I don’t blame him. “I went through a similar phase when I broke up with my high school girlfriend after freshman year. Sophomore year was a wild year of hookups, so I don’t judge you for wanting to see what’s out there. Just one thing, please, man.”
“What’s that?”
I look him square in the eye. “Whatever you do, make sure to wrap it up. The only memory you want from this time in your life is some crazy trick you learned in bed and a boost to your confidence; not some disease or an unplanned pregnancy.”
Mack runs a wet hand over his face. “Dude. Don’t worry, I’m being safe. But thanks for making sure. You’re a good friend.”
“So,” Tucker insists. “Who’s the lucky lady? The same one you took home last night?”
“No, man. When I say one and done, I mean it. I’m looking for a good time right now. I’m not ready for an attachment so soon after Gen.”
I feel bad for him. “We all heard you tell her that loud and clear last night. I hope she got the message.”
He heaves a heavy sigh. “What do you think? She was blowing up my phone last night after the party while I was trying to get laid. I ended up blocking her.”
“Ooh, cold.” Tucker whistles.
“Not really.” Mack bites out. “We broke up a few weeks ago. We’ve been talking about it at length. We simply want different things, and I think she was with me for all the wrong reasons. Gen thinks she can manipulate me into getting back together and doing her bidding. But I’m not. For now, I just want to get through summer training, have a fucking spectacular senior year, and keep the rest light and fun.”
Tucker agrees. “I don’t blame you. And I’ve always thought you’re too cool for someone like Gen. She might be hot, but she gives off major mean girl energy. I don’t like the way she speaks to Talia, for example. Speaking of which, who’s tonight’s booty call? It isn’t my sister, is it?”
“Dude!” Mack gasps. “What the fuck? If you want to know, the only way is if you catch her going back to her room later. But I don’t kiss and tell. And I would never hook up with your baby sister. It’s fucking bro-code 101.”
I respect Mack’s code of honor. The only way I would have ever looked at Talia is if I had serious feelings for her.
Nash has been listening to our conversation in complete silence so far. His jaw has been ticking this entire time, and he hasn’t touched his burrito. So I’m surprised when he asks Mack a question, point blank.
“It isn’t Taryn, right? Your booty call, I mean.”
“Fuck, no,” Mack gasps. “What’s wrong with you, man? I just said that I don’t want anything serious. Tar-Tar is awesome. Way too awesome to just take one bite and move on. If I ever touched her, it would be because I want something long term.”
Our newest teammate doesn’t look convinced. “And you don’t? You two looked really friendly last night.”
“Not that it’s any of your business, Nash,” Mack’s tone is hard. “But, like we both said to Gen last night, we’re just friends. We really like and understand each other, but that’s all there is between us. I have a feeling Taryn is going to be my friend for a very long time. There’s no physical spark with her, though. Remember the other day when her top fell off during her solo? It was like looking at my sister’s tits.” He shudders.
There’s a beat of silence before Nash finally nods. “Ok, fine. Sorry. Then I guess I just owe a huge apology to Colsen and Tucker.”
Tucker and I exchange one look. We have been waiting for the right moment to talk to him, and it seems that it’s right now.
“Taryn was upset after the way Gen taunted her when we were playing truth or dare. And when I followed her to the bathroom,” Nash begins. “Things happened fast and… we had sex. But I swear I had no idea she was seeing the two of you. You never mentioned the name of the girl you met at the pier. Taryn told me she was with you only after. If I had known, I would have walked away before anything happened. I hate cheaters. You have to believe me.”
Tucker puts him out of his misery. “We know.”
“You do?” The look on Nash’s face is priceless.
“Yeah,” I confirm. “Taryn told us she was into you before the party. That you knew each other from college and she always liked you. And Tuck and I told her that if she wanted to explore her connection with you, we wouldn’t stand in her way.”
Nash looks confused. “So you two broke up with her?”
“Fuck, no.” Tucker snorts. “I actually asked her on a date. We’re going out tonight.”
“Huh.” Nash’s confusion increases with every word Tucker says. “What about you, Colsen?”
I shrug. “I really like her. I haven’t liked anyone this much, probably ever. And I’m not backing off, if that’s what you think.”
Nash looks from me to Tucker as if we were some alien life forms. “I don’t get it, guys. So you both want the same woman, not only you aren’t fighting between you two, you tell her that she can explore things with me? Whatever the fuck that means.”
“Look,” I try to explain. “Tuck is my best friend. I want him to be happy, and he wants the same for me. If Taryn had been attracted to just me or him, the other would have accepted it. But at this stage she likes us both. So we’re both getting to know her. That’s what dating is all about, right?”
