“Because when it comes to sex, there’s a double standard for men and women. One that’s thriving if your moronic teammates are any indication.”
“Trust me.” I scan the area, confirming the guys have gone back to their workouts. It’s not the first time something like that’s happened in the weight room. Hell, it’s practically commonplace. “They aren’t judging you. Believe it or not, some of us find empowered women sexy as hell.”
“Forget it.” She shakes her head, as if casting off the entire conversation. “I wouldn’t expectyouto understand.”
A familiar burn sparks in my chest. “Why? Because I’m just a dumb football player?”
Stupid. Idiot. Slow.
Each word cuts like a blade, vicious echoes from my childhood that never seem to fade.
“That’s not what I said.” Sutton shrugs. “But if the cleat fits…”
Fury claws its way up my throat and I clench my fists at my sides, the familiar feeling of beingless thansettling in my gut like a stone.
No. I’m not going there. Not today.
Fuck her assumptions. And fuck the played out, dumb jock narrative.
That’s what you get for trying to play peacemaker.
I don’t know why Sutton has beef with me, but I’m over it.
“You know what? You were right.” I flex my fingers and back away. “I’ll stay out of your way as long as you stay the hell out of mine.” I turn to go, but catch myself, unable to resist throwing out a parting shot. “And the next time you want to listen to your pornalicious books, use your earbuds so it doesn’t distract the football team. Some of us have national titles to win.”
7
SUTTON
Parker turnson his heel and swaggers across the gym, broad shoulders emphasized by the sleeveless tee he probably wore just to show off his stupid biceps. Biceps that really aren’t that impressive. Lots of guys have biceps the size of my thigh.
Nice guys. Guys who treat women with respect. Guys who remember names.
Guys who don’t ghost.
He bends to pick up something on the floor, and my stomach flips.
Parker might be a jerk, but you can’t deny he’s got a nice ass.
No. Heisan ass. Big difference. Huge.Because no way am I attracted to that pendejo.
Heat floods my core and I silently curse my stupid body. It may be capable of amazing things, but it’s also a traitorous little asshole. That’s the only explanation for the fact that, after everything he’s done, DJ Parker can still ignite a flare of desire deep within me.
Which is bullshit. Because this morning—despite its humiliating start—has taught me a valuable lesson:don’t get mad, get even.
8
PARKER
Vaughnand I roll into the locker room with just enough time to dress and hit the field.
I’ve always been a night owl, and morning practices are rough, but it’s the last week of training camp, so at least that’s something. Even better, Sutton and I haven’t crossed paths for an entire week. It’s a fucking miracle, but I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Not when classes start next week.
I’ve got enough on my plate without worrying about the she-devil.
Tell it to your cock.
