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Surprise flickered in his expression. “I didn’t mean to be an asshole about it. It’s just that Whitmore is known for its football program. I figured everyone knew who the top players were. Guess that does sound self-involved, huh?”
I pursed my lips, briefly deciding if I was going to forgive him for being a pompous ass. “I completely ignored the sports portion of the Whitmore website. My time is spent in the library with my nose in books or studying. Plus, I deleted all of my social media accounts years ago. Even my best friends stopped trying to show me Instagram reels and TikTok videos. It’s not for me.”
His shoulders briefly slouched, then a kind smile slipped into place. “I gotta respect you on the social media. It can be a crappy place sometimes. To answer your question, football. I would be down to try hockey, but Coach would kick my ass if I got hurt and couldn’t play ball.”
My eyes narrowed. There was something about Anderson that seemed genuine and I liked it. “I could see that not working out too well. Your coach being pissed at you, I mean.”
“You can say that again.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “So, are you still mad at me about the jock comment?”
“Nah, I rarely hold a grudge. I did like messing with you though.” I grinned, showing him that I was a good sport.
“Then can I ask how your grade is in this class?”
“At the moment, I have an A in all of my classes. I’m happy to give you my notes.”
“That would be so great. Maybe we can sit by each other and share?”
“Or.” I pointed at him. “You should take the seat in front of me, so I can hide behind you. Maybe Mr. Bowman will finally leave me alone.” I laughed as I left my seat and slowly walked toward the exit.
To my surprise, Anderson draped his arm around my shoulders. “Stick with me. I’ll take care of you.” Anderson’s chuckle sent ripples of pleasure through me, and I wondered if he might have been the guy from last night. “What’s your name anyway?”
Before I could open the door, Anderson beat me to it.
“Oh. A gentleman. Don’t see that often anymore.” I grinned as I stepped into the hall.
“I’m Anderson Nichols.” He folded his arm across his waist and bowed. “At your service, beautiful.”
My giggle echoed through the hallway. “My name is Phoebe Jenkins. It’s nice to meet you, Anderson the football player.”
“Likewise, Phoebe the book nerd. No disrespect, I think it’s hot that you’re smart and have good grades.”
“Thanks.” I beamed at him. That was new, but I was good with it. If Anderson noticed me because I was intelligent and didn’t mind my curves, so be it. Before I headed off to meet Teagan, I got Anderson’s email and shared my notes with him.
“Thanks. I’ll share anything you missed. I gotta run. Practice calls.”
“Later.” I gave him a little wave before he left, my attention glued to his magnificent ass.
My chest tightened with anxiety. Hopefully, the universe was watching out for me. I wasn’t sure yet. One thing I was clear about, it would be nice to have a friend in biology class. If I could surround myself with strong guys, I might be safe. Maybe.
ChapterSix
Jagger
“Are you excited to be back on the field after your injury last year?” Kane asked as he pulled on his shoulder pads.
“Yeah, the knee is as good as new, no thanks to the fucker that clipped me last season.”
I flexed my fingers, adrenaline pumping through my veins at the thought of taking down the opposing team. Hearing the protective gear crack as I tackled a player made me happy. If he couldn’t get up and stand afterwards, that made my dark heart sing a victory cry like a Viking left on the battlefield. My reputation on and off the field was that I was cold and calculating. It was true, and I owed it all to the shit show I called my past. Shaking the dark thoughts from my head, I reminded myself that I was about to walk out on that field and my future depended on me being sharp and attentive. Failure wasn’t an option.
“Listen up, men!” Coach yelled over the chatter of the team and the clacking of the football pads.
We turned our attention to him, ready for our orders.
“Stay focused out there. This is our fourth game of the season, and the scouts are in the stands. Don’t get cocky because we have a strong group of players this year. Keep your eyes on the ball. I believe that this team has what it takes to win the championship. Don’t prove me wrong.”
“Yes, sir!”
Anderson elbowed me in the side. “Ready to take these assholes down?”
