by Jessica Marx
COCKY
A Naughty Football Romance
Jessica Marx
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
JESSICA MARX HAS A MAILING LIST!
Shane
Prologue
1. Beth
2. Beth
3. Beth
4. Shane
5. Beth
6. Shane
7. Beth
8. Shane
9. Beth
10. Shane
11. Beth
12. Shane
13. Beth
14. Shane
15. Beth
16. Shane
17. Beth
18. Shane
19. Beth
20. Shane
21. Beth
22. Shane
23. Beth
24. Shane
25. Beth
26. Shane
27. Beth
JESSICA MARX HAS A MAILING LIST!
Bonus #1 - Naughty!
Naughty
JESSICA MARX HAS A MAILING LIST!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
JESSICA MARX HAS A MAILING LIST!
Bonus #2 - Bad Boy Forever!
Bad Boy Forever
JESSICA MARX HAS A MAILING LIST!
Prologue
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Mailing List
Chapter 1
Summer is coming to an end - at least for those of us starting college. Even though it’s extremely hot in Mesquite this time of year, the town is having a huge festival for it’s centennial celebration. There’s a celebration every year, but this one will be the biggest yet.
I watch enviously as the varsity cheerleaders walk passed us. Each one of them is prettier than the next. Summer Clark, the senior cheer captain and most popular girl in school, almost trips over me. I’m not surprised, I’m basically invisible to the ‘in’ crowd. I wonder if she’ll be just as popular in college next year? Probably.
I’m not so much envious of the girls themselves, as I am of the perks that came with being on the cheer squad at Mesquite High School. Being a cheerleader meant automatically getting the attention of the football players - most notably, Jaxson James - who at the moment is sandwiched between them.
Jaxson James was the best quarterback to ever play with the Mesquite Bobcats. Colleges were offering him all sorts of perks in the hopes that he would chose their school. People say he’s going to go pro. I don’t doubt it, but who knows?
What I do know, is that Jaxson is gorgeous. He has the muscular body of an athlete and sparkling gray eyes that look like they can see right through you. His hair is light brown and always looks like he just took his helmet off and shook out his hair - it’s sexy.
I’m not into sports, but I am into Jaxson James. He’s the love of my life.
Okay. Jaxson technically doesn’t know he’s the love of my life. He doesn’t even know who I am. Most of the girls at Mesquite have had a crush on him at some point. Like any other high school, when you’re good-looking, popular, and captain of the football team, it just comes with the territory.
“Can you stop staring?” Kelly says.
“I’m not.”
“Yeah, okay.” She rolls her eyes. “You’ve been in love with Jaxson since our junior year. Why don’t you make a move already? This is probably your last chance ever.”
I take a sip of my Slurpee. “Are you kidding me? He doesn’t even know I exist.”
“And he never will if you keep hiding from him.”
Kelly makes a good point, but it’s the same thing she’s been saying since I decided I was going to save myself for Jaxson. Obviously, I’m not going to listen. Kelly is my best friend, but we are complete opposites when it comes to things like that - boys mostly. She is super outgoing and has no problem telling people how she feels. I get totally awkward around guys so I would rather hide in the shadows. If someone happens to notice me, I’ll take it from there.
We walk toward the carnival games, keeping our eyes on the football players.
“Well, it’s the big festival and the biggest party of the year. It’s also the last high school party we will ever go to.” Kelly whispers.
“So?”
“So, we’re going. If you ever want Jaxson to notice you, this is the time.”
I hate parties. I always wind up standing away from everyone and watching from afar. I’ve never been very popular and most of the people that know me or talk to me, only do because I’m with Kelly.
“Don’t look at me like that,” Kelly says, “you have no choice, you have to come. I need a wingman.”
“Wingwoman,” I correct her, “besides, I’m the worst girl for the job, you know that.”
“It doesn’t matter. It will be good for both of us. I will make my move on Griffin, and you can work on Jaxson. They’re best friends, we’re best friends - it’s meant to be.”
“I don’t know, Kel.”
“It’s happening, Syd. We’ll tackle this - them - together.”
I roll my eyes.
“See what I did there? Tackle? Football?” she laughs.
“Yes. You’re hilarious. Save your jokes for the party, we’re going to need them.”
“I knew you would come around.” Kelly smiles. She clearly wasn’t going to give me a choice anyway.
The sound of bells and alarms from one of the games brings an end to our conversation. My mind plays through forty minutes of hypothetical situations that could happen at the party. All of th
em end with me doing or saying the wrong thing. Like my social anxiety isn’t enough, I need to add fuel to the fire.
SYDNEY
It’s just after dinner time and the festival is starting to get crowded. Kelly and I go against the flow of the of the crowd toward the main entrance. She promises some of the familiar faces that we pass on the way that we’ll see them at the party. Every Mesquite graduate, and even some of the incoming seniors, are now headed to Summer’s house - of course. She always throws the biggest and best parties - and this is her last hurrah.
We find our way to the car and slowly follow the line of other cars out of the parking lot.
“Imagine, Syd, tonight you and Jaxson just might fall in love.” Kelly says dreamily.
“Yeah, right. I don’t know if my crush on Jaxson could ever be anything more than just that - a crush. When I find love, it’s going to have to be with a guy with a heart - and soul - not just some jock who’s looking for a good time. I’m beginning to doubt that finding someone like that is even possible in Mesquite.”
“Have some faith. I do.”
“We’ll see, but I’m not getting my hopes up. I’m just going to try hard not to say anything stupid and take it from there.”
“I guess that’s as good a plan as any.”
We pick up speed when we get to the main road. Kelly cranks up the music and we sing the rest of the way to Summer’s house. It isn’t a far drive and I can tell we’re close because there are cars parked all along the street.
“Okay, let’s do this. Griffin is mine tonight. Jaxson is yours.”
“Whatever you say.”
“You have to believe in it, Syd.”
“You’re crazy, Kel.”
“Maybe. We’ll see if you still think so when I’m hooking up with Griffin later.”
Each of us pulls our visor mirror down. We fix our hair and put on lipstick. Once we’re both satisfied, we get out of the car and walk down the block. There are people everywhere. I recognize many of them from school. I can’t believe Summer’s neighbors aren’t bothered by the people and the noise. Then again, if they love Summer the way the students at Mesquite High do, I’m sure they don’t care.
We walk into the backyard where the majority of people are already gathered. Kelly quickly scouts out Griffin. He’s standing in a circle with several of the other guys from the football team - Jaxson included. Kelly takes my arm and leads me over to where the keg is. We each take a cup and make small talk with the guy who’s pumping the keg.
With our red Solo cups full, I follow Kelly’s lead as she makes a casual beeline for the group of football players. I don’t know how she does it without looking desperate, but she does, and I follow along.
We start talking to Jackie, one of the other cheerleaders. She was in a couple of my classes. She’s nice and pretty down to earth. She’s also standing in between us and the guys, so she’s the perfect segue for our entrance. I know how Kelly operates, so I know what she’s doing.
Before I have a chance to get any more nervous than I already am, Kelly has engaged herself in a conversation with Griffin. I look to Jackie for help, but her back is to me and she’s talking to someone else now. Kelly notices me looking around and grabs my hand. She pulls me closer and introduces me to Griffin. Just as she does, Jaxson turns around. My heart stops.
“Sydney. I’ve seen you around for sure,” Griffin says with a nod after our introduction.
“Hey Sydney,” Jaxson says. His mouth twists into the cutest crooked smile.
“Hey,” I answer. I sip my beer so I don’t have to speak anymore.
Griffin and Kelly get involved in talking about something football related and I’m once again at a loss with what to do with myself.
“So, do you like football?” Jaxson asks.
My face turns bright red. I suck at small talk to begin with. I’ve fantasized about having my moment with Jaxson so many times, now I have no idea what to say.
“Not really.”
Not really? Of all the answers I could have given, that was the worst. He’s a fucking football star. He lives for football. I’m an idiot.
Jaxson just laughs, “interesting. Thanks for being honest though.”
“I mean, I like it, I just don’t get it. They’re always stopping and starting…” I need to stop talking. I’m only making it worse.
“It’s not for everyone,” he says easily, “so what are you into?”
“I don’t know? Music?” I’m blushing again. That should have been an easy question to answer. I wish there was a hole I could crawl into.
Jaxson is smiling. He must be containing his laughter at what a fool I sound like.
“So, Sydney who doesn’t like football but does like music…” he trails off, still smiling, “since we’re being honest, can I tell you something?”
“Sure.”
“I think you’re pretty.”
Oh. My. God. Jaxson James just called me pretty - to my face. I glance at Kelly to see if she heard, but she’s engrossed in conversation with Griffin. My face is burning up.
“Thanks,” I reply shyly.
“Really. I don’t know how I haven’t noticed before. The way you blush is pretty cute too.” He winks.
I have no response. I just keep on blushing - not that I have a choice.
Jaxson pulls the end of one of my curls, “now that I’m thinking about it, I have seen you at school. You usually wear your hair in a bun. I like it hanging down like this much better.”
I automatically tilt my head in the direction of his hand. I can’t believe Jaxson is touching me right now.
“Want to go somewhere a little more private and talk?”
Dying. I’m dying right now.
Is he asking because he really wants to get to know me or because he wants to fool around? I don’t know and I don’t really care. This is like my dream come true.
“Sure.”
“Cool. I have to go talk to someone quick. Wanna meet me in the theater room?”
“Theater room?” I repeat. I’ve never been inside Summer’s house. I also didn’t know there were people in Mesquite who had theater rooms.
“Yeah. Just go into the kitchen and make a left. You’ll see the door - just go down the stairs.”
“Okay.”
“Cool. See you in like ten minutes?”
“Yup. I’ll be there,” I reply.
I give him a thumbs up like a total dork and immediately regret it.
Jaxson smiles and waves, then walks away.
Holy shit. I’m going to meet Jaxson in private. I’m freaking out. I tug on Kelly’s arm to get her attention. She looks at me and sees that Jaxson is gone.
“Sorry, I just need a sec,” I tell her and Griffin at the same time.
Kelly turns to me, “what’s up? You blew it?”
I roll my eyes and ignore her comment. I’m not offended though, I wouldn’t expect her to think anything else. “No. He wants me to meet him in the theater room in ten minutes.”
“What?” Kelly exclaims with a huge smile, “holy shit!”
“I know!”
Kelly looks at Griffin and gives him a quick smile. When she turns back to me, she speaks in a whisper.
“Things are looking good for Grif and I too.”
“Oh, he’s ‘Grif’ now? Things must be good.”
“Good luck, Syd. You got this. Don’t be nervous,” Kelly coaches me, “you’ll be in good hands - literally!” She laughs at her own joke.
“Thanks for the pep talk,” I tease.
Griffin steps closer to Kelly, sidling up behind her. She waggles her eyebrows at me.
“I’m going to get another beer. Want to join me?” Griffin asks Kelly. His cheek is pressed up against hers. If I know Kelly, it won’t be long before they disappear someplace private too.
“Sure, Grif. Sydney, why don’t you walk that way with us?”
I trail close behind them back toward the keg. Neither of us has come close to
finishing our beer - we are holding them more for show tonight. I don’t really drink and Kelly is driving.
The keg is perched on a patio outside the kitchen window. I’m about to let Kelly and Griffin know I’m going to head inside when something catches my eye - it’s Jaxson. He’s in the kitchen, but I can see him clearly from where we are standing through the big bay window.
He’s just at the edge of the window so I casually move over to the other side of the keg to get a better look. What I see makes my heart race. Jaxson just put his arms around Janie Pearson. They’re hugging. This isn’t your usual friendly hug - they’re embracing - and not letting go. Her head is nestled in his chest and he’s petting her hair back.
I like Janie. Everyone does. She was never a part of the popular crew - she’s kind of just friends with everyone. I didn’t know her and Jaxson were a thing though. Maybe they weren’t. Maybe that just happened - while he was supposed to be waiting for me. Is that who he was supposed to talk to? What a dick. He couldn’t keep it in his pants for a minute.
I turn around. I can’t look anymore. I’ve been watching long enough to know what happens next. How could I have been so stupid to think that Jaxson really wanted to be with me tonight? How could I fall for his cheesy come ons and fake charm? ‘You’re pretty.’ Ugh. I feel like a fool.
“I have to go,” I blurt out to Kelly.
She stares at me blankly, waiting for an explanation.
“I’m not going inside. I have to go home.”
“What happened? Are you okay?” She can tell by the look on my face that I am definitely far from okay. I’m on the verge of tears.
Kelly reaches into her purse and tosses me the keys, “get to the car. I’ll be right behind you.”
I take them and quickly weave my way to the gate and out to the street. I don’t make eye contact with anyone. I head straight for the car. I click the alarm and get in. Kelly joins me a minute later.
“I’m so sorry, Kel. You didn’t have to leave. I just had to go.”
“I wasn’t about to let you go home alone looking like that. What happened?”
“I saw Jaxson with Janie Pearson.”
“What were they doing?”
“They were about to make out.”
“About to? How do you know?”
“He had his arms wrapped around her and she was snuggled up against him. It was pretty fucking obvious.”
“What a bitch!”