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She stands rigid, about as excited to be here as I am. With her hands folded across her chest, the revealing halter neck top is vastly different from her sweatshirts I’m used to seeing her in. I’m unsure if she’s uncomfortable or cold. I offer her my team jacket.
“Hell no,” fake Betty seethes, pushing me away, “the players won’t look at her twice seeing her with your name plastered on her back.”
All the more reason to cover her up, I reckon. But then, most players aren’t as stupid as I am. They might look and appreciate her beauty but knowing who she is, they wouldn’t cross the line.
Over the past few months, I’ve tried to ignore Paris whenever I’ve seen her around, only exchanging polite conversation the times I visit her home for dinner.
“Bro, it’s party time and your hour starts now. Hurry up!” Wheeler sings out, taking the lead.
There’s no way I’m leaving while Paris is still here. Her poor choice in friends is one thing but it sounds like the bimbo calling the shots is using her for her connections to the team, and I don’t like it one bit.
Kennedy, Wheeler, Fletch, and Nate walk ahead with the other four girls, and I hang at the rear, happy when Paris drops back to walk with me. My gaze wanders over her. She looks different, older, maybe because she’s wearing makeup and has her hair down tonight.
“I didn’t think you attended these types of parties.” I rarely do either, but I’ve never heard of her being at any of them.
“These types?” She chuckles. “Like ones with boys?” she whispers sarcastically, her eyes wide and mocking me. Her cheekiness is cute and the way she clutches at my arm playfully as we walk, I wonder if she’s as innocent as she’s made out to be.
“Player parties.” I shrug, swallowing down my indecent thoughts. “Doesn’t seem like your style, that’s all.”
It’s her turn to shrug. “I can’t allow my father to dictate my life forever.”
I chuckle, though I sense a sadness in her words.
“I assume he doesn’t know you’re here?” Part of our orientation to the team is a photo of Paris and a stern warning. “Stay the fuck away from her or you’ll be cut from the team.”
“Fuck no,” she laughs, “and he’s never going to find out either,” she warns, digging a finger into my chest.
“Didn’t see a thing.” I smirk, remembering the view I copped a few minutes ago.
“Magik’s in the house!” Kennedy announces when we walk in. Fist bumps and bro hugs take my focus off Paris, and I lose sight of her as we make our way out the back.
“Here, get a Bud in ya.” Fletch winks, passing me a can. “What’s with you and the coach’s daughter? You looking to get pulled from the roster?”
“Don’t start,” I warn. “You bastards are the ones who dragged me along.”
He eyes me curiously. “Fine, but if you get messed up with that, you’re on your own when it comes to explaining to the coach.”
Laughter across the yard catches my attention. The hairs on my arms bristle as I lock eyes with Paris, standing between Chad the rookie, and Ryder, the running back. Both of their hungry pairs of eyes are devouring her body, ignoring her loud-mouthed friend.
Not on my watch, motherfuckers.
I stroll over and join the guys, intent on keeping tabs on Paris for the rest of the evening.
CHAPTER 2
Paris
Magik works the crowd, appeasing everyone but never entertaining any of the women flocking to his side, bidding for his undivided attention. Watching him across the yard, I’m glad I gave in to Bethany and tagged along tonight. Despite her only wanting me here to get her closer to the players.
Granted, if Veronica, my bestie wasn’t away at a family event right now, I never would have considered going out without her.
Bethany was pissed I ignored the opportunity to introduce her to Magik when we arrived. Though given his initial reaction to her and the way his face twisted up at her advance, I doubt he cared.
He’s one of five players she is yet to get her hands on. Bethany and I aren’t even close friends, but I know this because she’s disgustingly vocal about her conquests. If I’m honest, I’m using her as a buffer to create more of a social life, but she’s really not my type of girl to hang with.
The rookie, Chad, is one of the soon-to-be-talked-about hook-ups which is why she shoved me in the middle of him and Ryder.
A mediocre joke has the clueless sophomore transfer in hysterics. That’s when Magik glances our way and locks eyes with me.
