Shit. I don’t even know why I said that when I’ve never been all that interested in boys' nights. I blame Bria. She’s got me so messed up at the moment that I can’t decide if I’m coming or going, and it’s starting to affect my headspace.
Reed: Jesus, what a dick thing to say. I know we’re going for Hayley. That’s not what I meant
Luke: I know, I know. You’re too easy to tease. See you there in thirty
Reed: Yup. I’ll be there
Since I’m in sweats and a tee, I rush to get changed, throwing on jeans and a white shirt, then roll up the sleeves. A splash of cologne and I’m done. Ready for my night out. Ready to move on.
The pit in my stomach deepens and I curse myself out loud. This isn’t going to be easy. No matter what I choose, my friendship with Bria will be affected, and I’m not sure I’m ready for that. In fact, I’m not sure I’ll ever be.
My Uber arrives seconds before I exit my front door, and I find Bria’s car still parked in my driveway, making me pause. But as I head over, she waves me off, reversing onto my quiet street with a smile, never once looking back as she drives away. Meanwhile, I’m so entranced watching her taillights as she disappears into the distance that my Uber driver blares the horn to get my attention.
No wonder everyone thinks I’m lovesick.
And what the hell is going on with Bria?
I’m lost in thought on the way to the bar until my driver changes his playlist, switching over to country music instead of the pop he was previously listening to, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. “Hope you don’t mind.”
I smile, relieved. “Not at all. This is my kind of jam.”
“No shit. Really? I thought you were a city boy.”
And I thought he didn’t recognize me.Guess we were both wrong.
“I attended college in the city, but I’m a country boy at heart.”
My driver gives me an appreciative nod. “I think you just got promoted to my favorite player,” he says with a toothy grin, his southern accent suddenly more prominent. “My home team is Houston, but since moving here ten years back, I’ve got a soft spot for the Storm.”
“Oh, yeah? Thanks, man. It’s nice to meet a fan. But I have to ask, whowasyour favorite player before now?”
“Bennett.” He’s quick to answer, making me snort. “Does his confidence ever waver?”
Luke Bennett? No. “That man has confidence in doing things he’s never tried before. It’s a gift.” One of the cockiest players on the team but not without warrant. He’s a hell of a player.
My driver laughs. “I thought as much. I watched that show. Fitzpatrick’s giving him a run for his money.”
God, he’s not wrong. Our newest starter, Zane, is making waves and not always the good kind. But like Luke, he can play. And he knows it. If only he was a little more of a team player. I have no doubt he’ll get there, but he’s young and carefree. One day he’ll need his teammates and it will undoubtedly help him grow up a little. For now, he’s got some work to do.
We pull up in front of Chasers Bar in downtown San Francisco and I thank my driver, giving him a Storm cheer before I get out. When I turn to face the bar, my jaw drops. There’s a goddamn line longer than a football field.
I plaster a smile on my face and move toward the end until Luke calls out.
“Coombs, you considerate motherfucker. We’re on the guest list. Get your ass up here.”
I breathe a sigh of relief and push through the crowd, reaching Luke and a few of my teammates just as a bouncer opens the door, directing us to a beautiful woman standing near the entry. “Leni will show you the way. Len, they’re with the Hobarton party.”
“Hobarton?” I ask Luke, confused while he smiles in anticipation, excitement in his eyes.
“It’s a code name. This party is going to blow your mind.”
I roll my eyes but keep my mouth shut. I haven’t had the sheltered life he thinks I have. My life hasn’t revolved solely around football and Bria. I’ve seen things. Done things. I’m not that boring.
We follow Leni as she escorts us through the main bar to a private section at the back, and when I step through the door, I have to admit, my eyes widen a little. But not because I’m shocked by what I see… because I can’t believe how many people are here.
For a relatively small space, there must be hundreds moving around.
“Keep an eye out for Hayley,” Luke requests as we enter, and despite most of us barely knowing her, he doesn't have to offer a description. There wouldn’t be a man on our team that hadn’t checked her out—me included—except maybe the committed ones. Though I’d still bet my life savings they know who she is. She’s not shy by any means and she makes her presence known. The first time most of us met her, she joined in on a friendly game of football, and she was good. The guys loved her. Even if she does call us pussies because Australian Rules players don’t wear any gear.
