I tensed but knew what game to play. Our Coach taught us the importance of public image but not ruining a future before you had one. Callum flirted a little too much and too often, but I wasn’t judging. He had more charisma in one hand than I did in my entire body. He took the lead, same as Dean, and let Oliver and me ride the coattails. I preferred it that way honestly.
He spoke with the fans, taking selfies as I went along with it. I attracted fans too and put up with the hugs and smiles, but it wasn’t the part I was excited about when I thought about being in the NFL. I was financially motivated but also wanted to give back. I had so many coaches take the time to get to know me beyond the dumbass punk with attitude. I hated everything in my teenage years, trying to figure out the world. Coaches molded me, gave me a chance when they could’ve let me suffer and fall through the cracks. Without them, I had no idea where I’d be. Certainly not at Central State, playing football with a future in the NFL.
The thought of starting a nonprofit to help other kids who might not have the money or family support would be a dream come true. The sexy women who were always game for a one-night stand was an added bonus too. They were uncomplicated and didn’t require more than an hour of my attention.
So again, why am I out on a Monday?
Callum and the girls talked about our next home game, and Lorelei’s figure was a block away already. Damn. This could be my chance to talk to her alone. I slid away from the girl nearest me and jogged up to Lorelei, her florally scent so damn delicious I forced myself not to inhale. “Wait a sec.”
She turned, and her brows about disappeared into her hairline. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry.”
She blinked, licked her bottom lip and nodded. “Love an apology but for what, exactly?”
She continued walking, and I gently placed my fingers on her elbow, pulling her back. Even her skin was soft, and I had a hard time letting go. She sucked in a breath and crossed her arms over her chest. I waited for her to look at me, and when she did, the words I planned to say jumbled together. She was a knockout. The streetlights hit her face in a way that showcased her huge brown eyes, her birthmark under the left one, her full lips, and her rosy cheeks, and my stomach swooped.
While I knew I had to stay away from her because she could ruin me, I could be nice about it. I didn’t want to be the reason Lorelei Romano was nervous and uncomfortable in the house—and not just because she was Dean’s sister.
It was the right thing to do.
I held her gaze, speaking gently and with intention. “I don’t hate you, and I’m aware I’ve made you feel unwelcome. I don’t want that, and I’m sorry.”
She nodded. “You have.”
“I don’t have time for… “ I started, hating how it made me sound like an asshole. I could be better. “I excel with routine, and having you move into the house messed with that.”
“What about my ass offends you, exactly? You hook up with girls all the time.” She shrugged, but the tips of her cheeks pinkened.
Is she thinking about her walking in on me that day?
Damn.Focus.
“Those are one and done.”
“So what? You think I’m gonna try and seduce you and ruin your routine? That’s never going to happen. I amdonewith athletes. No more dating or sleeping with them. Plus, hello, Dean would kill me if I messed with the team vibe.” She rolled her eyes and laughed yet not with real humor. “I need a soft, quiet man who is feral in bed and doesn’t know what a sport is. Nerd in the streets, a freak in the sheets. A kind man without coordination.”
I frowned, her words causing my stomach to clench with unease. The thought of her and some guy with a calculator didn’t connect in my head. I asked before I could stop myself. “Because of Eric?”
“Ah, yes, that’s right, you little eavesdropper.” She poked my arm with her finger, laugh lines forming around her large eyes. “I guess it’s only fair. I walked in on you watching porn, and you listen to my conversation about my dirtbag ex.”
I cleared my throat, my skin heating.
“Don’t worry, Luca,” she said, her singsong voice filled with amusement. “I won’t tell anyone you’re into busty brunettes.”
Choking on my own saliva, I hit my chest as Callum joined us. He patted my back. “Dude, you all right?”
“Yeah, just talking about porn got him nervous.”
“Ha!” Callum cackled. “It’s amazing how he still gets bashful. The guy sleeps around.”
“And you…don’t?” she fired back.
“I mean, psh.” He rolled his eyes. “I’ve committed more to a girl than he ever has. He’s a one and done and never look at me again. A real heartbreaker. A real playa.”
“Okay, chill.” Lorelei shook her head, the two of them sharing a goofy look.
Their little banter annoyed me. Were they friends? Why were they so chummy and smiley at each other? Also—he painted me in bad light. It mattered, for some goddamn reason, what Lorelei thought of me.
