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“Don’t worry about any of that. You’ll meet two of them tomorrow.”
Just hearing that kicked my nerves into gear. “Did you tell them about me?” I could only imagine him saying that theguyhe had to mentor was a woman who knew little to nothing about football.
A smirk graced his handsome face. “No, I figured they should be as surprised as I was.”
My eyebrows tugged together.What did he mean by that?He must have noticed my expression, because he went on to explain: “They’re cool. Plus, Lucas is bringing his girlfriend, Harley, and his sister Cami. Sophie will be there too. She’s Harley’s best friend, and we’ve grown close. You may have heard of the guys, or maybe not.”
He must have forgotten that Reese had given me a book to read. “Lucas Donovan, cornerback. Has led the league with the most interceptions two years in a row, holds the team record for the fastest forty-yard-dash time, and was drafted to Portland before coming to Virginia. You two played college ball together. Mack Mahoney, running back, had a career-high rushing season last year with over sixteen hundred rushing yards. He was also drafted to Virginia out of college.” Collin stared at me. “I studied on the plane, remember? Plus, Sally has mentioned Lucas before.”
He grumbled, and I wanted to laugh. “They’ll be impressed with your knowledge of stats. It’s very Reese Archer–like. That woman knows the game inside and out.”
“I’m very un-Reese-like. If it can be taught, I can learn it… generally speaking. It’s not like I’d be able to be the quarterback. Heck, I’m lucky if I land the starting kicker position. From what I read about Reese, she lives and breathes this sport.”
“Yes, it’s in her blood. But, look, from what I saw, you can do it. As far as the game goes, I’m assigned to help you. You’ll get a playbook to study, and once you understand what’s happening on the field, I have a feeling you’ll be able to grasp the game. Lucas and Mack will have your back too.”
I wanted to ask him if he had an issue with me, but instead I gave him my best smile. “Sounds great. It’ll be nice to meet them off the field.” Collin nodded. “Now, back to the rules: Was there anything else?”
“Yeah. You don’t need to cook unless you want to. I keep a strict diet during the season and a few weeks before. I get up and run five miles around six a.m. every day. If you’re a runner and would like to join me, that’s fine. I have a gym in the basement that you’re more than welcome to use.”
“Thanks. I do enjoy running. I also practice yoga. It clears my mind. Much like dancing did when I was younger.”
“I remember that. Well, not that it cleared your mind, but that you and Sally took ballet. She’d come home and say how good you were at it. Is there anything you don’t do well?”
A bit stunned by that question, I reared my head back. “Yes, there are plenty of things that I don’t do well. But rather than talk about my shortcomings, and even though you told me not to, I want to thank you once again. As soon as everything is finalized with the team, I’ll get my own place or just leave. Either way, I won’t be in your hair for long.”
On their own volition, my fingers twitched, wondering how his surfer-style strands would feel between them. If I had to guess, they’d be soft like silk. Pulling me from my thoughts and before Collin could say anything, Gail appeared with our burgers. She set the plate down and then the check, which I quickly snatched from the table.
“What are you doing?”
“This is my treat. It’s the least I can do. Please don’t get all chivalrous on me. I want to buy you lunch.”
“It’s not necessary, but thank you.”
Happy that he didn’t go all caveman on me, I smiled, lifted my burger, and enjoyed lunch with my ridiculously good-looking and increasingly less-cranky roommate.
Chapter 7
Collin
Morning came quicker than I would have liked. When we got home after the diner, Charlie went upstairs to unpack and ended up taking a long nap. Normally on a Friday night, I’d go out to McNulty’s for a drink and maybe a hookup. Except the thought of bringing someone home, knowing Charlie was there, didn’t sit well with me—this was going to be a long season. I wasn’t a complete man-whore, but I did enjoy the company of a woman… or two. Most of the times it wasn’t at my home for fear of a stalker knowing my address, but there were those times that it did happen with women I had anunderstandingwith.
The sun was barely up when I headed downstairs to find Charlie standing in my family room. Well, I couldn’t actually call what she was doing standing, because her left leg may have been planted on the floor, but her right foot was somehow straight above her head. It was as though she were doing a split standing up. Just the sight of it made my groin ache… for more reasons than one.
She turned her head and spotted me. “Good morning.” Charlie lowered her right foot and gave her legs a shake. “Just stretching. Are you still going for a run?”
“Yes. How long have you been awake?”
“A couple of hours. I went to bed way too early last night. I don’t remember the last time I slept over nine hours. Actually, I’m not sure I ever have.” She laughed and ran her hands down her legging-clad thighs. “It’s important to warm up muscles before a workout. Did you stretch? It’s very beneficial for your range of motion. It also will help prevent injuries. Do you know a person is more susceptible to injury if not stretched properly?” When I stared at her, she added, “Never mind. Sorry, I get carried away. You’re a professional athlete. Who am I to tell you what to do?”
“It’s all good. I appreciate you looking out for me. I stretched in my room, but not like what you were just doing.”
Charlie laughed. “Yes, well, that’s my yoga and dance coming into play. We can do some stretches when we get back. If you want to, that is. Forget it. You don’t need to. It’s just that I studied kinesiology.” When I looked at her, she added, “It’s the study of anatomy, various principles that apply to the way a body moves, physiology…” She looked up at me. “Disregard me. I’m going to shut up now. I get very excited when I talk about it.” She hitched her thumb toward herself. “Nerd, remember.”
She was anything but a nerd. I smiled. “Relax, Charlie. It’s fine. You should be proud of your studies. Are you ready to head out, or do you need more time?”
“Nope, I’m good.” She tapped her watch. “Getting my app ready.”
Nodding, I walked with her out of my house. “Five miles okay with you?”
