The Campus Jock: A College Bad Boy Romance

by Serena Silver

  “Based on the noises last night, it seems that you are well-endowed,” Kylie says.

  “How would you… Never mind! I do not want to know how you came to that conclusion,” Chloe deadpans.

  Kylie takes another bite of her bagel, a smug look finding its way onto her face. Chloe fights the urge to snatch the bagel and throw it out the window between the beds.

  “I can imagine, based on the fun you had last night,” Kylie jokes.

  Raul takes the pillow that Kylie threw and uses it to cover his face. Chloe looks over at the exasperated man and breaks into giggles. He tries to swat at her, but misses each and every time. Finally, he sits up in the bed and glares at Kylie.

  “You need to leave,” Raul announces.

  “Why?” Kylie questions.

  “Because I am naked, and I need to put my pants on.”

  “It is not like I haven’t seen a penis before. Seriously, just last night,” Kylie stops.

  “Last night? With whom?” Chloe accuses.

  “What man do you think? The obnoxious one who apparently likes to be friends with your dream man over here.”

  Kylie jumps off her bed and moves to go out the door. She glares daggers at Raul before sending a sweet smile to Chloe. Kylie grabs Raul’s boxers and waves them before leaving the room with them. Raul jumps out of bed as soon as the door closes, giving Chloe a great view of his ass.

  “She stole my underwear,” Raul exclaims.

  “Do you really need underwear?” Chloe asks.

  Raul turns around and spots her admiring his figure. He smiles at her and saunters back over to the bed. Chloe smiles sweetly up at him, taking the covers over her body off and showing him her body.

  “No sex. I am coming back in within two minutes,” Kylie calls from behind the door.

  Chloe breaks into a fit of giggles as she grabs a shirt from the drawer in her nightstand. She slips it on and stands up. Raul is transfixed as Chloe slips on her panties from the night before.

  “Aren’t you going to get dressed?” Chloe asks.

  “You transfixed me, Chloe,” Raul admits.

  Chloe picks up his pants and throws them at him. Raul reluctantly slips them on, just in time as Kylie comes back inside the room. She looks at Raul’s chest and finishes off her bagel.

  “Look at you, all supermodelesque without a shirt on,” Kylie teases.

  “And look at you, a toddler in her pajamas,” Raul gives back.

  “And look at me, all perfume commercial sexy,” Chloe jokes.

  Everyone in the room breaks into a fit of laughter. Chloe falls back onto her bed, and Kylie joins her. Chloe is shocked when Kylie suddenly jumps up, looking down at the bed and then back to Chloe.

  “Wash your sheets,” Kylie interjects.

  “It was just a little sex,” Raul comments.

  “Yes, but I do not need certain bodily fluids on my person when Chloe and I bond over talking about where those fluids come from.”

  “Do girls really do that?” Raul asks Chloe.

  “She does,” Chloe says.

  Raul shakes his head and puts on his shoes, pocketing his socks. Chloe picks up his belt and hands hit to him. Raul puts it on and then snatches his shirt from the ground. Kylie holds up the coat to him, acting as if it is diseased and she shouldn’t be touching it.

  Raul takes it from her and folds it over his arm. He walks over to Chloe, sitting on her bed, and leans down. He gives her a deep kiss before pulling back and winking.

  “I will see you later, Chloe,” Raul says.

  Raul looks over at Kylie and gives her a passing glare before opening the door and leaving. Kylie immediately breaks into giggles. Chloe throws a pillow at her friend and finds one hitting her in the face as well.

  “You did not need to antagonize him,” Chloe declares.

  “But it was so much fun,” Kylie complains. “Plus, I got his underwear.”

  Kylie holds up the SpongeBob covered boxers with a proud smile on her face.

  “You can wash them and take them home as a souvenir.”

  “Between everything you have bought and are planning to buy today, I think we are covered on the souvenir front.”

  “Suit yourself,” Kylie says.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “So, do you think I could put some of my clothes in your suitcase?” Kylie asks.

  “Why?” Chloe questions back.

  “I may have bought too many things.”

  Chloe laughs at her friend while rifling through a rack of colorful bikinis. She finds one that she thinks Raul would probably like, a bright blue one that compliments her tanned skin. Kylie is still blabbing on about how packed her suitcase is and that maybe she should just buy another suitcase to take home and bite the costs.

  “I like that idea,” Chloe chimes.

  Chloe picks her size of the bikini off the rack and smiles to herself. She moves onto another rack to look through cover-ups. Might as we'll find one that matches the bikini to really impress Raul.

  “Don't look now, but a demon is headed our way,” Kylie whispers at Chloe.

  Chloe looks up and sees Natalie smiling and walking toward her. She fights the urge to run away and the urge to tell Natalie to just leave. No sense not standing up for herself.

  “I saw your article this morning,” Natalie glows.

  “What article?” Chloe ponders.

  “Why, the one detailing your little adventure last night. You must not be focused on the race at all if you have time to smash your face against someone else's.”

  Chloe tries not to slap the Englishwoman in front of her. She is mystified that there is even any article about her when she is not even that big of a name at the Olympics for the USA.

  “I am surprised you have time to shop, I would have thought that practicing would be at the top of your list since you placed fourth last time we raced against each other. You know that this race is for the best of the best, and, well, you are not at your best.”

  Chloe fires her shot and walks away from the newly silenced Natalie. She does not need that woman around harassing her when she is just out to have some fun before taking home a medal to hang in her classroom. Chloe picks up a white cover up in her size and walks her items to the checkout, Kylie following behind with her own loot.

  The two friends check out, remaining silent with smiles spreading across their faces. By the time they make it onto the street, they both break into tremendous laughs. Chloe calms herself down long enough to make the realization that there is an article about her out.

  “There is an article about last night,” Chloe exhales.

  “Let's just see how bad it is,” Kylie soothes.

  Kylie pulls out her phone as the friends walk to a bench to sit on. They search for Chloe's name and find the article in question. The first thing they see is the picture of Raul and Chloe making out at the front of her building. Chloe loses the color in her face and all oxygen to her brain.

  “This is bad,” Chloe manages.

  “Let's just read what they have to say.”

  “My face is the first thing they see.”

  “Let me read,” Kylie demands.

  Chloe sits in silence while Kylie reads over the article. It is rather small which gives Chloe some hope that it isn't terrible, but that could also be really bad because that means they don't know anything and are making stuff up.

  “It is not as bad as you think,” Kylie comments.

  “How so?”

  “They are only talking about Raul. It looks like it is a Brazilian gossip site. They know your name, but they are wondering if you could be a fling or something that could cause the playboy, their words, to settle down.”

  Chloe lets the breath she was holding out. There isn't anything bad there, or Kylie would have said to worry. Now the main problem, telling Raul that there is an article about him that could prompt them to end things early.

  “Let's just get some lunch, and then I am going to practice,” Chloe s
ighs.

  “Perfect,” Kylie agrees.

  The friends head further down the street with their shopping bags. Chloe can only think about calling Raul and telling him everything. Another part of her wants to wait and let herself blow off the steam during her practice; let it all flow into the water and away.

  Kylie opens the door to a small café advertising fresh salads. Chloe is assaulted by the cold air, but now she can focus on something other than her own rambling mind. The women are escorted to a nice table near the window and sit. Luckily, it is not below a vent, so they will not freeze.

  Chloe takes out her phone, sending a quick message to Raul, asking him to meet with her later at the beach. He sends one back almost immediately agreeing and asking what was up. Kylie is watching Chloe closely as she types away on her phone.

  “You really need to just chill until you can talk to him face to face,” Kylie admonishes.

  “That is exactly what I am trying to set up.”

  Chloe sends a link to the article to Raul and then shuts her phone off. The next conversation they will have will be on the beach where they can talk about everything in full. Chloe focuses on having her lunch with Kylie.

  “We need to pick up a suitcase for me on the way back to the Village, by the way,” Kylie interjects as the waitress comes to the table.

  They order their food, and then Chloe levels a glare at Kylie.

  “Are you serious?” Chloe breathes out.

  Kylie just smiles and situates her napkin and utensils. Chloe mocks the movements and gets herself ready for her own meal that would be coming out soon.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chloe looks up from her lap around a buoy to see Raul in the distance on the beach. He is waving an arm in the air with his other hand covering the sun from his eyes. Chloe starts heading back to the beach, ready to have a very serious conversation with a man she may not even be in a real relationship with. Swimming leaves her with too much time to think.

  It takes her about ten minutes to make it back to shore. Raul is still standing there, next to her bag and towel, waiting for her. Chloe walks up to him and takes the towel from his outstretched hand. They are both rather silent as Chloe dries her body. Finally, she breaks the silence.

  “So, did you read it?” Chloe asks.

  She takes her swim cap off and settles onto the sand, waiting patiently for Raul to talk to her about everything.

  “I don’t think we need to make a big deal about it all. I mean, it is our own business and not theirs.”

  Raul joins Chloe in the sand and looks over at all the other people on the beach. Everyone is having a great time and are enjoying just being there. Raul slides a bag over to Chloe filled with some delicious-looking food.

  “I brought you some dinner. Thought we could eat together,” Raul admits.

  “Thank you,” Chloe answers, “I’m going to change clothes first.”

  Chloe grabs her bag and heads to the public bathrooms. She changes from her training suit into her new bikini and a pair of cutoff shorts. Chloe sees herself in the mirror and takes her braids out from when she was swimming. She wants to look good for Raul, whether it comes out that this is just a fling or maybe something more.

  Satisfied with how she looks, Chloe heads outside back toward Raul, who has the food out and set up on another towel. Chloe sits down next to him and takes one of the containers with rice and meat in it. She takes a bite and flavor explodes in her mouth.

  “You mentioned that home cooking would be just as good to you, so I made you some dinner,” Raul admits.

  “Raul, you are a truly amazing cook. I seriously am in love with this.”

  Chloe and Raul eat a few more bites each before Chloe sets her food down and looks Raul in the eyes.

  “What am I to you?” Chloe asks.

  Her heart is pounding as she waits for Raul to set his own food down and answer her. It feels like a decade goes by before Raul finally clears his throat and matches Chloe’s gaze.

  “I would like to see a relationship for us, because I like you. I really like you, Chloe.”

  Chloe feels her heart jump in her chest. She cannot believe that her heart is jumping for a guy that she originally thought was an asshole, here on this beach. Chloe lets her smile stretch completely across her face.

  “I was hoping that you would say something like that,” Chloe admits.

  She leans over and gives Raul a deep kiss, tasting the garlic and spices from their dinner. He pulls back first and pecks her forehead. Chloe smiles to herself and picks up the food that Raul made just for her.

  They finish their meal in silence, with stolen looks and smiles. Chloe is barely aware of all the other happy people around them as she finishes her meal. Raul seems to be of the same mindset because he is continuously looking up from his container to Chloe’s eyes.

  Chloe looks away, embarrassed by the constant attention and spots a soccer game taking place between a few people. Chloe notices Raul stand up and smile down at her.

  “You want to join them?” Raul asks.

  “I can’t play soccer,” Chloe admits.

  “First off, it is fútbol, not soccer. And second, it doesn’t matter. It is just game to have fun with.”

  Raul pulls Chloe to her feet, and they head over to the game. Raul talks to them, and soon the couple is involved with the game. Chloe is terrible, but everyone is having fun and laughing. Chloe finds herself getting the hang of the game and soon is even scoring a couple points. Every time Raul comes over, picks her up, and swings her in a circle.

  The game ends as the sky grows black and people leave the beach. Raul and Chloe pack up their things and slowly walk down the beach.

  “I thought you didn't play,” Raul mocks.

  “I suppose Brazil brings out a new side in me,” Chloe admits.

  “Well, I like this new side. She is wonderful.”

  Raul wraps his arm over Chloe's shoulder and holds her all the way to the parking lot where a black SUV is parked. Chloe stops and looks up at Raul. He has a smile stretching across his face as he opens the passenger door for her to get in. She does, noticing how excited Raul is that she is with him.

  Chloe watches as Raul puts their things in the backseat of the SUV and runs to get in the driver’s seat. He starts the car, and some pop music plays through the vehicle. Chloe finds herself bobbing her head along to the music while Raul pulls onto the road.

  “I am happy we had a chance to talk today,” Chloe admits.

  “I am too, but I am sorry that there was an article. I know that made you uncomfortable, and I want to apologize,” Raul says.

  Chloe feels his sincerity and lets her hand wander over to his on the gear shift. Raul looks over at Chloe, and his smile grows even larger, if at all possible.

  “Who would have thought that I could actually be having a good time with an asshole who tried to hit on me on the beach?” Chloe wonders.

  “And who would have thought the girl I hit on would lead me to be mugged at the metro?” Raul retorts.

  The couple breaks into laughter as they draw closer and closer to the Village. Chloe doesn't want the night to end, but she has to get enough sleep so she can deal with her parents in two days.

  “So, my parents are flying in soon,” Chloe tries.

  “That is perfect. They will be here to cheer you on,” Raul glows.

  “Yes, well, I will probably be busy with them, but I promise to make time for you. Dad probably won't like the fact that we see each other, but that is another matter.”

  “It's fine, just as long as you are happy and get to spend time with your parents. I would love for mine to still be here to see me compete, so have fun.”

  Chloe leans over and kisses Raul on the cheek, keeping her hand in his. She turns to look out her window, the world passing by while she lives in the moment with an amazing guy who she may be falling in love with.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chloe pays for her cab and jumps out,
looking around for the proper entrance to go through to find her family. Airports are so difficult for her, especially when everything is in Portuguese. She finally takes a deep breath and ventured through the doors to the right and tries to find where the customs people are funneling out of.

  She finds them and then tries to find an empty bench, but with none in sight, she leans her back against one of the pillars in the area. Chloe takes out her phone and looks through her Twitter feed. She laughs at current trending topics. It is amazing what will get people talking.

  The phone beeps with a text from Raul. Chloe opens it to first see a kissing face followed by a message telling her to have fun with her parents for the day. Chloe sends a kissing face back with a winking one. Raul is really making her heart flutter, and it is a feeling she has never experienced before him.

  “Chloe,” a female voice calls from across the lobby.

  Chloe looks up to see her small, plump mother pushing through the crowd and toward her. She has on the classic pink polo shirt and blue jean skort, just her trying to be casual.

  “Mom,” Chloe calls out.

  They embrace together while Chloe’s father tries to push himself through the crowd and toward them. His face is turning red from the heat of people around him and the struggle he is facing. Chloe and her mother watch on, laughing when Chloe’s father runs into a very small woman and is apologizing. Finally, he is able to break through to them.

  “Angel,” he says.

  Chloe hugs her father and takes hold of the giant purple suitcase her mother, no doubt, packed for the trip.

  “How was the trip?” Chloe asks.

  The small group makes their way out of the airport and toward the line of waiting cabs. Chloe hails one down and helps load her family and their belongings inside.

  “It was long, and this is the last time I am traveling out of the US,” Chloe’s father grumbles.

  “You said that last time,” Chloe’s mother argues.

  “And every time I hope the next will be better. It never fails that my judgment at the time is then wrong.”

  Chloe rolls her eyes at her parents and gets in the front seat, telling the driver which hotel to go to. Chloe had them book one on Copacabana Beach so that they wouldn’t have to travel all over Rio like her. No need for her father to complain about that, too.