The Sport of Romance: A Multi-Author Box Set

by Cari Quinn

  I shook my head. “I’m sure he’ll call me today after his test.” I could only hope.

  “Don’t you have class with him on Tuesdays and Thursdays?”

  “Yes, but he wasn’t there today.” I took a drink of my water, trying to push down the lump quickly forming in the back of my throat. “If we go out, it’ll have to be Friday night because he doesn’t prefer to go out on Saturday nights since we have to get up early on Sunday.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know.” She wiped her mouth. “Friday’s fine.”

  My phone chimed and Delaney raised her brows.

  “It’s Collin,” I said, glancing at my phone. “He probably just finished his test.” My heart skipped a beat, hoping he wanted to hang out.

  Collin: Hey, Lexi, just completed my test. It was a tough one. Thank you for giving me some time. I really needed it and I hope we can move forward.

  He may have needed it, but I needed him more. I considered telling him that but decided to save that for an in person conversation.

  Me: I’m sure you got an A.

  A few seconds later, he replied.

  Collin: I hope so. I wanted to take you out to dinner tonight but my dad called and asked that I go home. He wants to talk to me about a mission trip.

  My heart sank.

  Another excuse.

  Did his dad really want to see him? Was he making this stuff up? Why didn’t he invite me to go with him? Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I texted him back.

  Me: It’s okay. I have a tutoring session and a test to prepare for next week. You can make it up to me, though. Lexi and Jordan want to get a group together to go bowling on Friday night.

  “Is everything okay? Looks like someone kicked your dog.”

  I shook my head. “Collin has to meet with his dad tonight, which means we can’t hang out.”

  She reached for my hand and I clasped on to hers. “I’m sorry.”

  Tears threatened to escape once again and I fanned my eyes.

  “Don’t cry.”

  I pressed my lips together. “I’m not. It just really sucks because I’m trying so hard.”

  “I know you are. I still think you two need to sit down and have a serious talk.”

  “I know. He did say he wants to move forward.”

  Dipping her potato chips into ketchup, she said, “I guess that’s a good sign.”

  My phone chimed again. I hesitated to read the message, convinced that he had another excuse.

  Collin: That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll check my schedule and let you know. I’ll call you when I get back to the apartment later tonight.

  Me: Okay. Be careful and call me as soon as you get home.

  Collin: I will.

  I sucked in a deep breath. “He says he’ll check his schedule and let me know later about Friday.”

  “Um, that’s tomorrow night.”

  “You know Collin. He has to check his schedule before committing to anything. But if he says no, I’ll go regardless.

  Delaney shoved another chip in her mouth, dripping with ketchup.

  “That’s disgusting, you know.” I took another bite of my food.

  “It tastes so good.” She licked the residue off her fingers. “It’ll suck if he says no.”

  “Yeah, but what can I do?” I picked up my phone and noticed the time. “I gotta go.” Gathering my trash, I tossed it on to the tray. “I’m meeting Raven in ten minutes. I’ll catch you later.” I grabbed my stuff and headed for the door.

  “Hey, Lex,” Delaney called.

  “Yeah?”

  “Don’t give up yet, he’s a good guy.”

  Making two fists, I held them up in front of me, like I was ready to box. But was I willing to fight for him? He sure didn’t seem like he was fighting for me.

  * * *

  I walked into the dormitory and saw Raven sitting on one of the lounging chairs waiting for me. I tried not to notice what he was wearing, but I couldn’t help but admire how handsome he looked wearing a short sleeve polo shirt and shorts paired with Sperry Topsiders. He smiled that oh-so-perfect greeting and my stomach released a new nest of butterflies.

  “Enjoying the warm weather today?” I glanced down at his muscular legs, appraising the layers of muscles from his quads to his calves.

  “When it’s nice outside, I take advantage of it.” He stood up and my eyes traveled up his six-foot-two, two-hundred and ten pound frame. Yes, I’d checked his bio. I’d also Googled him, finding his Facebook page and a slew of articles on him.

  “So, um, let’s grab a room.” I immediately turned away, keeping my mind focused on the task. I led him to a small study room, located to the right of the main sitting area. I closed the door behind us and we sat our stuff on the table.

  “You’ll be proud of me.” He handed me a piece of paper.

  I took it from him and glanced over it. “You already typed your blog for the week?”

  “Yep,” he said with a big smile as he sat across from me.

  I eased into the chair and reviewed his prepared post. To my delight, he had a few paragraphs written, proving to me that he read the material beforehand. He also had very few syntax errors, which told me he had worked hard at improving his grammar. “This is great, Raven.” I circled a few mistakes. “I’m so proud of you.” I handed him back his paper.

  His smiled faded as he studied his prepared post.

  “Is something wrong?”

  He shook his head. “No, I just want it to be perfect.”

  I leaned forward on my forearms. “And it will be. Just give yourself some time. We’ve only been meeting for a few weeks and look at the progress you’ve made.”

  He twitched his lips to the side. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  “So, is that it?”

  He glanced at me. “Nope. I have a report due in a few weeks and I thought we could get started.”

  “Okay.” I let out a silent sigh. I was hoping that our session would be over for the day. It was so easy to wrap myself in conversation with him that he made it hard for me to focus on Collin. And once that happened, the flirting started, the tension increased, and I found myself in situations that I knew were wrong.

  “You’ll be glad to know I already read the material.” He handed me a book entitled, Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington. The frown dissipated into one of confidence as he crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair.

  “Great. Do you have the specifics about the paper?” I sat the book in the middle of the table. “What the professor wants you to do? Because I doubt she wants a basic book report.”

  “Yep, it’s all right here.” He handed me the syllabus.

  “Okay.” I took a moment to review the instructions. “Let’s start with a basic outline and incorporate the argument you’d like to make while keeping in mind the language the author uses to advance the viewpoint of the story.”

  “Damn, you make this sound so easy.” He slumped into his chair.

  Eyeing him, I said, “Don’t forget I’m an English major, studying to be a teacher.”

  “I didn’t know you wanted to be a teacher. I know you like to read, based on all the books you have on your Kindle, but I thought you might want to be a writer or something.” He winked at me and the familiar rush of flutters entered my stomach.

  I shrugged, trying to shake off the feeling. “Even though I love to read, I don’t necessary love to write. I figured I’d be good at helping others.”

  He leaned forward. “And, you are.”

  Immediately, I broke eye contact, determined to keep to my promise and forbid my mind from thinking raucous thoughts. “Thanks. I think—”

  “What the heck is all that?” Raven turned his head toward the door.

  Even with the door closed, we could clearly hear a choir of voices bellowing from the main foyer. Someone played on the piano, striking keys from the lowest part of the keyboard. It made it nearly impossible to think, much less discuss his paper.

&nb
sp; Tossing my pen on the table, I sighed. “Shit. What do you want to do?”

  He stared at me intently. “We could go up to your room.”

  I shot a suspicious look at him. He couldn’t be serious. Could he? My heart went into overdrive.

  “Um, I’m pretty sure Delaney will be coming home any minute, so we won’t have any peace and quiet. And the study room on my floor is always occupied by a group of foreign exchange students so that’s out. We could always try the library. Oh, but you said you don’t like the library.” I glanced up at the ceiling, pulling anything that came to mind. “Since it’s warm outside, we can head to the book store. There are tables under the awning.”

  Latching onto one of my wandering hands, he said, “Relax. If meeting in your room makes you uncomfortable, then we won’t.”

  “Oh, no… it’s not that.” I retrieved my hand and waved off his comment, feeling like a complete idiot for rambling. I’m sure he never expected this high school behavior from a twenty-year-old woman.

  “Why don’t we wait until Tuesday to discuss it? I’ll start thinking about my paper and try to work on the outline.”

  I let out a breath that apparently I had been holding. “Okay, that works. Are you sure you don’t want to meet before then?”

  He shoved his papers and book into his backpack. “Tomorrow night’s the big game, so I’ll probably be too hung-over to meet on Saturday and too tired on Sunday. Are you going to the game?”

  “Um, I don’t know.” I cleared my throat. “I think Delaney has to do something with her family…” I spat off the first thought that came to my head because I didn’t know what else to say.

  Reason number thirteen: I’m becoming a liar.

  “No, you have to go.” He leaned across the table and I saw the determination in his gaze. “It’s the biggest game of the season. And, when we’re done kicking UT’s ass, we’re going to party our asses off. It will be one party you don’t want to miss.”

  I threw my head back and started laughing.

  “What?” He ran a hand over his head.

  “Did you forget…I don’t go to parties?” I reminded myself that I needed to act like Collin Norris’ fiancée.

  “Bullshit.” He gave the table a friendly slap, making it shake. “I’m inviting you to this party, even if I have to pick you up myself.”

  “Really?” I walked out of the room and he trailed closely behind me.

  “You think I’m joking, Lexi, but I swear, I’ll be here in your lobby after the game, stalking you.”

  I laughed harder. “Don’t make promises unless you’re willing to keep them.” I glanced over my shoulder at him.

  He slapped his hands together and rubbed them viciously. “I love challenges.”

  Oh no. How do I get out of this one?

  “Hold that thought, will you?” I pointed at him, vying for a diversion. “I have a grammar handbook I’ve been meaning to give you. I’ll run up and get it.” I started toward the elevator.

  “Okay, I’ll wait here.”

  The elevator opened and I rushed in. How had I gotten myself into that situation? I couldn’t possibly go to a party with Raven. What would I tell Collin?

  Thanks for taking me out to dinner and bowling, now I’m going to a party with Raven.

  I unlocked the door to the suite and walked into the living room. Music played in the background and for a moment, I thought I’d left my iPod sitting on the docking station. When I saw a scarf tied around the doorknob of Delaney’s room, I knew she had someone in there.

  Great. Now I’ll have to wait downstairs.

  Scurrying to my room, I grabbed the grammar book off the shelf and another book I needed for my test next week. I shoved them into my bag and headed toward the door. Passing the coffee table, I noticed a set of familiar keys. I stopped and turned around, taking another look. A double ‘S’ in white lay flat on the table with several keys attached.

  Keys that belonged to my brother.

  I took a few steps back, covering my ears as the thoughts of Delaney and my brother having sex inundated me. My foot hit something and before I knew it, I tripped and fell back, hitting the wall. On the floor, was a large purple and grey backpack with my brother’s baseball number clipped to the side.

  Holy shit! They are screwing!

  Not waiting a minute longer, I grabbed my bag and darted out of the dorm, slamming the door behind me. I passed the elevator and pushed through the door leading to the stairwell. I flew down the stairs and stumbled into the foyer.

  “Is everything okay?” Raven extended an arm toward me, but I maintained my balance without his assistance. “Looks like you just saw a ghost.”

  “Worse.” I gasped for air.

  Raven’s eye widened and he whispered, “You saw a dead body?

  “What?” I took in several deep breaths, steadying my pulse.

  “The only thing worse than seeing a ghost, is seeing a dead body.”

  He had a point, but at that moment, I couldn’t think straight. I mean, how long had Delaney and Luke been hooking up? Why were they keeping it from me?

  “Oh. Well, I didn’t see any dead people or ghosts.” I looked behind me, checking to see if they had followed me.

  “Then what happened?”

  With hands on my hips, I replied, “I think my roommate’s screwing my brother.”

  With an arched brow, he leaned in closer. “Screwing as in doing him wrong or fucking him?”

  “Um…” I hesitated for moment, not wanting to admit the truth. “Having sex with him.” I nodded and continued to check behind me.

  He chuckled. “Is that a bad thing?”

  I sucked in another deep breath. “She kind of sleeps around.”

  “Kind of or does?”

  I glanced at the floor, feeling terrible for talking about my roommate and brother to a guy who put the man in man-whore. “She does sleep around.”

  “If it’s any conciliation, I’ve never slept with her.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and a sly grin spread across his face.

  “I can’t believe you just said that.” I chucked him on the arm, though I doubted my girlish thump penetrated his lumps of muscles.

  “Sorry.” He shrugged.

  Visuals swamped my mind and everything began to spin. “Oh my God. I have to get out of here.” I rushed out the door.

  “Lexi, wait!” Raven called.

  I rounded the building and stopped. With a hand to my forehead, I paced the area in front of me. “How could they hide something like that from me? I don’t care if they are seeing each other or screwing. I just wanted to know.”

  “Lexi?” Raven tried to get my attention but I continued wearing down the grass.

  “Did they actually think I’d never find out?”

  “Lexi,” Raven called one more time.

  I stopped and dropped my arms beside me. “Yeah?”

  “Can I take you somewhere?”

  Sighing, I said, “No, that’s okay. I’ll be fine. I’ll just, um, head to the library.” I glanced around the campus, feeling off-kilter.

  “Are you sure?” Raven finally caught my gaze. “Because we could hang out.” He looked at his watch. “I don’t have practice until three.”

  What? He wants to hang out with me?

  “Um…well…”

  “Come on,” taking my hand, he towed me across the campus, “sounds like you can use a drink.”

  Reason number fourteen: I think I just crossed the line.

  Σ

  Chapter Ten

  I had no idea where Raven was taking me. All I knew was that we were on a university shuttle and I was in a daze. What the heck was I doing? I knew better but something propelled me to go with him. Propping my arm against the edge of the window, I watched the buildings and students zip past me. I knew from that moment forward, I couldn’t take back my actions.

  “You all right?” Raven leaned closer to me and his breath tingled the crevice of my neck. Every nerve wok
e in my body, consuming me bit by bit. My bones shuddered, but I managed to keep perfectly still. What was going on between Luke and Delaney didn’t seem that important any more.

  Turning toward him, I nodded.

  “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” He rested his arm along the back of the seat and I couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to be embraced by those big, muscular arms. I wrapped my arms around my body to self-soothe. It was the only thing I had for now.

  The shuttle stopped a block from fraternity row and he got up. “Come on.”

  “Where are we going?” I followed him as we exited the shuttle.

  “To get my car.”

  “Oh, okay.” I resituated my bag on my shoulder and tried to keep calm. Did I really want to get in a car with him?

  “Relax.” He nudged me. “This will be fun.”

  Raising a brow, I shot him a quick look. “If you say so.”

  He spread his lips in to a full smile and it released some of the tension in my body. “Just wait, you’ll see.” We approached a white Dodge Challenger with red stripes. The lights blinked as Raven clicked the button on his key chain.

  “Is this your car?” I asked as he opened the door for me.

  “If it isn’t then I feel sorry for the guy that it belongs to.” He shut the door and then jogged around the vehicle to the driver side. He slid in and placed the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life and I hated to admit that I really liked his car. It suited him well.

  “And what do you mean by that?” I clicked my seat belt over me.

  “Because he missed out on seeing one beautiful girl in his car.” He winked and pulled out of the parking lot.

  I pressed my lips together, unsure of how to respond. Did he just compliment me?

  You idiot, say something!

  Instead, I stared at him, watching his muscles flex with every turn he took. The edge of his tattoo trailed from under the sleeve of his shirt and I refrained from reaching over and touching it. Damn, Raven was one fine specimen. As much as I didn’t want to be attracted to him, it was pointless. Every hormone in my body knew his scent. Luring me in one at a time. It would take menopause to get them to stop and even then, I wasn’t sure that would make a difference.