Nice Guys Don't Win (A College Sport's Romance)

by Micalea Smeltzer

  He turns that fiery caramel gaze to Murray. “Didn’t ask you.”

  “Are you okay?” He addresses me again.

  “It’s just like he said. I’m on my way to my room to get out of your way so you guys can do whatever.”

  Cole’s face instantly softens. I don’t think he even realizes it, but he reaches down, holding my wrist. “Don’t go to your room. Stay out here and get to know everybody. I told Teddy not to do this, but … well, you already know how he is.”

  I crack a smile. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.” Hand still on my wrist he pulls me away from Murray and back toward the kitchen where he’d taken up residence before. Lowering his mouth to my ear, he whispers, “These guys can get rowdy, but I promise they’re all decent.” I believe him too, because Cole’s a good guy, that much is obvious to me, and I can’t imagine him hanging out with anyone that’s not okay. “You weren’t here when I got home, so I haven’t had a chance to ask you how your first day went?”

  Pulling a piece of stringy cheese away from my mouth—how attractive, not that I’m trying to attract Cole or anyone—I finish chewing my bite of pizza before I answer. “It was good. Only got lost once. This campus is massive, but beautiful. I love the old buildings.”

  He grins, raising his root beer to his lips. “The buildings are one of my favorite things. Don’t laugh at me, but it reminds me of a fairytale. You know, like old castles covered in ivy.”

  I smile at his comparison. “It totally is.”

  “Where did you go after classes? To your dad’s?”

  I shake my head. “No, I was job hunting. I have an okay amount of savings, but I’ll go through it fast with rent and other necessities so I need to find something.”

  He rubs his jaw. “I might be able to help you with that.” I hesitate, because I hate taking favors from anyone, even if I don’t owe them for it. I’m a go-getter and like to do things by myself. “I work at a mechanic shop and Joe, the owner, is in need of a receptionist. Taylor who used to do it had a baby and decided she wants to stay home now.”

  Answering phones and taking care of files wouldn’t be so bad, but it would put me around Cole even more than we already are as roommates. Sure, he’s a nice guy, but I don’t want to spend so much time with him that we get sick of each other and things get awkward.

  “I’ll think about it.” It’s a non-answer, but it isn’t a flat out no, either.

  He grabs a slice of pizza, leaning against the kitchen counter. He’s wearing a t-shirt and sweats that leave nothing to the imagination. Guys can’t really be that oblivious to the sweatpants thing, can they? I mean we can see the entire outline of their penis, and from what I can see of Cole’s … the dude’s packing.

  Not that I was looking.

  Absolutely not.

  “There are plenty of other places if an auto shop isn’t your kind of place.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I have no idea why I sound so defensive over it.

  “Nothing bad. Just that, like this,” he waves his hand around the room, “it’s mostly guys.”

  “Oh, that doesn’t bother me. I was a manager at a gym before I moved here.”

  “Why did you move here?”

  My chest deflates at his question. “I don’t want to talk about that.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” He looks genuinely apologetic about it.

  I exhale a breath. “It’s a normal question, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Maybe one day you’ll tell me.” His eyes are warm with understanding.

  “Maybe,” I reply, but in my mind, I’m thinking not likely. I finish my plate of food and the beer. “I’m going to bed this time. Can you have them out of here by eleven?”

  “Shit,” he grins, “I’ll get rid of them now.” He wraps his hands around his mouth. “Get your shit and get out of my house! I’m going to bed!”

  Teddy stands up from the couch. “Are you kicking me out too?”

  “Yes, even you.”

  “B-But I’m your favorite.”

  “Out.”

  “I brought you food and beer. I—”

  “And you also ditched on being my roommate.” Cole grabs up the pizza boxes and shoves them in Teddy’s arms. “Thanks for dinner, dude, but it’s time for you to go.”

  The other guys say their goodbyes and throw away the trash before heading out the door. Teddy ends up leaving a box of pizza behind saying if Cole and I want leftovers then we have it.

  Even though the guys did an okay job cleaning up after themselves, a few cans and napkins were left behind. Neither of us say a word to each other, but Cole picks it all up while I wipe everything down.

  Shutting off the lights in the living area, he gives me a tired half-smile. “Goodnight, Zoey.”

  I open my mouth to say goodnight back, but for some reason I can’t get any words to form. He goes into his bedroom, the door clicking quietly closed behind him.

  I take a moment to steady myself, trying to wrap my head around the insane effect he has on me. Taking a bottle of water from the fridge, I gulp down half of it, hoping it’ll help cool down my suddenly flaming hot skin.

  Changing into my pajamas, I crawl into my bed trying not to think about the gorgeous man sleeping only a wall away.

  “Are you seriously eating leftover pizza for breakfast?”

  Cole looks up from his plate and swivels the barstool around to face me. He’s shirtless, showing off his incredible abs and the ink on his left arm and across his chest. I bite down on my lip, so I don’t whimper, squeezing my thighs together. I’m blaming the pulsing in my vagina on the fact that it’s been nearly six-months since I got laid. It definitely doesn’t have anything at all to do with my gorgeous roommate.

  Did I say gorgeous?

  Average.

  He’s mediocre at best.

  Who the hell am I kidding? Cole Anderson is runway worthy. He has the kind of face that makes you stop and look and the personality to draw you in and make you stay. It’s taken me only a few days to learn that.

  “Leftover pizza is the best kind of pizza,” he argues. “Especially when it’s cold.”

  I wrinkle my nose. “We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one.” I open the fridge, pulling out a jar of the overnight oats I made the other day.

  “You’re going to eat that mush when you could have this?” He holds up a half-eaten slice.

  “Um, yes.” I grab some blueberries and sprinkle them on top along with a little bit of granola.

  “Suit yourself.” He shrugs while I take a spoon from the drawer, hip checking it closed.

  Sitting on the other stool, I swivel to face him. “So, Cole, you’re a senior, right?”

  He stifles a grin and finishes chewing before answering. “Yes.”

  “And what’s your major?”

  His eyes sparkle with humor. “Journalism.”

  “And what are you going to do with that?”

  This time his head falls back with laughter. “What is this? A job interview?”

  “Sorry,” I wince. “I’m trying to get to know you better, but you’re right, this does sound like an interview.”

  “What are you studying?”

  “I plan on becoming a physical therapist. I’m getting my bachelor’s in health sciences before I enroll in my DPT program.”

  “Wow. I’m impressed.”

  I bristle at that. “Do I not look smart enough?” The words fly out of my mouth before I can stop them. I know I shouldn’t have said it, but it’s an insecurity of mine. All my life I’ve been underestimated by people because I don’t look a certain way.

  He rears back like I’ve slapped him. “Fuck, no. That’s not what I meant at all, Zoey. It’s just … that shit is hard, and I know I could never do it, so yeah, I’m impressed.”

  “It’s a sore subject for me,” I whisper, stirring my oats. “My … ex,” I settle on, instead of ex-fiancé, “was constantly telling me it
would be too hard for a woman and require too much studying.”

  “Fuck him. Or her.”

  “Him,” I laugh.

  A moment of silence passes before he adds, “I’m sorry he acted like you were inadequate.”

  “Yeah, well,” I shrug, licking my spoon clean, “I think it’s just because he was lacking in inches, so he wanted to make me feel just as small.”

  Cole chokes on his pizza and starts coughing. I reach over, beating his back. “Damn, girl,” he gasps when he’s recovered slightly, “warn a guy before you make him laugh that hard.” Recovering, he asks, “How small did he make you feel?”

  I know he’s being serious, but I can’t stop myself when I answer with, “Micro-sized.”

  “Oh, Jesus.” He starts laughing all over again and I smile. I like his laugh a lot. It reminds me of syrup or honey. Rich and thick. “You’re something else, Zoey. You know that.”

  “So, I’ve been told.” I shrug my shoulders and finish my oats, hopping up from the chair to clean my jar. Leaning against the counter facing him it’s impossible not to miss the way his eyes dip to my chest, barely held in my tank top. I’ve always been a curvier girl and used to guys checking out my assets, but there’s something almost innocent in the way Cole does it. As soon as he realizes he’s ogling my tits, his eyes dart away and he clears his throat. “Do you really like cold pizza?” I ask him. “Or were you too lazy to make an actual breakfast?”

  His eyes come back to mine and I can see him fighting not to look down. It’s kind of admirable how much of a gentleman he wants to be. But boobs.

  “I don’t mind cooking. I truly love cold leftover pizza.”

  “That’s…”

  “That’s what?” He prompts, finishing his second slice.

  “Interesting. I guess I’ve always been fascinated by every person’s little quirks. Those tiny details of our personality that set us apart from the rest. Lots of people have the favorite color blue, but not everyone eats cold pizza for breakfast.”

  His eyes crinkle with a smile. “What’s a quirk of yours?”

  I think for a moment. “I never wear matching socks. Not because I’m lazy and can’t match them, but because it feels like this tiny secret rebellion of mine. Society likes to put us in boxes, and most people always wear matching socks, but not conforming to that makes me feel like I’ve taken back a tiny bit of control.”

  “That’s…” He pauses, shaking his head. “Fascinating. I wasn’t expecting that explanation.”

  I smile, walking around the counter to head back to my room. “I’m full of surprises.”

  I feel his eyes trail after me. “Yes, you are.”

  7

  Cole

  “How’s my boy?” I smile at my mom’s voice as I walk out of my media writing class, heading for the exit so I can swing by the student dining hall for some lunch. I’m starving.

  “Just leaving class and going to grab a bite to eat.”

  “You haven’t called me this week,” she accuses, laying on the guilt.

  “I’m sorry, I’ve been busy with classes and going to the gym in my spare time. I can’t be out of shape when practice starts.”

  “I know, I know,” she chides. “But I’m your mother. I worry.” She takes a breath and continues, “Anyway, how is it going with Teddy? If I need to scold that boy, you just let me know. He’s a good boy but sometimes he needs a swift kick in the caboose.”

  I try not to laugh as I exit the building, throwing up a hand when I see Murray across the quad. He spots me and jogs over in my direction. “Dining hall?” I mouth and he nods, falling into step beside me. “I’m actually not living with Teddy, Mom.”

  “What do you mean?” She interrupts me. “Where will you live? Where are you living? I knew that boy needed his ass whooped.”

  “It’s okay, it all worked out. I’m still in the same place, just got a new roommate.”

  “Who?” she asks.

  I open my mouth, ready to answer honestly. I don’t usually lie to my momma, I grew up knowing better than to do that, but I know if I tell her I’m living with a woman she’ll jump to conclusions. “Guy named Zach,” I blurt. “New guy on the basketball team.”

  There is no new guy named Zach, but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.

  “Well, I hope he’s a good roommate. You are remembering to clean up after yourself aren’t you?”

  “Yes, Mom. I always cleaned up at Mascen’s. I’m not a heathen.”

  “Exactly, I raised you right.” Pride echoes in her voice.

  “All right, I gotta go. I’m at the dining hall.”

  “Okay but promise to call me more.”

  “I will. I love you.”

  “I love you too, sweet boy.”

  I hang up the phone, sliding the device into my pocket and look over to find Murray grinning at me as we enter the building.

  “You’re a total momma’s boy, aren’t you?” He can’t hold back his laughter.

  I shrug, not at all ashamed. “I have four sisters. I’m the only boy. I’m all of their favorite.”

  He shakes his head, amused.

  We head in separate directions to grab our lunch and meet back up at a table in the back near the windows.

  Unwrapping my turkey sandwich, I dig in.

  “You didn’t tell your mom about Zoey.” There’s an accusatory tone in Murray’s voice.

  I cringe. Realizing it sounds bad, but… “You don’t know my mom. She would assume Zoey’s some secret girlfriend I’ve had for years and she’d want to meet her and make it into a whole thing. I love my mom, but I don’t have the time for her matchmaking dramatics.”

  Murray throws his head back with laughter. “That’s hilarious. I take it she’s tried, and failed, to set you up in the past?” He waits for my answer.

  Unscrewing the cap from my water, I give a nod. “Yeah, a few times. And by a few, I mean more than five. Hell, maybe more than ten. I know she means well, but I’ll find a girl when the time is right.”

  Murray gives me an understanding nod, knowing all about the shit that went down last year. He plays on the baseball team with Mascen, so it was kind of impossible for him not to know.

  “There’s going to be a bonfire tonight to celebrate surviving the first week. You going?”

  I look at a piece of lettuce on the table that fell from my sandwich. “I guess.”

  “Come on, free beer and chicks galore. What’s to miss?” He spreads his arms wide. “You know Teddy is bound to end up drunk, naked, and running through the woods again.”

  I bust out laughing at the memories of the past three years. “You’d think he’d learn, but he never does.”

  “Every year,” he echoes my thoughts. “You know, that dude’s going to be a fucking legend when we graduate.”

  “He’s one of a kind,” I agree.

  “Aw, are you guys talking about me?” Teddy claps my shoulder and drops into the empty chair beside me.

  “Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear,” I mumble out loud.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment. I bet the devil was handsome as fuck. That’s the real reason he got cast out of Heaven. God was jealous.”

  Murray shakes with laughter. “Whatever you have to tell yourself, man.”

  “Are you coming to the bonfire tonight?” Teddy must not have gotten close enough in time to hear my answer.

  “Yeah, I’ll be there.” I’ll ask Zoey if she wants to go with me. I get the impression she doesn’t go out a lot, but for some reason I want her there. I know if she won’t go it’ll bother me and I’ll be worrying about her alone in the apartment, which is dumb.

  “Good, good. None of you fuckers slip me tequila again. That stuff’s the devil’s juice.”

  “And that’s exactly why we’ll be giving you some,” Murray counters, Australian accent thick with humor. It’s comical to think of an Australian guy playing baseball at an American university, but he grew up in the states when h
is parents immigrated when he was in middle school. For some reason he fell in love with the sport and is pretty fucking good at it. “I mean, obviously it’s made for you since it’s, what did you call it? The devil’s juice? And you’re claiming you’re as handsome as him.”

  “Fuck, I really dug my own hole there didn’t I?”

  “Yup.”

  “Yeah, man.” I give him a fake-sympathetic nod of the head.

  “Fine, but this time for the love of Mariah Carey make sure I don’t rub my naked body on a tree. I got a splinter in my ass cheek last year.”

  “Thank God it wasn’t your dick,” I blurt, physically shuddering the thought of such a thing. The pain.

  “Mariah Carey?” Murray asks. “Why her?”

  “No idea,” Teddy answers with a shrug. “It was the first thing that popped in my head.”

  I look down at the table to hide my smile. That’s one of the things I love about Teddy, you never fucking know what’s going to come out of that dude’s mouth.

  Finishing my lunch, I say goodbye to the guys and toss my trash before heading to my next class. When the day is over, I drive home, but Zoey’s car isn’t in the lot yet.

  Heading up to the apartment I go ahead and shower and change. It’ll be hours before the bonfire’s going, but I’d rather get ready now and have a few hours to chill. Maybe even take a nap. Definitely living the dream.

  Two hours have passed by the time the door opens and Zoey looks exhausted when she walks in.

  “Ugh,” she groans, dropping her bag to the floor. “This sucks.”

  “What sucks?” I ask from the couch.

  Her dark chocolate eyes meet mine. “I went to two pharmacies, a grocery store, a Dollar General, and even a bank and no one is hiring.”

  She walks to the fridge and steals one of my root beers. I hide my smile, pretending to rub my nose. I fucking love how she was the one who brought up using each other’s stuff but she’s constantly stealing my root beer. It’s kind of adorable, not that I’d tell her that. I feel like Zoey is the kind of girl who would bristle at being called adorable.

  “I know a mechanic shop hiring,” I remind her.