She chuckles. “You’re crazy, Tay.”
“So are you. Don’t let Preston walk away over your dad’s stupid rules.”
“It’s complicated,” she hisses, eyes fixed on the players on the court. “Preston is definitely getting a spot on a pro team next year. I don’t see the point in getting into a short-lived relationship with him.”
“Maybe he’ll take you with him.”
Bex doesn’t like my suggestion. Her nose scrunches in disgust, and then she sticks her tongue out as if she just ate something nasty and wants to spit it on the floor. “I don’t need a man to support me. And I’m sure as hell not going to follow anyone. I’m pursuing my dreams first. No man will ever impede that.”
“Yeah, but think about the doors his mom could open up for you.”
She narrows her eyes at me, disappointment crossing her face. “I’m not using Preston to get to his mom.”
“Then decide about him already. I know you like him. And from what I’ve seen, he most definitely likes you. I don’t see the problem.”
“I’m scared to let him in.” She sighs. “After what happened with Kellan, it’s hard for me to trust another guy. Preston has a reputation. He’s as much of a player on the ice as he is off it.”
“Drake surprised the shit out of me,” I admit. “If everyone could be wrong about him, then there’s hope for Preston Parker. His reputation isn’t nearly as bad as Drake’s. At least, he hasn’t sent dick pics to every girl on campus.”
The more I think about all the stupid shit Drake has done, I realize how insecure he is about his past. I feel for him in ways I had never expected. I never thought a man could be insecure about having a big dick. The painful encounter with his ex fucked him up in so many ways.
“That must have been one hell of a night for you to change your tune about Drake so fast.” Bex stops to lean her back against the wall in the far corner of the gymnasium. She crosses her arms over her chest and watches the scrimmage playing out. “You hated his guts before last night. So, what changed with you two?”
“He’s still a dirtball. I hate that he whips his dick out for anyone who wants to see it like it’s the main attraction at the zoo.” Bex smirks, a soft chuckle escaping her lips, and I continue, “But he’s not as much of a jerk as I thought. He’s actually a nice guy.”
“You’re losing your v-card to him. Don’t even try to deny it.”
“Just because I want him doesn’t mean I will break my promise to myself to have him. If Drake wants my virginity, he must earn it. He will have to make me fall in love with him. It’s that simple.”
“Does he know that’s on the table?”
I nod. “Not like he’ll stick around long enough to take it.”
“I wouldn’t discount him,” she counters. “Preston said he’s had a crush on you for a long time. I have a feeling Drake will work his ass off to get you.”
I hope he does.
Chapter 9
Taylor
Dressed in heels and short skirts, Bex and I command attention. We tower over the girls we pass on the sidewalk and even some guys. Bex looks uncomfortable in her clothing.
She tugs at the short skirt riding up her long legs, and her face twists in frustration. “Why did you make me wear this, Tay? I feel like Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman.”
“I guess I should start calling you Vivian Ward,” I say laughing. Because that was Julia Roberts’s name in that movie.
She cocks an eyebrow at me. “You’re fucking weird. Good thing you’re my best friend.”
We walk from our dormitory to Greek Row, where hoards of drunken people pour out from the massive Victorian homes. Thankfully, we’re headed one block over. Though, when we get there, the street where all the athletes live isn’t much better.
Drake’s house has high pillars, a long covered porch, and like the others, a lawn littered with trash. They scatter crushed plastic cups along the walkaway up to the stairs. Unlike the frat houses, no one is standing outside to collect money or hand out cups.
Once inside the house, I spot Drake. It’s easy to find him in a crowd. He must be close to seven feet tall, his arms ripped with muscle and covered in dark tattoos. My stomach churns when I see him talking to other girls. Standing next to Tucker Kane, he lifts a red Solo cup to his mouth, looking bored with the conversation.
Why am I so jealous right now? I’m the one who told him we can’t be together. Our relationship is only a secret because of his reputation. So, why do I feel like I’m the one who’s suffering here? Probably because no guys are throwing themselves at me like these skanks are with him. Not like that would make a difference. Unwanted attention from the wrong guys won’t fix the nagging sensation in the pit of my stomach.
“Help me find Preston,” Bex says, slipping her fingers between mine.
