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I shrugged. “I’m not bothered. I’m just… well… I don’t know what I’m doing. I mean, I’m smart and understand the rules, but my guess would be that everyone else on the team has played football most of their lives. I have not.”
“Everything will be fine.”
“If you say so. What if they hate me?”
“They won’t hate you.”
“If you say so,” I repeated.
“I do. I think I’m going to go upstairs.” He reached his hands into the air and stretched. The bottom hem of his shirt rose above the waistband of his jeans. I couldn’t help but notice the area where his obliques met his transversus abdominis muscles. Once in anatomy class, they asked one of the jocks to come in and model for us. He had what is commonly referred to as an Adonis belt, just as Collin did. “Was there anything else?”
When I realized I had been ogling him, I smiled and changed the subject. “I know you’re tired of hearing this, but everything you’re doing means a lot to me. I realize you were taken by surprise in more ways than one. I also know that you weren’t looking forward to being a mentor.”
“How do you know that?”
“Sophie may have mentioned it.”
He once again raked his fingers through his hair, making my digits jealous and leaving him looking even sexier. Everything about Collin was sexy.
“Don’t be mad at her. We were just talking, that’s all.”
“I’m not. And yeah, I was caught off guard by you, but it’s all good. You’ll be a great addition to the team. I honestly believe that.”
My heart swelled, and before I knew what I was doing, I rolled onto the balls of my feet, placed my hands on his rounded shoulders, and went to kiss his cheek. Except a sudden shift of his head caused our lips to lock. The softness of them surprised me as much as the actual connection. A weird zip that I could only describe as trepidation coursed through my veins, causing tiny bumps to pepper my skin. Before lowering myself, I chanced a glance at him, and our eyes connected for a few beats.
All the saliva in my mouth dried, and my chest rose and fell as I did my best to speak. “Sorry, I just, um—”
Collin took a step toward me, and for a split second I thought he was going to kiss me again…reallykiss me. But that must have been my imagination running wild or the teenage girl who had kissed the back of her hand, pretending it was him, because he dismissed me by saying, “See you tomorrow, Charlie.”
“Right. Tomorrow.”
I pivoted, and as calmly as my feet would take me, I went upstairs. And as soon as I was safely behind the closed door of my bedroom, I let out a breath right before I dropped my head into my hands. Naturally, he wouldn’t have acknowledged that I kissed him. Collin would never think of me in that light. Bad enough I was cramping his style. Even Sophie thought I was a hookup.
Deciding I needed to clear my head if I wanted even a modicum of rest, I changed into my short pajama set. I unrolled my yoga mat, which I’d stashed under the bed, sat down, and proceeded to calm myself through a few stretches and breathing techniques ending in a child’s pose. Once I uttered “namaste,” I climbed into bed and closed my eyes, knowing full well I’d be dreaming about my roommate.
Chapter 9
Collin
This had to be a test. That was the only explanation. I wasn’t sure who the proctor was or why I’d been selected, but every fiber of my being reacted to that simple peck on the lips. I felt my muscles tighten and my heart slam against my ribs. My brain reminded me she was off-limits. Too bad the lower half of my body didn’t care about any of those reasons.
Charlie was different from other women. Aside from her knowing me when I was a cocky teenager, she was completely oblivious to the effect she had on men. Saturday night, I saw it in Mack’s eyes, and I knew that pre-Harley, Lucas would have had the same reaction. I’d bet money that the other guys would feel the same.
For the rest of the weekend, I busied myself, and thankfully Sophie had called Charlie on Sunday morning and invited her to brunch with the girls. They were out most of the day, and when she came home, she was exhausted. I saw her long enough to find out that she instantly clicked with the girls, especially Cami. It figured, since they were closer in age.
I also found out that she enjoyed shopping. Not only did she come in wearing a cute cap-style hat, but she also had a few large bags with her. Apparently Sophie and Cami wanted to go out with Charlie to celebrate her being on the team, and she wanted something fun to wear. However, with the amount of bags she had, it would make me believe she had enough to go out more than once or twice.
“I’m glad you had fun.”
“So much fun. The only thing that would have made it better is if Sally were here.”
“I’m sure she’ll come for a visit soon.”
“Yes, that was what she had told me. Unless something came up with her job.” Charlie yawned. “I’m going to go take a bath and head to bed. Tomorrow is a big day.”
“First practice.” She nodded. “I’m going to get some sleep as well. Good night, Charlie. Glad you had fun.”
“Thanks.” Charlie headed toward the stairs, but before her foot hit the first one, she pivoted and looked at me. “Did you have a good day today?”
