But then I met Mandy, and my heart started singing again.
Like me, she’s pre-law, and thankfully Lennox College is only ninety minutes from the Nolan U campus. We both grew up in Highlands Ranch, we both come from families of six, and we both work for our fathers—who both happen to be lawyers—when we’re home, filing papers and being general gofers.
It’s bonded us.
That and the fact that she’s fucking fire.
Damn, the things that woman has taught me in the bedroom… and the car… and the forest… and that one time in her shower. Holy fuck. I am so in love with that girl.
Our chemistry is off the charts.
In fact, I’m pretty sure she’s the one.
Sure, she’s sometimes a little wild and unpredictable, but that’s good for me, right? It’s good to have people in your life who challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone.
Man, I wish she was here.
“You comin’?” Adonis slaps me on the shoulder as he walks past with his overnight bag. HIs face is lit up like a fireworks display—wide-eyed and awe-filled.
Oh yeah, he’s never seen grandeur like this before. It’s pretty cool that Mac was willing to share the family lake house with all of us. It’s luxurious, and I’m looking forward to hanging out with my team.
We’ve only got another two years together, and I want to make the most of our time.
I’m smart enough to know that a future in the NBA isn’t exactly in the cards for me. We’re the Nolan U Cougars, came bottom of the table, and I’m pretty sure scouts stopped coming to our games before the season was even over. We don’t have the most dynamic coach in the world. In fact, he seems to be getting worse, and if we lose again this season, they’re going to fire his ass. I hope they don’t. He’s a really nice guy, laid-back, chill. We’re never under too much pressure, which means I’ve been able to throw a lot more energy into my pre-law degree.
Two more years at Nolan U, and then I’ll be heading off to law school, though I’m not sure where yet… Maybe I’ll find out where Mandy’s going and follow her.
The point is, I want to enjoy these last two seasons. I love playing basketball. When I was a kid, I’d dream about being the next Kobe Bryant. My father and I would watch it together, and I’d tell him all about how I was going to play for the NBA. But then I got to high school and realized I’d never be tall enough or talented enough to really make it. I still played my heart out and got onto the Nolan U team—that’s something to be proud of. Though everyone knows that while Nolan U basketball may be Division One, it’s not the school scouts pay much attention to.
“This place is even better on the inside. You’re gonna love it!” Enzo dances past me, and I grin, forcing my mind to the present and grabbing my bag.
“Hey, Benny-Boy.” Charli winks at me as she saunters past with her short little friend. I can’t remember her name, but I’ve seen her around.
“’Sup.” I lift my chin at Darian and Sawyer.
They grin at me but are too focused on the house to stop and have a conversation.
With a little snicker, I lock the car and head inside.
It’s seriously palatial, with a high ceiling, marble floors, and glass frickin’ everywhere. I’d hate to be the person who has to clean all of it.
Shaking my head, I walk toward the kitchen where everyone seems to be congregating.
“What time should I say?” Mac asks Darian, who shrugs.
“Six? May as well make it a full night.”
“A full night for what?” Cash asks.
Mac’s lip curls into a smirk. “For a party, man. Got to get us some hotties in here.”
“You already have hotties in here.” Charli folds her arms and gives him a pointed look.
“I mean hotties I can do shit with.” Mac laughs, still texting on his phone. “I’m smart enough not to go touching one of my teammate’s sisters. Plus, Sawyer’s like your fucking guard dog as well. I’d have to be fighting off two dickheads, and that’s too much trouble, even for me.”
Sawyer laughs. “Who you calling dickhead, fuck nugget?”
“I just say it like it is, man.” Mac’s smirk turns into a smile, but he doesn’t look up from his phone. “I’m inviting a whole bunch of people. We’ll light this place up.”
