A few quiet chuckles resonate from different parts of the changing room. Aaron glances over at me, a frown crossing his face. Another player, Garratt, looks at me, he also seems concerned. I’m not a fighter, or naturally argumentative so I won’t say anything. There’s no point. You can’t teach the ignorant. Anyway, if I started an argument it would escalate quickly. Tarrant would get involved, and with his training in boxing, he could do some damage, or worse, he could go to prison. Nope. I turn my back on them and continue changing.
“You think he’s ever fucked a girl?” Den questions.
Solomon, our captain, and Casper walk into the changing room and straight past me. They both already have their gear on, which means they must have been on the field with Coach. I don’t let myself look at Casper. I don’t want him to see my pain, my anger, my truth.
“I bet he’s still a virgin in every sense of the word. Unless he’s had a little bumfuck,” Tim replies laughing again.
“Enough!” Solomon orders.
Immediately everyone is silent.
He doesn’t mention what’s been said, not once. “Listen up, this here is Casper Somerville, he’s the new Tight End. Get your asses up and out on the field.” He looks around at everyone as they stare back silently. “Now!” he shouts, and there’s a rush of commotion as the changing room empties out.
Solomon turns to me. “You okay, Reigns?” he asks. I look past him at Casper, who’s staring at the floor.
I shrug. “Nothing I haven’t heard before.”
He grabs my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “You need me to do anything just let me know. I never know whether to call them out or not.” He links his hands together, entwining the fingers, and places them on top of his head. “I’m never sure if that would make it worse for you?”
I give him a half grin—it’s all I can manage right now. “Don’t worry. I know you have my back, Sol,” I reply nonchalantly.
Solomon walks toward the exit. “You coming?” he asks Casper, who nods and jogs forward. As he passes he looks at me, his eyes are filled with… interest.
Well, that’s a new one. I smile to myself as I lace up my boots before heading out.
Everyone seems confused when I run on the field grinning.
There’s a buzz around school the next day. Part stupid, part smart, the student population don’t seem to feature in the gray area between. I keep my head down for most of the day, avoiding everyone and focusing on our game tomorrow. Once football practice is over, I take a quick shower and rush trying to dress so I can get to my truck, Betty. I want to take a run, it’s what I often do the night before a game, draining myself of energy and nervousness. It’s the only way I can be sure to have a full night’s sleep.
“Caden.” My eyes close as my body grinds to a halt, and I hear the footsteps approaching my back.
“Hey, Casper,” I reply, opening my eyes as he comes into view. I want to see him, I do, but the last thing I need is for him to be in my headspace when I’m trying to rid myself of nerves. He’s a walking, talking temptation. One who is either emotionally unavailable… or clueless.
“You going already? Thought you’d be coming to the party tonight,” he questions, rubbing the back of his wet head. A few splashes of water sprinkle the tip of my nose and my mouth. I lick my lips and his breath hitches while his eyes follow the movement.
“I don’t usually go to the pre-game party, only the post-game one,” I lie. His eyes are still on my mouth. He coughs, and the muscle in his cheek jumps as his gaze falls to the floor. “You want me to come?” My voice is hoarse, my throat constricting the air to my lungs, at the same time my heart seems to constrict the blood pumping through my veins.
Casper digs his hands into his pockets, his shoulders hunch forward, and he gives me half a shrug. “I guess. I mean you could help me land Talia Chapman.”
I snort out my disgust. “You know she’s been with half the team?”
His cheeks pink slightly. “Yeah, well…” He doesn’t offer anymore.
I sigh. “Sure, come on...” My reply tastes ugly in my mouth. I no more want him to go and hook up with Talia than I want to visit with my dad. I know though—as his eyes meet mine and he smiles—that he doesn’t want her. He doesn’t want any of them. I’m not sure if this is a game to him, or if his fear is winning out, but if he thinks he can play me, he’s barking up the wrong tree. “Let’s go,” I tell him confidently, not allowing another word from his mouth as I march to my truck.
This was a mistake. Casper is talking to Talia, whispering in her ear, and she’s laughing in response to something he’s said. I need to get out of here, but I can’t seem to get my body to agree with my mind. The pre-game party is held at a bar and not the football frat house, so that gives me more opportunity to slip away.
“You look bored.” The deep voice sweeps behind my right ear, and I turn away from the Casper and Talia show to acknowledge the face connected to the words. I’m met with a slightly tan, blonder version of James Franco. Blonde’s not usually my type, but damn he’s hot.
“Do I?” He doesn’t miss the teasing edge to my voice, and his lips curve up, rewarding me
