I laughed. Yeah, that was not going to go in the paper.
How bout this: Sexy Tristan Daniels took Oklahoma State by surprise with his swift foot action. He scored two touchdowns and helped push his teammate over the line for the final win. Daniels is ready for their next game. Kickin' ass and takin' names. ;)
I hit send.
Sexy, hmmm. I'll give that to you ;)
I stared at the text for a full minute, smiling like a moron. Elle thought I was sexy. I could only imagine the sweet color covering her cheeks right now.
Stop blushing. Keep the sexy comment about me to yourself. I paused mid-text. Yeah, Elle knew how I felt, but I needed to up my game…give her a little something to think about.
Wanna know what I find sexy? Lets see…the pressure of your pouty lips on mine. Caressing, tasting, every inch of your naked body. Making love to you and hearing you scream, begging for more. Making you mine. Still waiting...
I hit send. Elle didn't respond, but I'd given her something to think about. Me.
Great fucking end to a great day.
Elle
I watched Tristan's game with Eric at a local sports bar not far from campus.
Being with Eric today just didn't sit well with me, especially when he brought up his family during the second half of the game. That hadn't bothered me, except that he expected me to pay attention instead of taking notes for the school paper.
"Come on." Eric chugged the last half of his beer and then slammed the glass down. "We're winning, it's not like you can't get a detailed play by play from your friend."
His suggestive tone nearly pushed me over the edge. Had it not been for our last play, when Tristan literally pushed Butts in the end zone, I would have lost my composure. The other bar patrons jumped to their feet. Their claps and whistles carried heavily around the room.
"So, it's settled then?" His excitement was easy to read, only I didn't quite understand the reason.
"Yeah, I'm excited," I said, with hesitation.
Eric chuckled and shook his head.
"Don't worry about meeting the rest of my family. They're going to love you."
"Yeah, um, I can't wait." I could have face-palmed my forehead. "I think I should probably get back home. I want to get a head start on this story."
"Sure, no problem." Eric's blue eyes sparkled with such emotion after I'd accidentally agreed to meet his family. Our relationship just morphed into a place I didn't feel one hundred percent about.
I listened more carefully during the ride home, afraid I'd get engaged next…which didn't happen. Thank goodness. Eric parked in the driveway.
"So, I'll call you tomorrow."
My stomach knotted with unease.
"Yup, sounds great." My phone buzzed, saving me from further awkwardness. "I bet that's Alyssa wondering where I am." I opened the car door. "Thanks for the ride home."
Eric supplied me with a weak smile, the excitement in his eyes dimmed. I didn't kiss him goodbye. Instead, I rushed inside, fishing my phone from my purse. Once I'd settled in my room, I texted Tristan. No big deal, we'd text after his away games all the time. Only the texting turned into something…more.
I'd read Tristan's text at least twenty times before finally putting my phone away. Of course the ass knew I'd be blushing. I mean, holy shit. I'd never been more turned on and by words no less. He'd heated my skin, sent my pulse into overdrive, and well, basically, flustered the hell out of me. All without ever touching me. I needed a fan or an iced latte or something.
But his last words, still waiting, tugged at my heart. Feelings for Eric and Tristan turned my stomach into a bundle of fire. I hadn't a clue what to do about them. The only thing I did know for certain, Tristan didn't play fair.
* * *
My chin slipped from my palm and my eyes shot open. I blinked several times, adjusting my eyes to the brightness in the classroom.
"Ms. Richards, please see me after class." My heart hammered in my chest. I looked ahead at Mr. Edwards. His stern gaze woke me up.
Sleep had evaded me. I was pretty sure a person couldn't continue to survive on coffee alone for longer than a week.
"Yes, sir," I answered, worried I'd missed something important. A few people next to me chuckled, but I ignored them. I shifted in my seat, attempting to keep awake until class ended.
The wind hissed through the windowsill causing goose bumps to form over my skin. Slowly, I directed my gaze outside, thinking back to me and Tristan's last phone conversation.
"Hey, Spud. Are you and Alyssa driving home for Thanksgiving?"
My throat felt dry, my tongue thick.
Tristan continued, "If not, I thought we could ride together…" His voice trailed off, still hopeful.
Tears misted in my eyes. I couldn't answer him.
"Why the silent treatment?"
"I…"
Tristan blew a heavy sigh into the phone.
"Never mind, just forget I called."
That was a week ago. The wind picked up again. Bits of leaves and dead grass drifted in the breeze. I blinked the dryness from my eyes. Mr. Edwards’ voice lingered in the background of my thoughts. Tristan. Eric. I never wanted to hurt anyone. Maybe I should let them both go?
My stomach squeezed. Tristan. No, I couldn't leave him…not entirely. We'd always be friends, right?
"Ms. Richards." I heard my name and looked up, only to find an empty room. Perfect. I'd spaced out during his entire lecture.
"Sorry, Mr. Edwards." I quickly collected my stuff and then headed to his desk.
"Did you enjoy the lecture?"
I stopped in front of Mr. Edwards' desk, nervously biting my lip. He shook his head and grinned. I exhaled slowly.
"You said you needed to see me?" I hoped to redirect him.
"Yes," he replied, sitting straighter in his wooden chair. "It seems I may need you to continue writing in my sports writer’s place."
"I…I mean yes. I'd love to," I admitted, shocked. I thought for sure he'd fire me.
"Good." Mr. Edwards turned his attention to his desk, collecting papers. "And Ms. Richards, I expect you to pay attention during class." I blushed. Of course he'd noticed.
"Yes, sir," I said, glad that I hadn't stuttered.
"That will be all, Ms. Richards."
"Thank you." I sighed and walked away.
When my morning classes were over, I headed to work for another pick-me-up and my work schedule. The shop appeared pretty empty when I walked in.
Dawn greeted me from behind the counter. "Hi, Elle."
"Hey, yourself. I came by for a strong cup of coffee, and was hoping to pick up my schedule for next week."
"One strong white chocolate mocha coming up, but our schedules aren't ready." Dawn turned to get my order ready.
"I thought Karen said she'd have them ready by today?" I really needed my schedule so I could let Eric know when I needed to be back.
"Karen said she'd be back later today with them." Dawn turned around. "Two or three shots?"
"Three," I said, feeling withdrawals.
"Coming up."
I felt antsy waiting for my coffee and decided to check my phone since I kept the volume on silent during class. I also hoped I'd missed a call or text from Tristan. Nothing.
"Here ya go." I shoved my phone back inside my purse, gladly took my caffeinated lifeline, and took a big gulp. Mmm. Heaven in a cup.
"Thanks. You're a life saver." I smiled.
"No problem. Hey, I can text you our schedule when Karen stops by. That way it'll save you a trip back."
"Thanks. That'd be great." I dropped an extra few dollars in the tip jar. "I'm gonna get back. My next class is in twenty minutes and I could use some extra study time."
"Sure, I'll talk to you later."
Once inside my car, I turned the heater up and took my phone out, contemplating if I should call or text. I went with the phone call.
I hit call and waited for him to pick up. Several rings later, I was
greeted by his voice mail. I hadn't realized how much I missed him until I heard his deep voice.
"Hey, Tristan. Haven't talked to you in over a week. I miss you. Please call me so we can talk." I waited a second and then hit end.
The ball was now in his court. The only thing left for me to do was wait.
Chapter 26
Tristan
I hit the showers after practice, and then hurried the hell up so I could get to class. I had fifteen minutes to get clear across campus. Good thing my teacher had a thing for me. I'd been late or missed more times than I should have.
I pulled into the parking lot, but didn't see any available spots. Shit, I was going to be late. Just as I was backing out, a small beaten up Honda left. I circled back around, cutting off some dick who thought he could beat me.
Grabbing my keys, phone, and books, I dashed out and hauled ass. Mrs. Powers had barely begun her lecture when I snuck in.
"Nice for you to join us today, Mr. Daniels." Shit. Busted.
"I'm here to please." Mrs. Powers scowled. A group of girls behind me laughed when I winked back at her. She shook her head and blushed, but went back to the screen.
"You were great on the field last week," Bridget said, damn near hovering over me. I gave her a small smile back.
"Thanks, Bridget."
"Do you need a study partner?" She trailed her red painted fingernails down my arm. Not enough to hurt, but enough she left red marks. "I take great notes. We could stay up all night going over," she paused, dropping her eyes to my lips, "my notes."
I bent forward. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind." I winked, and then moved away.
"Fine." She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. I laughed under my breath at her attempt to reel me in. If we were lost at sea, I'd be sure to keep her around as a life preserver.
Throughout class, I'd catch a glimpse of her chewing the end of her pen, her legs crossed, all the while staring at my package. Bridget wasn't the type to embarrass easily and winked back when I caught her.
When class ended, I checked my phone for any missed calls. Only one. Elle. She'd left me a voice message. When I realized she'd made plans with Green for Thanksgiving, I couldn't be around her. How much longer would she leave me hanging?
"Class, have a good week," Mrs. Powers said.
I grabbed my stuff and walked outside. It was fucking freezing, and I'd forgotten to grab a jacket, and jogged most of the way. Once inside, I started my car, cranked up the heater, and waited until she warmed up.
I stared at my phone, contemplating if I should hear what she had to say when I got a text from Bret.
Meet at the house. Party in an hour.
I didn't think about my answer. Be there in five.
I'd gone a miserable week without any form of communication with Elle. More than likely, I wouldn't be interested to hear what she had to say, so I decided what the fuck, and held off until later. I shifted my car into gear and drove off. The prospect of an alcohol-induced coma for the evening sounded promising.
Hardly anyone was there when I walked in, so I headed to the kitchen. Jarred and Bret were getting shots ready. I smiled.
"Need some help with those?"
"Nah, get the music going." Jarred turned and smacked Bret in the back of the head when he took a shot.
"Dude, what the fuck? I was making sure we had the right mix." Bret frowned.
"We didn't mix anything, dip shit."
Bret smiled. "Oh, right."
I laughed on my way to the living room. I hooked up the iPod and hit play.
"It's been a while." Slowly I turned to find Kellie standing in front of me.
"I guess so." I folded my arms across my chest, wondering what she wanted. "How've you been?"
"Pretty good, actually," she said, then bit her thumbnail.
"That's good."
She smiled back, relaxing her expression. "Thanks. Listen, I wanted to apologize for what I said when we broke up." Kellie hesitated. "I really do want you to be happy, Tristan."
That was not what I'd expected her to say. Ever.
"Um, thanks."
Kellie gave me a dimpled smile.
Bret yelled from the kitchen, "Daniels, get your ass in here."
"Good to see you."
"Yeah, you too."
"Daniels?" Bret yelled again.
"Coming, dickhead."
Kellie smiled and walked away. In the kitchen, Bret held a shot in each hand. I knew I liked him.
"What is it?" I looked at the amber liquid.
"The good stuff," he said, handing me my shot.
"Cheers," I said, clinking our double shot filled glasses together. The liquor burned hotter than usual going down. I was long overdue for a night of drinking.
"Another?" I poured myself a refill. Bret agreed and we downed two more before joining the small crowd gathering in the living room.
A cute blonde walked up to me. "Tristan, I watched you play last weekend. You were so great."
"Thanks." I smiled back at her and the friend next to her.
"Daniels, you up for a rematch?" Jarred stood by the stairs holding a pool stick.
"Sure," I agreed. The girls frowned. "See ya around." They squealed.
Upstairs Jarred racked while I got my stick ready. I hadn't thought about Elle the entire time I'd been there, which was a welcomed change.
"You break," I said.
He did, but didn't make any shots in.
"Pussy." I laughed. I walked around the table to score a few easy shots. "Red ball, corner pocket." I leaned over, slammed the cue ball, and watched my ball fall into the pocket.
"Lucky shot," Jarred said.
"Whatever, man." I chalked the end and called my next shot. "Two ball, side pocket." Slammed it. Then I had an idea. "Whoever doesn't make their shot, drinks." I looked up at Jarred.
"Deal."
"All right. Seven ball, side pocket." I leaned over and lined up my shot.
"Don't choke." I heard, mid-swing, and missed my target. "I said not to choke," Elle repeated.
I looked up to make sure she was really there. She smiled back at me.
"Drink up, man," Jarred ordered.
"Fine," I grumbled, taking a long swig of beer. Elle walked over next to me, biting her bottom lip. I couldn't help but stare. I downed half my drink.
"I left you a voicemail today." She frowned, and so help me because all I could think about was sucking on her bottom lip… and maybe a few other places.
"I've been busy. Guess I didn't get it." Yeah, I was being a dick, but I couldn't handle her tonight.
"Elle, you want anything to drink?" Green looked at her, which I took as my cue to walk away.
"Water would be good. Thanks."
I remained close to the table, refusing to look in her direction. Jarred missed his last shot.
"Drink up," I said, scanning the table for my next shot.
"I need a refill," he said. "Be right back with another round."
He left me alone. With Elle. I moved around the table once more. There were a few easy shots on the other side of the table, but that would've meant I'd have to stand in close proximity to her. Keeping my distance, I chose the bank shot. Lucky for me, I made it.
"Are you going to ignore me all night?" I felt her warm breath on the back of my neck.
"I'm in the middle of a game."
A long sigh escaped her. I almost turned around.
"Here you go," Green said. I changed my mind.
I took another shot and made my intended pocket. By the time Jarred returned, I had only one shot left. All I needed was the eight ball and I could get the fuck out of there.
"Damn, you didn't cheat?"
I only shook my head, and then leaned over to line up the hit, an easy corner pocket. I reared back, and struck my target with perfect aim. The cue ball spun on the table as soon as it reached the eight ball.
"You okay, man?" Jarred stepped back, looking at me questionably.
"My turn. I play the winner," Elle said. I pulled the bottle away from my lips, glaring at her from the top.
"I'm not interested in playing with you. To be honest, I think I'm done." I could see the instant hurt in her green eyes, and turned away. I couldn't do this anymore. Seeing her with someone else fucking killed me.
"Chicken," she said, her voice laced with anger and pain.
"Nope. Just done," I snapped, and walked away.
Elle
Tears swam in my eyes, and my hands trembled as I watched Tristan walk away. What did he mean by done?
I sucked in a few deep, unsteady breaths, careful to hide my pain before I turned to face Eric. When I did, the usual intensity emanating from his eyes dimmed while he searched my face with confusion and worry. God help me, because I didn't care. All I could think about were Tristan's words. I had to talk to him.
"Hey. Um, I'm not really sure what's going on with Tristan. I'm going to find out what's wrong. Okay?" I barely managed to muster the energy to form a smile.
“You’re gonna run to him? Just like that?" Eric turned to Jarred. "I'll rack ‘em," he said, voice hard. With his back still turned, he finished, “Just go, Elle."
I rushed down the stairs, desperate to find Tristan before he left. As usual, the damn place was packed with people. In the living room, I found Alyssa dancing with Bret and hurried over.
"Hey, Alyssa. Have you seen Tristan?" I was frantic but she didn't seem to care or notice.
"Yeah, kitchen," she said, running her fingers through Bret's hair.
"Thanks." I swung around and headed there. I walked slowly, trying to calm the high range of emotions stirring within. To be honest, I was afraid the moment I found him, I'd burst into tears.
I stood in front of the swinging door to the kitchen. A few people walked out as I hesitantly went in. Inside, I found Tristan standing in front of the sink, hands gripping the counter with his head bowed down. Suddenly my voice vanished, stuck somewhere between my stomach and throat, refusing to cooperate.
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