I laugh, still breathless from the orgasm wracking my body. “Take me away, Jacob,” I tease, reaching my arms toward him like a spoiled princess.
Jacob grins and strides into the room without hesitation. His arms slide under me, and with an easy strength, he lifts me up bridal style.
“Come on, baby,” he murmurs in my ear, his voice playful but laced with desire. “Let’s get you all cleaned up.”
I rest my head against his shoulder, utterly content and boneless, as he carries me toward the shower.
Chapter 33
Dylan
It’s been a week since Matthew and Woosley confronted the team and they conditioned the whole practice. Things have gotten better, but the apprehension of me on the team is still there. Everyone is being nice to my face, but I hear the occasional whisper of me not being able to keep up or that I’ll be the reason we lose this season.
I intend to prove them wrong. Which is why I’ve been training hard and leaving everything I have on the field with each practice. By the end of the first game, all those doubters will be eating their fucking words. But I also plan to kill them with kindness. So I’ve invited Avery and the team to the house tonight for a fire and drinks.
I head downstairs, ready for the night, and hope people actually show up. The music hums low through the outside speakers, filtering its way into the house; a mix of old-school R&B and new dance music that Ford put together last minute.
The doorbell rings just as I reach the landing. “I got it!” I call to whoever can hear me, although I think all three of my guys are out back already, but just in case.
When I open the door, there stands Avery, her red hair sleeked back with precision, every strand in place. A sharp wing of eyeliner cuts across her lids, giving her an edgy, cat-like glare.
Without missing a beat, she marches inside, hands on her hips like she owns the place. “Where are they?”
I raise an eyebrow, fighting a grin. “Who?”
“Your boys, obviously.” She sweeps the room with a quick, assessing glance. “I need to meet themimmediately.”
I laugh, pulling the door halfway shut behind her when someone calls from the walkway. “Hold up!”
I pause, pulling the door back open to see Henry, the lacrosse team captain, jogging up the walkway. A couple of other guys; Lance, Patrick, and Kevin follow close behind. Henry flashes me that familiar boyish grin as he stops at the porch, barely out of breath.
“Hey, Murphy. Thanks for the invite.”
“Hi.” I wave them inside with a small smile. “Come on in.”
They step past me and I guide them through the house toward the backyard, already hearing the fire crackling in the pit.
I gesture toward the back door. “The guys are already out back getting the fire going. There are drinks on the counter in the kitchen, and the bathroom is that way. Pizza will be here soon, and other than that, just have fun. Oh, and the upstairs is off-limits. Sorry.”
“No problem, man—uh, I mean girl—uh, I mean… Dylan,” Henry stammers, his face flushing slightly as he tries to backtrack.
I laugh, genuinely charmed by his effort. “Relax, Henry. It’s not that serious. I know what you meant, and ‘man’ is fine.”
Henry chuckles, looking relieved. “Thanks, Murphy. It’s just... new. I don’t want to screw it up. Some of the guys are jerks about this stuff, and I just don’t wanna be that guy.”
Avery snorts beside me, looping her arm through his. “Wow, a real man of the people.”
“Somebody’s gotta do it.” Henry winks, pulling his arm out of Avery’s and heading to the kitchen, his friends on his heels.
Avery hooks her arm with mine and smirks. “Now, let’s get some drinks. And let me meet these men you’ve apparently enchanted.”
I roll my eyes and head with Avery to the kitchen. I grab a Sun Cruiser from the cooler and hand one to Avery, despite her teasing request for something more exotic. Henry pops open a beer and clinks bottles with his teammates.
I crack open my drink and glance toward the backyard. Through the sliding glass door, I spot Matthew at the fire pit with Ford and Jacob. Matthew’s sitting on the edge of a folding chair, arms crossed over his chest, shoulders tight.He really didn’t want to be here.He thinks it’s inappropriate because he’s technically the coach now, but I batted my eyes and maybe pouted a little until he relented. He keeps trying to play by the rules even when the rest of us know college doesn’t work like that.
Henry takes a sip of his beer, watching me curiously. “So, Murphy. This is nice—good vibe so far.”
“Yeah, well.” I shrug and smile. “It’s all about setting the right tone. It’s not just a party; it’s team bonding.”
