves her hands back and forth between us. “We’re friends, but we’re not that kind of friends. Tell it to the guys, not me.”
“It’s not what you think.” I touch her arm and she turns into me, her body inches from mine.
“What is it then?” she asks, catching me off guard.
“It’s not…Ivy.” Fuck, what do I say? “I…I don’t know what we are.”
She nods, and goes quiet for a moment, and my gaze falls
to her lush lips. I dip my head and my heart pounds hard against my ribcage as volatile heat sizzles the air, taking up space between us. Her breathing changes, a soft little whimper in her throat as she stares up at me with those wide blue eyes of hers.
“Then I suggest you talk to Ivy and figure it out. According to her, you two are an item.” As her words hit like a kick to the dick, she inches back, and folds her arms over her chest. “I’ll see you at the game, Landon.”
“Ella,” I say as she hurries down the sidewalk. She glances at me over her shoulder. “Thanks for the tutoring, and watching a movie.”
“You’re welcome.”
I stand there a moment longer, and once I know she’s safe, I head back into the bar. Peyton is behind the counter again, and she’s watching me closely. I guess her replacement never showed and she’s picking up another shift. I don’t bother ordering another beer. My shirt is still wet from the first one she dumped on me. I find Brady and tell him I’m heading home. He decides to stay out a bit longer, and I jog back to our place.
In my room, I glance around. If I try really hard, I can almost still smell Ella’s sweet vanilla scent. I grab my sheets from the dryer, make my bed and take off my wet shirt before I plunk down on the bed. I dig my phone from my back pocket and run my hands over the screen. Don’t do it, bro. The urge to message Ella wins out and before I can think better of it, I shoot off a message.
Me: Hey, just making sure you got in okay.
A long moment and then she finally texts back.
Ella: I’m home, and safe.
Me: Okay, good to know.
Me: Are you travelling with us to the Anaheim game Friday?
Ella: Looks that way.
Me: Want to watch a movie after we return?
Ella: Don’t you party after a game?
Me: Sure, but we can watch a movie after that.
Ella: I’ll probably have homework.
Me: Right, of course.
Ella: I enjoyed Casablanca tonight, though.
I grin, and look around the room to find the case still on my dresser.
Me: Me too. Night Ella.
I set my phone down, and put my hands behind my head and stare up at the ceiling. My dick takes that moment to twitch. I quickly take off my pants, and free my dick. I take it into my hand and rub as I close my eyes and picture Ella in bed with me. I groan as I tug, going from base to crown. My hand picks up speed, and I come all over my stomach in seconds flat. Jesus, I have no idea why I’m acting like a hormonal teen again.
“Fuck,” I curse just as my phone vibrates on my nightstand. I grab a tissue, wipe up quickly, and reach for my phone to read the message.
Ella: If I get my homework done early, I guess I might be able to watch a movie.
Me: Great, let me know what you want to watch.
Ella: I’ll bring it.
Me: Oh yeah, what are you thinking?
Ella: Don’t worry, Landon. It’s not porn.
I laugh out loud at that, happy that she can make fun of herself, when I know the whole experience was incredibly mortifying for her.
Me: Not worried. Now go study. I don’t want to be responsible for you failing anything.
Ella: See you tomorrow, Landon.
Me: Yeah you will.
13
Ella
It’s Friday afternoon, which means tonight is game night, and the mood on the bus as we travel to Anaheim, our first away game, is thick with excitement and anticipation. From my front seat, I brace my leg on the pipe in front of me, opening my laptop, and glance over my shoulder. Some of the guys are listening to music, some are carrying on with one another, and some are sleeping. One guy in particular is reading Huckleberry Finn and I can’t help but smile. I love that he’s taking my tutoring lessons seriously and he really is trying.
As though he feels my eyes on him, Landon’s head lifts and a smile touches his mouth. I quickly turn away. I don’t want anyone on the team getting the wrong idea about us—I don’t want Landon thinking I might want more, especially now that Ivy has laid her claim. We’re friends, and that’s just the way it is, the way it should have been from the beginning. Although, according to Ivy, she hasn’t seen him all week, since he’s been practicing and studying in the library with me. I thought it was a better place than his bedroom, and the memories it triggers in my traitorous brain. I go back to my computer when my phone pings. I snatch it from my pocket and I’m glad I’m at the front of the bus, where no one can see the ridiculous smile on my face when I see it’s Landon messaging.
Landon: Is it lonely way up there at the front of the bus?
Ella: Not lonely at all. Getting lots of work done. How’s the book?
Landon: Book is good, but I’d rather be watching a movie with you.
Ella: Are you excited for the game?
Landon: Yeah. How about this, if I score a touchdown, you come party with us?
Ella: Are we doing this again?
Landon: Depends if it’s working.
Ella: So, if you don’t score a touchdown?
Landon: I’ll skip the party and go straight to movie time with you.
Ella: If you win, you have to party with your friends. I’m not going to take you away from that. After what these guys overheard me say, I’m treading on thin water.
Landon: They all like you and movie time with you is still a win for me.
Ella: (emoji, eye roll)
Ella: Go back to studying. We have that test on Monday and you need to pass.
Landon: Wow, you’re bossier than Coach.
Ella: Go. Study. Now.
Landon: Make sure you video my touchdown, E.
I shake my head and set my phone beside me, wishing I wasn’t so excited about spending time with him. I hate, hate, hate that. Yet, no matter how many lectures I give myself, I can’t stop thinking about him, can’t keep my mind on my schoolwork. This…right here, is why I kept my head down and my nose in a book for the last three years. I can’t take my eyes off my goal, which means guys are a distraction I don’t need. Correction. Landon is a distraction I don’t need.
Landon: Stop thinking about my touchdown and get to work, E.
I glance at my phone and turn to find Landon grinning at me. I just shake my head again, loving his playfulness, and hating it just as much. Honestly, it would be so much easier if he was just an egotistical jock, out for himself. There just seems to be more depth to him. As I tuck my phone away, I remember the sight of him in bed with my sister, and I take a deep breath, reminding me what’s between the two of us is friendship, and he flirts with everyone, and I might be reading him all wrong.
One hour later, we’re all piling off the bus, and the guys are running inside to get ready for the game. I notice the way Landon lingers back, and when I hike my camera bag over my shoulder, he takes it from me.
“I’m capable of carrying my own bag, Landon.”
He gives me a grin. “And I’m capable of carrying it for you.”
“Fine, carry it then,” I say as we walk inside. His knuckles brush mine as we both reach for the door at the same time, and I swear to God, his touch is like a spark to dry tinder. My entire body flares hot, and need stirs deep between my legs. Good Lord, who knew one night with this guy would continue to arouse so many things in me. He angles his head, and I pray my cheeks aren’t red with heat.
He pulls the door open, and stands there, like he wants my body to rub up against his as I enter. I move past him, and hope he can’t see the effect he has on me. We can’t be friends if he knows I’m lusting after him. Once we’re inside the campus stadium, I hold my hand out for my bag and he slides it off his broad shoulder.
“You better go get ready,” I say when I realize we’re the only two in the hall and all the guys have disappeared inside the locker room.
“Listen, to be fair you should probably get a few of the other players on the video. Last time, you were pretty focused on me.” I stand there slack-jawed as he teases, deb
ating on smacking or kissing that sexy grin off his face.
“I was not.” I whack him. “I just have to go where the action is.” Shoot. That didn’t come out right. “I mean…”
“I know what you mean,” he says, and backs up, entering the locker room backwards, like he can’t stand to take his eyes off me. He stares a little longer, and I touch my hair, suddenly self-conscious. He must like what he sees, considering he’s into my sister and we look alike. I was surprised Cameron could tell us apart when I fixed myself up and went to the Growler. But our personalities, however, are incredibly different. I’m usually in overalls and a ball cap. That’s my comfort zone.
Landon disappears behind the door, and I take the equipment to the field to set up for the game. I feed off the energy in the bleachers as I watch the other team run onto the field, and the crowd goes crazy. I scan the field, and that’s when I see my sister and the other cheerleaders taking their spot on the field. They traveled on another bus with fans, but I opted to go with the camcorder on the guys’ bus. All the girl chatter, talking about the players, gets on my nerves, and there very well could be a part of me that didn’t want to hear any more stories from Ivy. She’s open about her sex life, and it hasn’t been easy for me to wipe my brain clear after she told me about their theater hookup.
As I stare at Ivy, she turns my way and waves her pom poms, and I wave back. Honestly, it’s not like she knew I was into Landon. It’s not like she jumped in and took something that was mine. I can’t be mad at her for liking him too. He’s a likeable guy.
Once I’m set up, our guys all come running onto the field and I suddenly find myself cheering right along with Ivy, the rest of the cheerleading squad and the fans. Through the lens, I scan for Landon, and when I find him, he’s smiling at me. Busted.
I turn the camera, and for the next few hours I concentrate on the action and capturing all the plays. A little thrill goes through me when Landon makes a touchdown, and turns my way, doing a dance that sends a tingle skittering through me. Ivy screams his name from the sidelines, and I turn to film her. She catches sight of me, and does a little dance for the camera. I laugh and shake my head. That is so like Ivy.
