In the bathroom, I splash cold water on my face, turning their hateful words over in my mind.
So what if Brady isn’t traditionally handsome? I like the way he looks, big and burly, like a human grizzly. And he’s got an incredible smile, one he shares freely with everyone he meets. He’s thoughtful, funny—even when he’s not trying to be—and laid-back. Which is a nice counterpoint to my stressed-out ass. Most importantly, he doesn’t play games.
With Brady, what you see really is what you get.
Any woman would be lucky to have him as a partner.
Because Brady will be a partner. He respects women, and he’d never try to silence or condescend. He’ll lift the woman in his life up, treating her like a goddess.
It just can’t be me.
The door swings open and Jenna slips in behind me, cheeks flushed.
“Ignore them,” she says, the words more command than suggestion. “They’re just jealous.”
What they are is shit humans, but Jenna needs to come to the realization on her own.
She’s a big girl and she can choose her own friends. The last thing I want to do is come off like a jealous asshole myself. I’m not that kind of person, one who needs every bit of her friend’s time and attention.
I grab a paper towel from the dispenser and dry my face.
“I know you don’t want to hear this, so it’s the last time I’ll bring it up, but I wish you’d stop fighting this thing between you.” I open my mouth to protest and she holds up a hand. “Brady will not stop coming to pole until you agree to go on a date with him. Have you thought about how you’re going to feel if he gets hurt in class?”
No. Why would I?
He’s a grown ass man and he can make his own life choices.
“I know you, Pipes. You can tell yourself it’s his choice, but if something happens, he could lose his scholarship and you’re going to feel responsible. Then you’re going to agonize over it, wondering if your stubbornness also cost the Wildcats their shot at a national title.” She sighs and gestures to the door. “You saw what the fans were like out there. They’re…passionate.” Yeah, if by passionate she means scarily obsessed. “Have you seen the things they’re saying online? About the woman they believe is responsible for the kicker breaking his leg?”
“No.” I throw my paper towel in the trash and level my gaze at her. “I don’t listen to gossip or read tabloid trash. If Brady wants to take unnecessary risks with his safety, that’s not on me.”
“Fair enough.” Jenna opens the door to let me pass by. “I’m just trying to look out for you.”
I appreciate it, I do. Jenna’s heart is in the right place, but I refuse to take responsibility for Brady’s actions, no matter how well-intentioned or flattering.
When we exit the bathroom, the atmosphere in the bar is subdued. The sounds of the game have been replaced with quiet rock and a number of the tables have cleared out.
What the hell?
I check the nearest tv and flinch when I see the final score.
Waverly’s new kicker missed the field goal, and the Wildcats lost by three.
It sucks, but it's not the end of the world. It’s like Brady said, it’s just a game.
Still, I can’t help wondering…How will I feel if something happens to him?
10
BRADY
“Watch your grip, Brady!”
At Mai’s instruction, I instinctively loosen my hold on the pole and crash knees first to the floor.
“Don’t quit your day job.” Piper grins down at me from her own pole where she’s dangling upside down, the long line of her body on full display.
Today she’s wearing a turquoise garter bra—yes, I know what a garter bra is, thanks to being the only dude in the class—and a pair of matching booty shorts that are cinched along the center of her deliciously round ass.
