know, but my dad’s a type 1 diabetic. By being a nutritionist, I can make sure he stays healthy and eats the right stuff. My long term plan is to work at a hospital doing dietary education or in some capacity like that.” Laken shakes her head. “Sorry, I tend to babble.”

Fuck me, she’s cute. “You didn’t babble. I can tell you’re passionate about it. My major is not nearly as noble. I’m a business major with a minor in marketing. I hope to work for a sports team or sporting gear company in some capacity.” It’s my turn to shrug. “I’ll start applying for internships after this semester, and hopefully it’ll lead to an amazing job.”

Laken looks at her phone. “Shoot, I have to get to class.” She stands and reaches for her trash.

I stop her. “I’ll get it.”

“Okay, thanks. It was nice having lunch with you, Chance.” She takes off before I can reply.

I throw away our garbage and head outside.

After my classes are over, I run home to change for soccer practice. I throw my shin guards and cleats into my duffle bag along with a bottle of water and towel. As I step out, Trey is pulling up in front of my apartment.

“Thanks for the ride,” I say as I climb into his blue Ford Edge.

“No problem, man. I stopped by earlier to see if you wanted to grab lunch before your classes, but you weren’t home.”

“I had lunch at Chipotle today. I ran into that girl I was telling you about.”

Trey pulls into the parking lot near the field we practice on. “The petite brunette?”

I nod as I climb out. We grab our bags from the backseat. “Since I saw her at Slugger’s, I’ve seen her everywhere. There’s just something about her.”

He looks at me with wide-eyes. “Oh my God, I never thought I’d see the day that Chance Bateman would be smitten.” Trey laughs as I shove him away from me.

“Shut the fuck up—I’m not smitten, and who the fuck says smitten? My problem is I haven’t gotten laid or even a fucking blow job since school started.” He drops it.

After practice, I opt to walk back to my apartment instead of catching a ride with Trey. I’m fucking exhausted, but instead of going home and napping, I need to study for a little bit.

I stick my earbuds in and start listening to Tool as I make my way across campus. There are women everywhere in tiny shirts and even smaller shorts—I love living in SoCal.

I throw out some chin lifts and smiles. Margot, a girl I fucked a couple of times last year, comes strutting toward me with her ample cleavage on display. She’s proud of the fact that her daddy paid for her new tits.

As she approaches, I pull my earbuds from my ears. “What’s up, darlin’?” I say as she wraps her arms around me. “Looking beautiful as always.”

“Hey, Chance. I’ve hardly seen you this year. I’ve missed you.” She drags her finger down my chest, and my dick perks up. “Come to my place tonight? My roommates are going out, so I’ll be all by my lonesome.”

This is just what I need, no strings—just sex, good sex. “I’ll be over at eight.”

Margot’s face lights up. She leans in to kiss my mouth, but I turn my head. That’s one thing I don’t do, kiss on the mouth. It’s too intimate and gives way to false promises. I don’t do relationships and never have. Of course, I won’t say that when I was younger I didn’t kiss lots of girls because I did, but the older I got I just quit doing it.

Oh they try to convince me to change my mind, but my mom says I’ve always been stubborn. You’d think having two parents who are still wildly in love would make me gung-ho to have that too, but I don’t want it.

I like the freedom of variety. I focus on Margot who is pouting. I brush her hair behind her ear, and the pout turns into a smile. “I’ll be waiting … naked.”

“I look forward to it, babe.” I run my hand down her arm and then squeeze her hand. “You might want to take a nap before I get there. You know … to rest up.” I give her my signature smirk before walking away.

It’s turning into a good fucking day.

Chapter Four

Laken

Ava’s soft breathing tickles my neck. I close my eyes and pull her more tightly to my chest. I’ve been missing her terribly since school started. Yes, maybe we FaceTime every night, but it isn’t the same.

I bury my nose in her hair and inhale her baby shampoo scented locks. I know I shouldn’t let her crawl into bed with me, but she’s a good cuddler. Sometimes I believe she deserves a better mother than me. I was sixteen when I got pregnant and had her, and I was so lost during that time.

No matter what I’ll never regret it though because I wouldn’t have Ava, and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She pushes me to do and be my absolute best.

Little pale blue eyes that are identical to mine pop open. “Mommy,” she whisper-shouts. “You’we hewe. I missed you so, so much.”

She was still up when I got home last night, but it makes me happy to hear those words from her. “I missed you too. What should we do today?”

“Swim?” I knew that was what she’d want to do, so I brought my suit. Ava’s my little water baby, and thankfully my parents have a pool.

“Should we see if Uncle Jay wants to swim too?” My brother is almost nineteen and the best uncle a girl could ask for. Ava has him wrapped around her finger.

Ava nods eagerly.

“Let’s get up, and I’ll make some breakfast.” After we both use the bathroom and brush our teeth, we head into the kitchen. With me home last night my parents

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