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“We hooked up once,” I say. “We’re not actually dating.”
“Sure as hell seems like she thinks you are.”
“We’re pretending to date,” I amend. “In exchange for tutoring.”
He works his jaw. “Pretending.”
“Her ex... he won’t leave her alone. He’s a piece of shit who was threatening her.” I don’t mention he’s also on the team because that would just add in another complication. Another reason for my father to doubt my commitment, when in reality, I’m doing this because I’m as committed as ever. “I needed a tutor for the writing class, and she’s getting through to me in a way other tutors haven’t. She didn’t want money, but she said if I pretended to be her boyfriend in public, she’d help me out. It’s keeping her ex away from her.”
He grunts. “And then you slept with her.”
“Once.” I run my hand through my still-damp hair. “We’re friends, Dad. I asked her to the game because she’s my friend. And us hooking up has nothing to do with my game.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t like it.”
“Noted.” I turn to go because he’s starting to piss me off, but then he says my name. I turn back around.
There’s genuine concern in his eyes. That’s the thing about my father. He’s hard on me sometimes, but it always comes from a place of love. I’ve never doubted that. When the whole situation went down with Sara, he acted like my dad first and a coach second.
“I love you,” he says. “And I want the best for you. And a relationship is not the best thing for you right now.”
“I already said we’re not dating.”
“She’s wearing your jersey, son.”
“Hundreds of people in this stadium wore my jersey tonight. Maybe thousands.” Although he does have a point, even if he doesn’t realize it. Bex is wearing my jersey because I gave it to her. I went to the bookstore on campus and picked out the one I liked best, and then I wrapped it up like a present and left it at her door. It’s the one I wanted Darryl to see her in. The oneIwanted to see her in.
He sighs, rubbing at his jaw. “You said her ex was threatening her?”
“He’s an asshole.” I remember the way she flinched, the bruises on her wrists, and feel my stomach tighten. “But you don’t have to worry about me.”
He studies my face. I meet his eyes, even though part of me wants to look away. He must like what he sees in my expression, because eventually, he nods. “As long as you don’t let yourself get caught up in her.”
“I won’t. It was a one-time thing.”
“Good.” He pulls me into a hug, slapping my back so hard it stings.
I might have convinced him, but in my heart, I’m not so sure I’m going to be able to keep this casual.
***
Later, back on McKee’s campus, Sebastian stops his car in front of one of the many beautiful old brick buildings. He glances over his shoulder at Bex and Laura. “This is it, right?”
“Yep, thanks,” Laura says, opening the car door. She looks back at Bex with a teasing curve to her smile. “It was nice hanging out with you guys. I’ll see you inside, Bex.”
Bex waits until Laura disappears inside the dorm building before undoing her seat belt. “Walk me to the door?”
“Like you have to ask.”
She smiles. “Bye, Seb. It was fun spending time with you and your sister today.”
Seb gives me a look as I get out of the car, which I ignore. So what if I sound like I’m actually her boyfriend? It’s not real. I told Dad the same thing. It’s just the polite thing to do since she was my guest to the game today.
According to Seb, she had a good time. It would have been fun to see her react to the plays on the field, since everyone has a different style when they’re into it. Some people scream and clap, and others stay silent, pleading with the football gods for each play to go in their favor. As soon as the game ended, I wanted to see her and drink in her reaction.
She must have looked so pretty, her eyes lit up with excitement.
I take her hand as we walk in the direction of the dorm building. “Hey, you painted your nails purple. That’s cute.”
