Before I could debate the pros and cons of kissing her right now, she stepped back, the curl slipping out of my fingers and successfully breaking the connection between us.
I straightened to my full height, both disappointed and thankful that we hadn't kissed. Being this close to her messed with my head.
I didn't like having to admit it, but Slate being a chaperone during the upcoming interview with Scarlet was sounding like a smart idea. This girl affected me in ways that meant I couldn't trust myself to be alone with her. I couldn't risk my future, my family's future, or my teammates' futures.
"Who you spend your time with is none of my business," she said, looking down at her feet, finally breaking our silence. She pushed her shoulders back and looked me in the eyes, a distant look filling her expression. "Um, actually the real reason I came to talk to you tonight was to see when would be a good time to do your interview for the next edition ofThe Wolf's Print."
So she hadn't come over to me to flaunt how I'd said her name while I was with a different girl. A part of me had been excited that she had. I should have guessed it was for the interview.
"Does Monday work?" I asked. "I have classes in the morning and then football practice in the afternoon. We could meet between those or after practice, if you're available."
"Yeah, either of those times work." She pulled her phone out from behind her back. "I can text you my number so we can finalize where to meet."
Last year we'd never exchanged numbers, and as I gave her my number and watched her type it into her phone, I thought about how Scarlet's number was going to be in my phone, always just a few clicks away. I'd have to stop myself from grabbing my phone, trying to come up with some reason to text her.
Gosh, I needed some serious help. It was just a phone number, for crying out loud.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, signaling that she'd texted me. Pulling out my phone I looked at the screen, and there was no stopping the smile on my face at seeing her number and name.
Scarlet:This is Scarlet. Don't even think about using this number for anything else but to text me when and where to meet you.
I tried not to laugh at what her text could imply and what it would sound like if someone else read it.
I started to write out my response, but another text came through before I could finish.
Scarlet:For the interview. NOT for a booty call.
I laughed. "I'm glad you clarified that." I took a step toward her and erased the space she'd put between us. Bending down I said quietly in her ear, "Because I was about to tell you now and at my place."
It was the truth. I did want her. More than I ever had. But I also knew telling her that would have her pushing me away, which was what I needed. What we both needed.
A ripple of shock went through me when her arms went up and around my neck, pulling me closer so she could talk in my ear. Her voice came out sensual and breathy when she said, "Text me your address and I'll meet you there."
Who knew that such a simple sentence could have a guy panting and ready to go?
I pulled back to look at her. "Really?"
Biting her lip she gives me a nod.
I quickly typed out my address and texted it to her. This was definitely not a good idea, but I couldn't seem to get my brain to figure that out. Another part of my body was calling the shots, too lost in the idea of being with Scarlet.
Alone.
In my apartment.
Yeah, I could think about how stupid this was later.
Running her hand down my arm she said, "See you soon." With that, she turned around and started to walk away, but before she got too far she looked back and said, "Oh, and hurry up before I change my mind."
Her words had me patting my pockets to find my keys, and when I felt them in my right pocket, I quickly pulled them out. Looking back to where Scarlet had been, I'd already lost her in the crowd.
I weaved through the swarm of people, working my way out to my car, thankful now that I'd only had that half a cup of flat beer and hadn't drunk the vodka I'd poured for myself.
Arriving at my apartment in record speed, I hurried to straighten up the place then swished in some mouthwash. I was grateful I had an apartment to myself and didn't have to worry about roommates being around.
My uncle owned a few apartment buildings and happened to own one near Waterford. He had been willing to let me stay here rent free so I could focus on school and football. He knew my parents didn't have the money to get me my own place, and he didn't want his nephew having to live in the dorms. He joked that all I had to do to repay him was to thank him on TV when I made it to the NFL.
I sat on my couch and took deep breaths, trying to slow my heartbeat from both the running around my apartmentandof the thought that Scarlet would be here any minute.
