AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I sigh, feeling like I’m back in high school under his watchful eye. It’s only us two, so I understand his overprotectiveness, but I’m twenty years old. Except, he insists that while I live with him, I follow his rules—ancient, overprotective rules. I can’t exactly afford my own place just yet. Plus, I didn’t have the heart to move out when he kept throwing himself into work instead of moving on from my mom’s death. That was over fifteen years ago.
“Anyway, son, you can take her out, but not be back this late.”
Jake’s mouth falls open to respond, but panic comes over me that he’ll reveal I was in the park alone and running from a stranger. Then I know Dad will start following me everywhere… Did I mention he’s overprotective? And he doesn’t support my singing career, so I’ve kept the band a secret from him.
So, I cut in front of Jake with my response. “Yes, he won’t. We just got a bite to eat and got talking… lost track of time,” I explain hastily, smiling at my dad.
When he lifts his gaze to Jake, I look over at him, my eyes wide, doing my best facial expression to tell him to go along with me.
Jake blinks, staring at us. He takes too long to respond, making my explanation look fake. Damn, just nod or something. Then he looks at me with a sickly-sweet smile.
“You got it, Coach,” he finally answers.
I swallow hard, feeling as if he’s going to make me pay for this.
“Perfect. Now, goodnight.”
Jake nods nonchalantly, still staring at me. Then, with a brief nod, he turns away from us.
“Goodnight, Emily, Coach.”
I give him a weak-ass wave when Dad stares at me, then make a beeline indoors, wanting to hide in my room forever.
“Sweetheart, I had no idea you were dating one of my football players,” Dad calls out across the house. “At least you picked one of the better ones I’d trust you with.”
“I don’t really want to talk about this with you. Please let it go. Goodnight, Dad.” Then I shut myself in my room.
Maybe bumping into Jake wasn’t so bad. If anything, right now, it feels like fate. Flopping down on my bed, my thoughts are swarmed with that night at the party and me in Jake’s arms. Just like that, butterflies buzz in my stomach at seeing him again, and I know it’s wrong, but for now, I close my eyes and let myself go there to enjoy the memory as it floods my thoughts…
CHAPTER THREE
EMILY
“Football hunks, hockey stars… it’s like a buffet of muscles and charm,” Sarah murmurs over her shoulder at me while staring at the explosive house party she’s snuck me into.
Technically, I hadn’t been invited, but with the place overcrowded, I doubt whoever lives at this house will even notice me. Especially when there are six guys, stripped of their shirts, playing Civil War beer pong—a much faster-paced version with each team of three players simultaneously shooting ping-pong balls into the opposing team’s cups. I have no idea why they ripped their shirts off, but I’m not complaining. Neither is the huge crowd of girls cheering them on.
The party’s buzzing with energy, the music thumping loudly, the lights dim, and the smell of beer heavy on the air.
I finish off my second Vodka Cranberry, then slip the empty plastic onto a nearby table when Sarah drags me across the room for a better look at the game.
“I told you this party was going to be filled with hotties.” Giggling, she twirls a lock of hair around her finger, eyeing a blond guy on the couch who’s watching her.
Okay, I can’t deny that if I ever wanted a hunk, this is the place to be. Better yet, most of the guys aren’t from our college… where I’ve only crossed paths with douches.
Surveying the party, my gaze locks with him across the room.
I realize he’s been watching me when he raises an eyebrow, as if he’s been waiting for me to notice him.
Piercing tropical-blue eyes seem to almost glow, framed by short, brown hair and sun-kissed skin. That strong jawline, a smile teasing full lips, and I’m suddenly breathless.
He’s standing by the window with some other guys, holding a beer bottle in hand. Dressed in jeans and a black button-up shirt that’s open at his throat, it hints at the muscles beneath.
I’m burning up while he’s standing there as the epitome of casual, yet he carries a deliberate allure I can’t look away from. I don’t recognize him, so he’s definitely from another college.
He places his beer bottle down on the windowsill and curls his finger, beckoning me over.
Heart hammering in my chest, butterflies are bursting in my stomach, beating their wings wildly.
