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I found a note from Emma on the counter later that night. It was a thank you for helping her out. It sounded like it had been written by a casual friend who I put up for a few nights. This wasn’t what she would have said to me before I ended things with her and I read the words over and over. I’d already written her a note, apologizing for what I’d done. I said that I missed her and needed to talk to her. That envelope was in the same bag as the wine and chocolates and I hoped she contacted me.
I’d always lived for football. Always. Girls were just a bonus and there were plenty who came along with the sport. I’d sleep with them, usually just the once, and move on. I was always looking forward to the upcoming game and my future.
A few of them claimed to have fallen for me, but I didn’t believe them. I also didn’t care because nothing was going to get in the way of my goals.
I thought I met my goals when the Trojans signed me. I struck gold with the deal, still being close to my family and friends back home. They could come and see me play every so often and even if I wasn’t a starter, I was still part of the team. I made it. I just wanted more now and had new goals.
I returned home and watched some ESPN as I listened for my phone. I swore that I’d never be this guy. Girls didn’t matter like football did and it was easy for me to see that before now.
Emma shifted my whole world the moment she moved in. Once I gave into my feelings and attraction and kissed her, it was all over. I knew that I didn’t want any other woman from that point on and I was going to win her back.
I woke up in the morning on the couch. The phone had been quiet all night, and I rubbed my eyes. I was due at the gym and stood on shaky legs, feeling the muscles pull in my back from the way I slept.
“Fuck,” I muttered as I went back to change into some workout clothes. I needed to see the trainer and get my back worked on before this turned into a week or more of pain. I headed out of the apartment and drove to the gym where I met up with the guys, downing some water in the car before I walked inside.
Nick looked at me curiously as I walked in. I shook my head and he gave me an understanding look. I tried, and I wasn’t done yet, not by a long shot. We worked out, talking casually through the room before I headed back to the trainer to get her to work on my sore muscle. Being a player got me certain perks and Tabatha smiled as I tapped on her door.
“Hey, you. Great game this last weekend. What can I do for you?”
“I slept on my back wrong last night. I’ll buy you a coffee if you check it out for me.” I winked playfully as Tab hurried over, telling me to get on the table.
“You don’t have to do that.”
I felt her pushing on the spot I described, letting out a grunt as she pushed down slightly. “You slept horrible. Do you have a couch of nails or something?”
“My couch is fine. It’s just not meant to sleep on, but I fell asleep watching something,” I defended myself and she laughed and started to rub my back. It felt great, and I closed my eyes as she eased the stiff muscle for me, thinking about Emma.
There was a time when I flirted with Tab. She was pretty with dark eyes and hair. Now I wasn’t even tempted, and I reminded myself I was both stupid and cursed. There was a good chance that I’d never get Emma back.
I left feeling much better and headed out to my car. I noticed that some of the guys were chatting by the cars and I paused as Joe’s voice carried over to me.
“They don’t have a two-bedroom place yet, but they are having a party this coming weekend. It’s after the game. I’m going to be there and tap that ass since she seems to be single.”
Joe grinned at someone before his eyes flicked over to me, nodding his head.
“How did it go with Tabatha?”
“She was checking something for me. What’s this about a party?” I asked as Nick walked over to us.
“It seems that Emma is staying with Bella. They’re having some people over,” he said.
I realized nobody knew that we’d once shared an apartment. Since I wanted to avoid her being the subject of any gossip, I sure as fuck wasn’t going to mention that now. I felt something feral inside as I looked at Joe, hating the idea of any of these guys at Bella’s place.
