“Ready to get your ass handed to you?” Nick asks, high-fiving Zack. I roll my eyes at their assholery. It’s like they’re the same person.
“I see you brought another loser with you.” Nick directs his statement at Zoe, whose hazel eyes light up in defiance.
“Dude, cut it out!” Mia shouts from her place next to Colton. Colton looks back and forth between Mia and an open-mouthed Nick and smiles.
“Nick talks a lot, but his game is lacking,” Kaitlyn jumps in, adding wood to the fire.
“All bark, no bite. I see!” Zoe mocks, and the sound of laughter echoes around the room.
And she’s in.
Just. Like. That.
“Where’s the birthday boy?” Zack asks, amidst the laughter.
“Birthday boy? The last time I checked, I was a man,”
I look over my shoulder to find Blake and Kiya, their hands twisted together just as mine and Zoe’s had been a few minutes ago.
“And the last time I checked, he was all man too,” Kiya says, and I see Blake stand a little taller. Once again, laughter erupts.
With pride in his eyes, Blake kisses Kiya on the cheeks and adds, “Damn right.”
“Man, you’re softening up,” Zack whines with a drink in his hand. When the heck did that happen?
“What do you mean?” Mia asks, running over to her best friend and giving her a hug that has Kiya gasping for air. If you see the way Mia clings to her, you’d think they haven’t seen each other in years instead of a couple of months.
“I mean, Blake and Kiya, you and Colton, and now Jesse and Zoe,” Zack says, pointing at each of us.
“Us?” I ask.
“You guys are dating? It’s about time, dude!” Blake says, bringing his hand in the air for a high-five I leave unanswered.
“I knew it! I can’t believe you didn’t tell us!” Kaitlyn squeals at a visibly uncomfortable Zoe. All eyes watch us as they wait for confirmation of our relationship status.
When I look at a reddening Zoe, I realize it’s my fault they’re confused. I’ve been spending a lot of time with her. I’ve brought her around twice. Why wouldn’t I, though? She’s my friend.
A friend whose hand I hold.
Whose smile causes me to smile in return.
Whose laughter is music to my ears.
Whose absence I feel, and whose presence I cherish.
Yep, a friend. That’s all she is.
“Quit making it awkward,” Mia states, attempting to save us from further scrutiny.
“Didn’t we come here to celebrate a birthday?” Kiya says, following Mia’s lead and moving the conversation along.
I steal a glance at Zoe, who looks nervous, and I wish I could make it better.
Shit.
I’m all over the place.
No wonder my friends are confused—I’m confused too.
23
ZOE
I keep putting myself in less than ideal situations. I realize that now. Ever since that whole ‘are you guys dating’ misunderstanding at bowling last weekend, you’d think I’d have learned my lesson and stayed away…nope. No such luck.
Instead, I’m walking towards the box office of the stadium, getting ready to watch my first college football game. I’m going to cheer on Jesse while I sit next to his friends.
I should stop hanging out with them altogether—I wanted to after I saw the look on Jesse’s face when his friends insinuated we were dating. Then again, he didn’t deny it either.
“Over here!” I hear someone yell the moment I reach the ticket window. I turn to find Mia and Kaitlyn standing close to security. Both of them are wearing team jerseys, and for a second I wish I’d bought one too. Instead, I’m wearing a flowery blue shirt. They can’t say I don’t have school spirit, right?
I walk over to where they’re standing, relieved they spotted me so soon. “Hi.”
Mia greets me with a comforting hug, followed by Kaitlyn’s own embrace. “I’m so glad you found the right place,” Mia says.
I looked around at the sea of blue and white—the colors of Bragan University’s Lions. The air is buzzing, and the enthusiasm is palpable. “I am too,” I reply. I could’ve so easily gotten lost in this crowd.
“Plus, it’s about time you decided to spend some girl time with us,” Kaitlyn adds with a hint of mischief in her eyes.
“Should I be afraid?” I ask jokingly, but also not really. I can already tell she’s a handful.
“Be afraid. Be very afraid,” Mia says, her face serious before she starts laughing.
“Are you quoting movies now?” I ask, chuckling.
“Wow, everyone really knows that line! I said that to Colton the first time he came over,” she says with a smile that appears the moment she mentions her boyfriend’s name.
Kaitlyn makes a gagging noise. “Can we stop talking about my brother? It’s enough that I walk in to find you guys making out on the couch all the time. By the way, I think that couch needs to be burned!”
Mia’s face reddens. “Sorry! We get too lost in the moment sometimes.”
“I don’t know how much more of this sweetness I can deal with.”
“Hey!” Mia exclaims. “It is not that bad! Look, we’ll try and keep it in the bedroom,” she adds, still red from embarrassment.
“Please,” Kaitlyn pleads, and I laugh.
“So where do we go?” I ask as people with blue-and-white painted faces sing and chant.
“We have tickets being held for us at the box office,” Mia informs me.
“Tickets the players put aside for their girlfriends,” Kaitlyn adds, and I wonder if sisters of players can also get in, or if she’s dating someone on the team.
“For their families, actually,” Mia clarifies, answering my question before I have a chance to ask.
I’m eager to watch Jesse in action. I haven’t seen him at all this week, and I don’t like how that feels. I understand he’s had class and practice though.
“Just so you know, after you watch the game from the box, you’ll never want to be a regular spectator again,” Mia warns me as we walk back to get our tickets. Let’s hope it’s not something I get used to, because I’m not sure it’s something that’ll last.
“Will I be okay to head in? I mean, I’m not family or…” I pause, then add painfully, “a player’s girlfriend.” And I didn’t buy my own ticket.
“Don’t worry. Jesse’s got you.”
That he does.
The problem is, I don’t know if I have him.
Mia was right about the box seats. The view is amazing. From where I’m sitting, I can see the entire field, yet it still feels like I’m up close and personal. I really should’ve come to watch a game earlier.
Our players run around in their baby blue and white uniforms, all their extra armor making them look like giants. I scan the players’ backs, searching for the number Jesse told me he’d be wearing—number three. When he called last night, he told me to look out for him—that he’d be looking out for me too.
By halftime, our team is down ten points. Mia takes some time to explain all the technical aspects of the game to me during the break, and I’m surprised at the level of investment I’m putting into this sport.
“A touchdown and a field goal are all they needed to tie the game!” Mia frantically says.
“And two touchdowns will seal the deal?” I ask, absorbing her excitement.
“Yes!” she says before turning her attention back to the field as the players walk toward the locker rooms. She’s tense, and I understand why. She’s been sitting here watching the other team try and sack or tackle her man. Luckily for all of us, it’s only happened once so far because, despite how much the other team keeps trying, Colton somehow keeps finding a way to avoid the blitz.
“I’m grabbing snacks,” Kaitlyn announces. “Do you guys want anything?” She doesn’t seem too interested in the game; she’s spent most of her time firing out text messages.
“Coke
and popcorn, please,” Mia answers with a smile.
“I’ll take a Coke, too,” I add. With the way I’ve been joining Mia in shouting at whatever is happening on the field, my throat is dry.
“I can come with you if you want?” Mia says to an already retreating Kaitlyn.
“All good,” Kaitlyn replies, rushing out the door. Mia frowns.
“She doesn’t like football?” I ask.
“She likes it…I think. She’s been coming to every game with me, but she always disappears at halftime though.”
Huh, interesting. I wonder where she goes.
“She probably just needs a break from the intensity of the game,” Mia says, but somehow I doubt that’s the answer.
“So, I take it you’re a huge football fan?” I say, making small talk.
She nods. “I always have been—mostly professional, but now I’m more of a Colton fan than anything else,” she says with a grin, and I wonder if they can get any cuter. Seriously.
I level her with a serious stare. “So, should I be worried about us not winning?”
“We should be good. We always are.” She’s confident, which makes me believe every word.
“So,” she says, pausing a moment, “tell me about you and Jesse?”
“I’m not sure there’s much to tell,” I answer honestly. Maybe Mia will be able to help me figure out what’s running through his mind.
She looks at me skeptically. “I’m sure there is.”
“We’ve just become really good friends.” Although I want more, I add silently.
“This summer, while he was an intern at the hospital?” I nod. “I can tell, you know?” she says sweetly.
“Can tell what?” I ask, knowing exactly what she means but waiting for her to put into words what I’ve felt this whole time.
She takes a deep breath. “I can tell you like him.”
For some reason, I still try to deny it. “I don’t—”
“You don’t have to lie,” she says gently. “I won’t say anything.” Silently, I debate whether I should just come clean. Looking into her almond-shaped brown eyes, I see genuine kindness there. From the little time I’ve known her, I can tell she’s honest, caring, and someone who could be a good friend, so I take a chance on her. It’s all about taking chances, especially when you’ve been given a second one.
“Is it that obvious?” I ask, mortified at the thought that I’ve been so transparent when it comes to Jesse. Then again, if it’s that obvious, why hasn’t he noticed?
“Not to others. Well, to Kaitlyn too, but we’re girls. We pick up on these things.”
I sigh, praying Mia answers my follow up question in the negative. “And the guys have no idea?”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to tell with them. When Colton and I started hanging out more, they started picking up on it and teasing us. But it’s different with Jesse.”
“Different, how?” I ask.
“He’s just different. He’s been through a lot. I mean, Colton has too, but it’s just different,” Mia says, and right as I’m about to ask what he’s been through, a worried-looking Kaitlyn walks into the room with two Cokes and popcorn.
“Everything okay?” Mia asks her, meeting her halfway to take the drinks.
“Yeah, all good. Just some assholes outside.”
“Did you give them a good dose of Kaitlyn? Are they still there?”
“They’re gone now. Don’t worry.”
Mia hands me my drink. “Thank you, Kaitlyn,” I tell her.
She gives me a smile. “Anytime, Zoe. You’re one of us now.” She says this like it’s a given, and while to her it may not mean much, it does to me.
After spending this time with them, I’ve felt like I could truly be good friends with these girls.
Together, we watch the second half. This time, we cheer instead of yell. Apparently, the Bragan Lions are nicknamed the Comeback Team because whenever they come back after halftime, they always win. Mia, Kaitlyn, and I scream in celebration while the guys revel in their win on the field.
24
ZOE
“Doesn’t throwing parties get old, or at least tiring?” I ask Jesse as I tentatively start walking towards him. He opens his arms and embraces me. I look around the Football House—his home. The last time he invited me to a party, I’d said no, but as the weeks go by, it gets harder to pass up an opportunity to spend time with him. Tonight, they’re celebrating yet another amazing win. According to Mia, it’s because they have the best quarterback, kicker, and overall team in the league. All that they do is destroy the competition on the field.
I can’t believe they thought having a post-win celebration party was a good idea. Last year, the parties started towards the end of the season. Now, there’s a party practically every weekend. Jesse tried to explain that having these parties motivate the guys–something about alcohol, girls, and ego stroking being good for them.
Shrugging, he says, “Tiring, yes, but people keep coming back. So, I’ve got no choice but to play the welcoming host. Come on.” He takes my hand and guides me further inside.
This team has won every game since the National Championship—at least that’s what I’m told. And while I love that they’re so good, I also know the team’s success is part of the reason I barely get to see Jesse anymore. Between his extra difficult classes, football practices and games, I only catch glimpses of him as he runs to the field, or on those random occasions that he shows up at my dorm.
At his insistence, and with a small push from Kaitlyn and Mia, I finally gave in to the pressure and decided to come and celebrate.
We stop when a blond-haired guy high-fives Jesse. “Jesse, good game, bro!”
“Yeah, well done!” a brunette echoes. There’s something about the way she says it that gets on my nerves. I watch her every move intently, seeing the way her eyes flicker to me briefly before turning back to him. But when she runs her fingers up his arm, an unnecessary anger rises within me, and I want to slap her hand away.
“Thanks,” he responds casually and immediately moves away. I smile. Good riddance.
We continue to zig zag through the crowds, his hand still holding mine. “Where are we going?” I ask.
He turns his head, his lips mere inches from my own. “What?”
“Where are we going?” I repeat, but I whisper the question in his ear, finding myself suddenly out of breath.
He leans in closer. This time, he’s the one who whispers in my ear. “We’re going to the back yard. It’s quieter out there.”
I lick my lips, lost in his nearness. “Okay.”
He tucks a strand of my short hair back behind my ear, his eyes firmly fixed on my own. “Come on.” Tugging me closer, her wraps his arm around my waist, and I suddenly feel…complete.
We walk through the kitchen and out the back door into an ample yard.
“You guys are freaking adorable,” Kaitlyn says. I shake my head at her comment, knowing if it weren’t dark outside, they’d see me blush. Jesse leads us over to where Kaitlyn, Colton, Mia, and Chase are lounging in front of the fire.
“I knew I’d find you guys out here,” Jesse says, leading me to an empty chair and taking the one next to me.
“Apparently, that’s what these two do,” Kaitlyn answers, pointing at Colton and Chase.
“I did not expect to see you sitting out here instead of partying tonight, Kaitlyn,” Jesse says.
“Sometimes you gotta take a night off. Plus, it’s nice out here,” she answers. We all sit around silently for a few seconds, and it’s unbelievable how different it is out here than in there.
“It’s a little weird that you guys throw parties and then leave the house,” I finally say out loud.
“Well, Colton apparently enjoys coming out here to cool off,” Mia says, giving Colton a knowing look. He shakes his head but smiles back at her.
“Mia doesn’t like parties and loves Colton,” Kaitlyn adds, shrugging.
“Kaitlyn i
s taking a brief time out from parties,” Mia states, and I laugh at how they’re answering for each other.
“Because you dared me to!” Kaitlyn chimes in.
“Because I dared her to,” Mia echoes.
“Really? A dare to stop going to parties?” I ask.
Kaitlyn conspiratorially whispers, “Mia doesn’t think I can turn down a good party. My intent is to prove her wrong,”
“Okay, Zoe, last fall, my first introduction to Kaitlyn was her throwing up on the side walk outside a bar,” Mia says, her face scrunching up in disgust. I laugh.
“Need I remind you that if it wasn’t for my drunk ass, you wouldn’t have met my brother?” Kaitlyn returns, not in the least bothered by Mia ratting her out.
“True, but there’s no need for your drunk ass to introduce me to anyone else.”
“Damn right,” Colton says, tuning in to the conversation
“Chase here just doesn’t like people,” Kaitlyn says, jabbing her thumb in his direction. I still don’t know much about him except that he doesn’t say much and he’s a savage on the field. I watch him to see if he’s going to bite back at the jab, but he only looks at Kaitlyn for a minute too long, then shifts his focus back to the beer in his hand.
“Jesse, why are you out here?” Mia asks, trying to fill the silence.
“It’s too loud inside,” he responds.
Kaitlyn snorts. “Really? It has nothing to do with wanting to spend some alone time with a certain someone?”
Freaking Kaitlyn and her overt comments making me blush all over again.
“If that had been my intention, I clearly failed since you’re all out here too,” Jesse retorts.
Kaitlyn stands up and grabs a beer from a cooler. “I’m bored. Can we at least play Never Have I Ever?”
“Pass,” Colton replies immediately.
“Could you just give it a try?” she begs her brother.
“Nope,” he replies, popping the p. Kaitlyn rolls her eyes in response.
Giving up on convincing Colton, Kaitlyn turns to the rest of us. “Anyone else want to play?”
Bragan Boys (Bragan University Boxset) Page 33
