Two minutes later, we gather our things and book it out of the library laughing.
We pause in the middle of the quad and stare at each other. I’m momentarily embarrassed about what we just did.
He motions toward the stadium. “I’m going this way.”
“I’m headed that way.” I point toward the opposite direction.
He nods. I don’t know what I expect, but it’s not the way he grabs me and kisses me until I’m out of breath again. “See you at home, buttercup.”
Then he pats me on the ass and runs off to practice.
I swoon all the way home.
I’m in so much trouble.
26
NICK
“Do it one more time!” Coach shouts from the sidelines.
At the snap, my O-line holds the defense in check while I glance at my options. Maverick jukes one way, then the other before he races downfield. A defender gets loose and is about to mock tackle me when I get the ball off on a long pass.
The ball sails in the air and descends just as Mav looks up and leaps up to catch it over his defender.
“Yes!” I hold my hands up. Hopefully, I can nail this shit tomorrow against the Longhorns.
Jinxy shouts, “That’s what I’m talking about.”
Coach blows the whistle. “Great job, gentlemen. Hit the showers. Get here on time in the morning.” He grabs my shoulder as I guzzle down some water. “Whatever you’re doing to mentally prepare, keep it up. You’re on fire this week.”
As we head for the locker room, Jinxy elbows me. “Gee, wonder how you’re preparing for your game. Could it have anything to do with your sexy little roommate?”
Dax shakes his head. “Man, lay off. Nick’s just finding his stride. Don’t be a dick.”
Am I more relaxed because Abby and I have been messing around? Maybe. I can’t rule it out entirely. Really, I just like hanging out with her. She’s fun, and she helps me relax. I enjoy riling her up.
And I really enjoy making her come.
But I have no plans to dish about that with anyone. I smirk at Jinxy. “How’s your taint, bro? Did you get that death smell to go away?”
Everyone roars, and his ears go red. “Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you want. I printed the recipe to clean your taint, if anyone needs it. Think I’m gonna sell it on Etsy like they do for baked goods. I’m gonna be rich. That apple cider vinegar shit works, but if you soap up afterward with something minty, your dick tastes like dessert.”
Dax snorts. “Jinxy’s homemade taint cleanser recipe!”
“I have a jug of it in the shower if you wanna try it.” Jinxy looks around, waiting for someone to take him up on his offer.
Bowser shrugs. “I’ll give it a go. Can’t ever have your taint area too clean. The ladies will appreciate my fresh scent.”
I cover my mouth to mask my laugh.
Once we’re in the locker room, I check my phone. I have a message from Cadence.
Do you want me to get Hazel ready for bed?
I check the time. No, I can do it. I’ll be outta here soon.
Hazel needs a bath, and I’ve read some scary-ass statistics about children drowning in the tub. I don’t really trust anyone to do what I should be doing. My daughter’s life isn’t worth the few extra minutes I’d get to relax.
