Of course, she’s going to find this amusing; she doesn’t have any issues talking to guys. I’m just a normal person—quiet and keep to myself for the most part. She’s the one with all the nerve to openly flirt and say what’s on her mind; not me.
“Getting through class is easy.” She waves her hand like it’s not a big deal. “He’s really nice and like I mentioned before—smart. So as long as the skanks are quiet, then it’s fine. A few of them try to actually sit on his lap for the class period. He plays it off, but I could tell earlier that he was embarrassed about it. Don’t get me wrong; he likes the attention. He’s definitely used to it, but there’s also another side to him too. I think he’s amused with the women falling over themselves for him, but he also gets annoyed when they try to be all over-the-top and fake.”
“I’m just surprised to find out that you know him and have never said anything about it.”
“Were you wearing that when you two collided?”
Glancing down, I take in my black flip-flops, skinny jeans and favorite Game of Thrones t-shirt that declares I’m a Khaleesi supporter.
What’s wrong with my outfit?
Taking off my glasses, I use a tissue from my bag to clean the plain Jane black framed specs and reply, “Yes, I love this shirt, why?” Putting my glasses back on, I meet her amused gaze.
She shrugs and drinks the last few sips of her latte. “Are you going back to the dorm?”
“Right now?”
“Yeah, I have to get ready for work.”
“I’ll go with you. I have plenty of homework to catch up on.”
We both grab our stuff and start heading across campus to our building.
“I get off late tonight, but we could stop by the cafeteria tomorrow for lunch if you want?”
“That sounds good.”
“It’s a date then.”
“So what’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I can’t stop myself from asking; now she has me curious.
“Kadence, you probably gave the guy a nerdgasm.” She giggles. “He’s used to these ‘Barbie Dolls’ all over him, and I guess he didn’t have any idea what to do with you when he saw you.”
“Oh God.” My hand flies to my forehead, thinking about being a huge dork compared to what he’s used to. Am I really that nerdy, though?
“No, babe. Trust me; it’s a good thing.”
“But I don’t want him to like me and how is that a good quality?” It’s a total lie. I’d be over the moon if he felt that way about me. I don’t know why I don’t just say it out loud, though.
“Why not, what’s wrong with him liking you?”
“Because have you seen him? I could never handle everything that comes along with him. This whole conversation is ridiculous anyhow. There’s no way Tyler Owens would ever be into someone like me.”
“Ugh, no kidding. Look in the mirror,” Stacia one of our neighbors comments as she walks by.
“Screw you, whore!” Brianne calls after her. Stacia keeps walking but throws up her middle finger. “Ignore her. She’s hateful because Ty’s best friend slept with her and then her sister.”
“Oh, wonderful.” This is a perfect example of why I don’t do jocks and why I don’t want to like Tyler Owens.
We get to our room, and as soon as I find my headphones, I put some Cold War Kids on and get to work. Pushing the guy troubles to the back of my mind, I try to focus, ‘cause nobody has time for that mess.
Winners are not people who never fail,
but people who never quit.
“But why do we have to eat here? You guys are done with practice; can’t we go somewhere fun?” Jada whines as we all sit in the middle of the cafeteria, trays loaded down with a ton of food.
Swear to Christ her voice annoys me to no end. “You can go. Nobody’s stopping you,” I reply loud enough so that her friends can hear me also. Maybe they’ll finally get the hint; I’ve been pushing her off me for forever it seems. She’s even this way in class, and it’s old already.
Jada’s been a big-time hang around of mine since I rode the bench for our first game last year and it’s grown worse over time. We’ve hooked up a total of two times now, and she wants to be more. I swear she already thinks that she’s my girlfriend or something.
However, I’m not about to date a chick who gives the team blow jobs when she’s drunk. They’re all grateful for her team spirit, but I find it disgusting. No matter how many times I’ve told her that I’m not interested, she doesn’t give up. She probably thinks that she’ll wear me down, but it’s never going to happen.
“That’s not true Ty!” She giggles in her fake high-pitched voice. “You know food tastes better with me around.” Smiling coyly, she plays it off by taking my fork and feeding me a bite of my cheese fries. I usually eat pretty decently but I was craving cheese fries topped with gravy something fierce. She thinks that she's cute and attentive by feeding me, but it just gets on my nerves. It’d be nice if she’d actually get out of my way so I can really eat before it gets cold. I’ve said this out loud before, yet she ignores it.
Sitting at the head of the table, Jada perches on my lap, feeding me a bite and then carrying on about makeup to her friends. JJ and Chandler are in their seats on each side of me, a few of Jada’s girls trying to do the same thing as her in monkey-see, monkey-do fashion. A couple of other teammates sit in the remaining chairs with random girls as well. This is usually dinner and makes me miss my brothers damn near every night.
Don’t get me wrong, the guys and I loved it at first, and then we got sick of it. Now we’ve just gotten used to it. This is how mealtime normally turns out if we’re not at our house and we’re usually so exhausted from practice that we don’t want to cook, so we end up here a lot since it’s quick and easy.
JJ and Chandler aren’t just my teammates; they’re my best friends on campus. I’m close with my cousin Dallas too, but he doesn’t go to school here. I met both guys while playing ball in high school. They went to other schools, but when my team would travel, we’d play against their teams. In the off-season, we’d take turns visiting each other and screw around together. They practically lived at my house during summer vacations.
When it came time to choosing schools, they both knew I had one selection. I would go where my parents and Clyde went no matter how hard I had to work to get there. When I showed up to my first football practice for AU, my two best friends were there waiting for me. I almost broke down into tears. I know it was my mom that made it all happen for me. She’d be the only person who’d know that I’d need them with me and be able to actually make something like that happen.
“Hey Freight Train, no more kicking guys’ asses on the field. Next time, tell one of us and we’ll do it for you. Coach killed us while you were out,” Niner grumbles, then chugs his chocolate flavored protein mix he just finished shaking up.
He’s a defensive lineman we’ve become cool with. The man’s massive at six foot-five and three hundred forty pounds. He came all the way from Nebraska. He played one season for them and decided he’d rather play for a southern team. Can’t say I blame him; we are the best when it comes to college football.
“I heard. Did he make you call him Daddy too, Niner, and it hurt your feelings?” I razz and the guys all laugh, Niner included.
“Shut the fuck up man,” he grumbles, and we keep chuckling.
Glancing around, I catch sight of familiar chestnut locks and a curious face watching our table. Her eyes meet mine briefly then she quickly averts them, turning away and talking to a friend who’s with her. I can’t believe I’m getting to see her twice in one week. Has she been right in front of me this entire time? Have I really been that self-absorbed and blind? How many other gorgeous chicks have I missed around campus?
“Jada, how about you sit over there so I can finish eating?” I don’t want her all over me with the pretty girl from yesterday around to see it.
“No worries, I’ll make sure you eat. You need to rest aft
er such a tough practice,” she argues, and I glance at JJ, frustrated. The girl on his lap feeds him, and he happily goes along with it, smirking and egging her on. Turning to Chandler, he rolls his eyes and moves his face away when the girl on his lap attempts to give him a drink of soda.
At least he feels my annoyance.
Ignoring everything else going on around me, my gaze stays trained on the gorgeous female that ran into me yesterday. I open my mouth and chew each time Jada feeds me a bite, on autopilot but otherwise completely ignore her, staring at mystery girl. She eats a banana and yogurt while her friend across from her chomps down a few pieces of pizza.
Shit, I know her friend. She’s in my class. I think her name is Brianne.
Standing suddenly, Jada falls off my lap in a comical manner with her feet and arms flailing. She catches herself with the table, and the guys chuckle at her bright red face. “I’m done,” I declare and push my half-eaten tray of food toward Jada. “Thanks for the help, ladies. Jada, be a babe and toss this for me.”
I’m a dick. I don’t glance her way as I practically order her to get rid of my trash for me. Maybe it’ll piss her off, and she’ll leave with her little group of hoochies. The last thing I want is her to follow me around some more.
JJ and Chandler stare at me confused until they see that my sight’s trained on the other table with the two beautiful young women. Once they notice the other chicks, they both stand, doing the same as me.
They’ve had to listen to me go on about her all day. I’ve been wondering who she was and how I’d be able to see her again. I’m not about to let this chance pass me by. I need to figure out who the hell she is and why I haven’t noticed her around before yesterday. I never meet any women that get under my skin enough to have me thinking of them so much.
“Niner, Briggs, Grey, and ladies—we’ll catch you guys later.” We each say our goodbyes, and I make a beeline straight for Brianne and her mousy friend.
Stopping behind my little assailant, I place my hands on the back of the standard-issue cafeteria chair. My fingertips and knuckles rest against the warmness of her back, and I can feel her muscles tense up. Brianne beams her usual friendly smile, even as JJ and Chandler take seats on either side of her.
“Hey, Brianne. Thought we’d come say what’s up to you and your friend.” Grinning, I peer down at the top of the statue-still head of miss chestnut locks. The peek-a-boo red barely shows through, but it’s enough to know she’s probably a wild one inside. I love the chicks with all the pent-up frustration in them; they’re the good girls that always go oh-so-bad with a little motivation. I’m just the type to do the motivating.
Brianne’s smile widens, amusement shining brightly in her gaze, as I’m sure she’s heard all about what happened between her friend and me. “Hey, Ty. Who are these big stud muffins you’ve been hiding?” Her head tilts to each side of her.
“Chandler,” I nod to my friend on the left who’s sitting up properly. Good posture and all that. He grins a friendly smile at her with his perfectly straight teeth and dimple on full display. “JJ,” I nod to the right. And he flashes a cocky smirk, completely full of himself. Officially introducing them, I signal toward the top of the gorgeous head below me. “And who’s this pretty lady?”
“Nice to meet you, handsome number one.” Brianne trails her fingers over JJ’s muscular arm. “And you too, handsome number two.” She winks at Chan, not the least bit shy to flirt with the both of them. “This is my best friend, Kadence Winters. Kay, meet Ty Owens.” She motions for Kadence to turn and look behind her.
Instead of moving around, she leans her head back until our eyes meet. She’s sexy as all hell with that tiny beauty mark on her face. I’d love just to bend over and plant my lips against her sinful little mouth. I fantasized about that pucker and her sultry peach gloss all damn night last night while in bed; she had me jerking my dick so hard, that I thought I’d eventually rip it off. It’s still there, and I’ll happily show it to her too.
“Hey, Pretty.” My lips turn up into my signature smile that makes the girls’ panties drop. They can never resist it when I turn up the charm. It’s an Owens family trait.
She makes a disgusted look, clearly not amused. “Sorry for running into you yesterday.”
Not the response I was expecting. It has me choking up a little; it’s something I’m not used to happening—like ever.
Just shake it off and play it cool.
“It was more of a pleasure if anything.” The wink I give her comes natural, the flirting leaving my tongue like the skillful flirt I am.
She squints her eyes like she’s trying to figure me out or something. As she does, I’m able to make out tiny golden specks mixed in with her rich coffee colored irises. They’re an absolutely stunning feature, but she keeps them hidden away from the world behind a pair of plain, black-framed glasses. I’m sure the color would be much more noticeable if she’d take them off and wear contacts. I don’t mind, though; if anything, those specs make me think of her in a naughty schoolgirl uniform being bent over and spanked.
I doubt people realize how beautiful she truly is and it’s their loss. At first glance, she’s kind of plain, but when you stop and really look at her, she’s magnificent. Is she the cheerleaders or sorority girls running around with a face full of makeup and barely-there clothes, kind of hot? No. She’s so much better. She has very little, or no makeup on, besides that edible peach gloss. And she’s dressed like herself, not trying to impress anyone. It’s so fucking sexy—her confidence, not caring what anyone but herself thinks.
I wish more chicks were that way. Then there’d be a variety, instead of a group all trying to be the same thing. Dress the same, wear the same makeup, drive the same cars, act the same. So fucking boring.
“I’m full,” she announces suddenly, looking over at Brianne and shutting me back out. “Are you ready to go?”
She’s pulling the same move I did back at the other table with Jada, and I can’t believe it. Is she still pissed from us colliding earlier? I thought it wasn’t a big deal since neither of us were hurt. Did I remember to apologize? Shit, should I? Even if it wasn’t my fault?
“I’m ugh…sorry about earlier, sweetheart.” The words leave my mouth a bit gruff, just as a pair of hands scale up and over my back.
Jada appears beside me, wrapping her arms around my body like a snake claiming its next meal. “Let’s go have dessert. Also, about our convo we were having earlier about being called ‘daddy,’ I can call you whatever you’d like me too. You know I’m easy.” She ends with an annoying giggle, and I damn near gag.
“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about, but ‘daddy’ is the last thing I’d want you to call me.”
Kadence’s chair pushes backward, right into my groin as she stands. It feels fucking brilliantly painful and stars dance in my vision as I choke through the feeling of being punched in the stomach.
“Yep, I’m done. I couldn’t eat after that if I tried,” she declares, disgusted, and quickly strides toward the trash can.
Momentarily dazed from being hit in the dick, I try to collect myself when Brianne jumps up and hurries after Kadence, calling back, “I’m sorry, guys! It was nice meeting you.”
I can’t compose a coherent goodbye through the throbbing sensation radiating in my nuts, but the guys both wave their goodbyes.
Just like earlier, she’s gone again.
At least now I have a name. It’s a start, and I know who her best friend is too. I’ll find her…Right after I can breathe correctly again.
“Aww, poor baby! Do you need me to rub it and make it all better for you? We don’t even have to leave; we can use the bathroom here if you want.” Jada’s palm runs down over each ridge of my abs—on a mission—and I jump back away from her touch.
“I’m busy tonight and every night.” She reaches for me again, rubbing over my stomach. I stop her hand in a death grip, removing the object of my torment from my torso, moving
a few more steps away. She’s relentless. “I’m taking off, you guys staying?”
JJ smiles as Jada comes up behind him, rubbing his shoulders and her friend sits on his lap again, “Lexi, you give me a ride later?” he asks the double meaning clearly there.
“Of course, or you can stay the night with us,” she offers, and I turn to Chandler, over that conversation already.
“I’m good.” He shakes his head and waves me off.
Thank Christ, they’re my friends, but I’m not in the mood to hear them give me shit over how that all just went down with Kadence. I’m already set to have blue balls from fantasizing about her nearly all damn night last night and then today and can’t forget I’ll have a tender dick from being chaired. “I’m out.”
We say our goodbyes, and I make my way to my truck, brushing Jada off one last time and nearly tell her to just straight fuck off. I didn’t do it, but I sure wanted to. She can’t take the hint at all that I’m not interested in her—period.
So, Kadence is my little assailant’s name…I like it. The name’s unique like she seems to be. Her no-nonsense vibe I get is intriguing too. Not many can brush off the Owens charm, and it seems as if it doesn’t faze her in the slightest. I need to figure out what makes her tick, why she’s so different from the others, and why she doesn’t appear the least bit interested in getting to know me.
Loading up, I turn on some Kurt Vile, Pretty Pimpin, and lower my truck windows. The Alabama night air feels fantastic after sitting in the overly-cool cafeteria. The humidity warms me just enough to be comfortable, and the cross breeze makes it all pretty damn perfect.
The football house I share with the guys isn’t too far away, just a few streets down from campus. I could’ve walked today, and a lot of times we do, but I wasn’t sure what we’d all end up doing for food. Besides, my body’s still sore from the rough practices Coach ran us through today preparing for this weekend. You can only ice a body part so much before you just suck it up and deal with the ache.
1st Time Love (Dirty Down South) Page 4
