She sashays her sweet hips down the porch steps, and I’m trapped in her snare again. My attention is riveted on her until I remember that fuckwad, Wes. It didn’t seem like he wanted to take no for an answer. I subtly scan the area, because I wouldn’t put it past that fucker to hide in the shadows.
It was Garrett—our wide receiver—who pointed out what was going down between Wes and Emily. As soon as I turned around and saw it washer, I wasted no time shoving my way through the crowd, ready to throttle the asshole. I usually don’t get involved in other people’s business, but one thing I can’t stand is when guys think they can push around a girl. Fucking drives me insane. And Wes has a rep around campus that isn’t pleasant. Can’t understand how girls fall at his feet the way they do, knowing the rumors, but some girls will deliberately turn a blind eye for the enhanced social standing. Can’t say I understand that mind-set, but it’s the way the world works around here.
Emily doesn’t have that mentality. She clearly didn’t want to go with him, and my instincts are working overtime trying to figure out what’s going on there.
I was semi-stoked when Zach stepped in. Not that I have a problem ramming my fist into Wes’s nose, but I can’t make a big scene. Coach would go ballistic if any of the guys on the team got into a fight, and at a frat party no less. But I wasn’t about to let Emily or her friend get hurt, and I was prepared to suffer the consequences, if it came down to it. Surely, Coach would understand since Emily is his daughter.
Several partygoers are hanging around outside as we walk away from the house. Chatter pierces the night air. A couple making out is panting like they’re two seconds away from stripping their clothes off and fucking right here on the front lawn, and two girls leaning against the far wall are giggling over something their guy friend is saying.
But none of them are Wes.
And I don’t spot the blonde he left with either, so hopefully that means they’re gone.
Emily is about ten feet ahead when she tosses a sexy smile over her shoulder. “You coming or what, big guy?”
I don’t think she’s being flirtatious on purpose, but I’m taking the wins where I can get them. Heat blossoms in my chest, and my legs kick into gear. I’m about to catch up to her when Carter shouts my name.
Shit. Emily has my brain on overdrive in more ways than one, because I forgot about Carter. I’m surprised he’s looking for me when he’s with the brunette. She’s the same girl he eye-fucked at practice and the same one who got escorted out by security, but she’s nowhere in sight now, so he obviously left her inside.
“You need a minute?” Emily asks.
“I won’t be long.”
“’Kay.” She takes her phone out of her purse and ambles down to the sidewalk.
My gaze lingers on her for a long minute and then I do another quick sweep of the area, to ensure it’s safe for her to stand by herself. We’re surrounded by frat houses with another party going on across the street, and I don’t spot any threats.
Carter settles in front of me. “I told you not to leave without me. What’s going on, man?” He peeks around me, shaking his head. “Leaving with Coach’s daughter is not a good idea.”
No shit, Sherlock.
“Did you know who she was when we were inside?”
“Nah, man. Rachel told me when we went to the bar. That’s one of the reasons I’m chasing your ass.”
I shove my fingers through my hair. “Well, did you know he had a daughter at Cypress?”
Carter pushes out a shoulder. “Coach only talks about football. His private life is off-limits. You know that, but the gossip mill is alive and well, and I’d heard rumors he had a daughter here.”
Private, I can understand. I still question why he doesn’t have pictures of his family in his office, as it’s usually the norm. I keep a picture of Mom and Phoebe on my desk in my dorm room.
“Interesting.” I lift my head, checking on Emily. She’s talking on her phone but looking up at me, and I can’t help smiling.
Carter shakes his head again, groaning. “You hardly go to parties, and when you do, you capture the attention of the hottest chick south of the Mason-Dixon line.”
I chuckle. “You’re jealous.”
He bites his lip. “Maybe. Or maybe I realize it’s a shitshow in the making, and I’m glad I’m nowhere near it.” He sends me a pointed look. “She’s as off-limits as they come, dude. Besides, the night is still young, and we’re celebrating our big win today.”
It was a fan-fucking-tastic win. The score came down to the last second when Garrett caught the ball in the end zone. That put a smile on Coach’s face and mine too. After that loss last weekend, we needed this win.
“I’m not feeling it. Sorry, dude.”
“Aw, c’mon.” He thumps me in the shoulder. “You can’t fuck off now. Bring Emily with. I’ll get Rachel, and Garrett is hooking up with a redhead.”
I blow out a breath. My body is saying hell yeah, but my brain isn’t. She and I need to talk. I don’t think she will go for it either. She squirmed out of my hold so darn fast when she realized I played for her old man.
“Don’t wait on me. Go and get laid.”
