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Thirty minutes later, I’m making my way down the stairs to hear the guys and Tessa in the kitchen.
“There she is,” Levi calls out.
I wince at his loud voice. “I’m right here,” I tell him.
He grins and comes to me, throwing his arm over my shoulders. “How you feeling, slugger?”
“Like death.”
“Here.” Cooper hands me a plate with a plain bagel with cinnamon cream cheese icing.
My favorite. Both of them. “Thanks, Coop.”
“He made a special trip,” Tessa speaks up.
I look over at her, then my eyes slide to Cooper. “Thank you.”
He nods.
“So, Reese, we were thinking about having another party tonight.” Hank grins as he says the words, unable to keep a straight face.
“You do that. I’ll be at my apartment, curled up on the couch, far, far away from the alcohol. I can’t believe I drank that much.”
“If it makes you feel any better, I feel just as bad as you do,” Tessa adds.
“It was good to see the two of you let loose for once,” Nixon says, kissing her on the cheek.
“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it. I hate feeling like ass,” I mutter.
“You and me both,” Tessa agrees.
“For real, though, what’s going on tonight?” Hank asks.
“I have a date.” Trey’s wink is exaggerated.
“Oh, yeah? Who with?” Dustin asks him.
“Cute little co-ed that was here last night.”
“Nice.” Dustin holds his fist out for a bump, and Trey knocks his fist in reply.
“I’ve got nothing,” Levi announces.
“There’s a party over at that baseball house. You in?” Hank asks.
“Sure.” Levi shrugs.
“Me too,” Dustin tells them.
“You know, if Coach catches you partying a week before the big game, you’re toast, right?” Nixon asks them.
“Who says we’re drinking? I’m just going for the ladies.” Dustin smirks.
“What about you guys?” Hank asks Nixon.
“No. We’re just going to lay low,” Nixon says, pulling Tessa close to his side.
“Reeves?” Hank looks over at Cooper.
“Nah, I’m going to stay in and take care of this one.” He points toward me. “Her mom and mine would have my ass if I didn’t.”
“I don’t need a sitter. You can go. I won’t be drinking again for a long time. A very, very long time,” I say, popping the last bite of my bagel into my mouth.
“Nah, I’m good. I’m not willing to risk the wrath of Coach. One night is enough for me.”
“Pussy,” Hank taunts.
“I’ll remember that when Coach lays into your ass.” Cooper points at Hank.
“Nah, I’m not going to get into any trouble, unless you know, it’s the sexual kind.” He gyrates his hips, and I can’t help but laugh at him.
“Well, don’t be bringing said ladies back here. We don’t want to spend our night listening to you and your harem,” Nixon tells him.
“Hey.” Hank holds his hands out at his sides. “I can’t help that the ladies love Hank the Tank.”
“Oh, God.” Tessa rolls her eyes. “You’re calling yourself that now?”
Hank is a defensive lineman for the CU Tigers. The nickname actually suits him. At six foot seven, he stands tall over the rest of the guys in the house, and most of the guys on the football team. He’s wide, so wide in fact, that Tessa and I both can stand in front of him, and there are still inches to go. Inches. I know this because we’ve tried it on multiple occasions. He’s that big. However, he’s not mean. Not like you might think with a nickname like Hank the Tank. It’s merely just from his size and his actions on the football field. Off the field, he’s a giant teddy bear and a huge flirt.
All three of them, which excludes Nixon and Cooper, are huge flirts. I used to think it was to make Cooper jealous, but as time went on, his threats to kill them for touching me wore off, and they still continue to flirt with me. Just another reminder that he doesn’t see me that way. He was just being a good best friend, kind of like a brother, and looking out for me. They know that if any of them were to ever hurt me, he would kill them. Okay, maybe kill is too strong of a word, but he would certainly rough them up. Of that, I am certain.
“Well, if you change your mind, you know where we’ll be. I’m going back to bed for a few hours.” Hank stands and leaves the room.
“I’m hitting the gym. Levi?” Dustin asks.
“I’m with ya.” He downs the rest of his glass of milk and rinses it out before placing it in the sink.
“Look at that. My boy’s all grown up,” Tessa coos.
I chuckle. The guys always grumble about dishes and especially getting milk out of the bottom of the glass with their big hands. It’s taken us years to convince them that if they just take the time to rinse it out, that problem goes away.
