The two fries I was about to eat hover a few inches from my lips. "You don't need to apologize for him, Emery. Your friend is a real jerk when he wants to be, but that's not your fault."
My neighbor chews a mouthful enthusiastically before answering, "True, but still..."
I stuff my fries and swallow. "And don't worry about me, I'm a big girl."
Emery studies me carefully for a moment.
"I admit you know how to stand up to him," he finally acknowledges.
"I sense there's a 'but' coming?"
He takes a sip of soda before continuing, "But he can get creative with his bullshit, so watch out."
"Thanks for the warning."
I think about our exchange last night. I'd like to claim that Player has no effect on me, that he leaves me cold, but that's not the case. I wouldn't admit it for anything in the world, but there's something animal about him that attracts me. Maybe it's just for the game? At least, that's what I'm trying to convince myself.
"Where does his nickname come from? It is his nickname, right?"
The question slipped out on its own, and I regret showing interest in him, but it's too late to backtrack. Emery takes time to devour the rest of his sandwich before answering me. "You might think it comes from the fact that he plays on a football team..." OK, that was my first theory. "Actually, he earned that nickname because he knows how to play women, if you know what I mean."
"So that's it? He's called 'Player' because he's a ladies' man?"
Emery shakes her head, almost saddened. "Oh no, it goes much further than that. He knows how to seduce any woman. None of them can resist him."
I furrow my brows, skeptical. Emery notices and adds, "I promise you, Dixie. When he sets his mind on something, nothing can deter him, and he always gets what he wants."
My curiosity is too strong, and I can't help asking the question that's been on my mind since I met them. "But what's his real first name?" I ask, and Emery stares at me. I can read the hesitation on his face. "Don't tell me it's taboo and nobody's allowed to say his name? Like, Voldemort or something?"
Emery bursts out laughing. When he regains his composure, he leans in toward me to declare confidentially:
"No, not at all! Actually, his name is..."
8
PLAYER
Emery and Alabamaare having a late dinner together, and seeing them so friendly with each other is getting on my nerves. I approach their table and sit down without warning. I could swear Alabama jumps. Satisfied with my surprise effect, I don't hide a little smirk.
"Speak of the devil!" Emery exclaims.
Alabama avoids looking at me while I take great pleasure in staring at her. Her cheeks have taken on a slightly rosy tint, her hair cascades around her face, and she's wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the college logo. I almost miss the little tank top she wore last night that revealed her chest.
"What were you saying about me?" I ask before biting into the sandwich I just bought. Fuck it, I can use the calories today myself.
As if she'd been waiting for this moment to react, Alabama raises her eyes to me. "That you're a real jerk."
I nearly choke on my bite, and take a sip of water to wash it down. Next to me, Emery laughs without any discretion. "You'll pay for each of your provocations, Alabama."
My words don't throw her off, she returns my gaze without blinking. I could get angry that she hasn't cracked already, butactually, I find it stimulating. Alabama represents a challenge that amuses me.
"Well, I can't wait to see that," she retorts in a tone that says exactly the opposite. She picks up a fry from her plate and puts it in her mouth, then licks her fingers afterward. My cock reacts in response, which irritates me. "Those fries will go straight to your hips."
Alabama looks at me, an unreadable expression on her face, before retorting, "Maybe that's the desired effect, you know, like Kim Kardashian?"
"I think you look hot just the way you are," Emery interjects. I shoot him a dark look to shut him up. My friend gets up and retreats. “Ahhh, I just saw Thomas, and I wanted to tell him something."
He leaves the table, leaving me face to face with Alabama, who stuffs more fries into her mouth while maintaining eye contact with me. She swallows before declaring, "Anyway, I don't see how the size of my hips concerns you since you're not attracted to me."
