I feel dumb as fuck standing in the doorway like this, but it also doesn’t feel right to just walk into her apartment.
She reaches into a brown paper bag and pulls out a giant chocolate chip cookie, taking a bite and tossing her head back, clearly enjoying the flavor.
Cookies at ten in the morning, huh? Who am I to judge?
I clear my throat, working up the courage to find any way I can to stay near her. “Can I come in?”
She stares at me, cookie in one hand and the other propped on her hip.
I almost repeat myself based on the amount of time that’s passed, but I give her my most charming smile instead.
Demi finishes off the cookie and wipes the corners of her mouth with her thumb and index finger before licking them, and I’ve never been into food play before but fuck, that was hot.
“No,” she says, smiling as she does.
My shoulders pull back a bit and I almost choke on a laugh as I nod. Honestly, it’s even hotter that she said no.
“Smart,” I say. “No boys allowed.”
“Have a good day, Twelve.” She turns around without a second glance and goes back to her box—or boxes—of books.
“You too, Dem,” I say, palming the doorframe just before I leave.
I guess no better time than the present to go for a quick run. Burn off some of thisenergyI’ve developed in the last ten minutes. Demi being my neighbor is fucking awesome…but, man, is it going to test my willpower.
I haven’t seen Demi in two days. I thought living next to her would increase the time I see her, not the opposite. But her schedule at training camp hasn’t involved me since a lot of her interviews are already wrapped up and we’ve been busy prepping for preseason.
“Morning, you beautiful gentlemen.” I tip my hat to Ford and Nate as I pull up beside them on the golf cart.
We’re participating in the Par for the Course charity today. It’s a big golf tournament that helps benefit the children’shospital in the area—athletes from all Florida sports teams come together for this one.
“Did you know the temperature is supposed to feel like 107 today?” Ford jabs both hands into his hips like a pouting child.
“Cry me a river.” I get out of the golf cart and walk over to see who else is here at the check-in tent.
“West is here,” Nate says, motioning up the hill.
“Is he?” I’m eager to see West Hendricks. He’s on Tampa’s baseball team—he and I work out together whenever we’re able to. His sister is a professional volleyball player, and I always love giving him shit about his little sister being more talented than him. “I’m going to go say hi to him real quick. I’ll be right back.”
I toss Nate the keys to the golf cart as I head toward the tent, passing crowds of people as I do. To my disdain, when I see West, he’s talking to the one guy I want to punch more than anyone else.
Brandon Nells stands tall, towering over basically every other person here today.
“Hey, Evans!” West shouts, slapping my hand and pulling my shoulder for a hug.
“How’s it going, man?”
“Hey, I’m just happy to be here. How’s it looking this season?”
Brandon doesn’t say anything to me but doesn’t completely ignore my presence as I notice his body straighten in an effort to appear bigger—a gesture he doesn’t need to make.You’re a fucking giant, no comparison needed, man.
“We’ll see, we’ll see. So far things are looking great. It’s been a fun camp so far.”
Brandon scoffs under his breath, but he should know nothing he does goes unnoticed when you take up that much space.
“What’s up, Nells?” I finally say, taking a step in his direction.
His size doesn’t intimidate me. It never has. But he doesn’t stick around for conversation.
