Quarterbacks Don’t Fall For Invisible Girls (Invisible Girls Club, Book 1)

by Emma Dalton

  Honestly, I shouldn’t be surprised I bombed it. Cheerleading and I do not, nor will we ever, mix. So why am I making such a big deal about it?

  Two words: Brayden Barrington.

  If he was my real boyfriend, would he demand I do better? After all, he needs a girlfriend who’s at his level.

  But from what I know about him so far, Brayden would never force his girlfriend to do something she didn’t want. Ugh, what does that matter?

  The sound comes from my window again and my eyes pop open once more. Is that a branch or something?

  Shutting my eyes, I try to let the sleep wash over me, but it’s knocked away when I hear that sound again. It’s too soft to be a branch. Ugh. Now I have to climb out of my comfortable bed to make sure my window isn’t cracking.

  I pad over to the window and squint through the fuzziness of sleep. And my eyes bulge out. Because standing outside my window is none other than the man of my dreams, my fake boyfriend, star quarterback Brayden Barrington. Throwing rocks at my window.

  He’s wearing a tight white tank that exposes his delicious muscles, a band on his forehead that pushes his gorgeous hair out of his eyes, and shorts.

  He grins up at me, his eyes flashing with excitement. That look alone can make any girl go weak at the knees.

  He waves, his smile growing larger.

  I open my window and lean out. “What are you doing here?” I hiss.

  He waves again. “Come running with me.”

  I glance at the time, then scowl at him. “It’s five in the morning! Are you insane?”

  He chuckles. “Come run with me!” he calls.

  I cringe. He’s going to wake up my dad. He’s always been a light sleeper, but it’s gotten worse ever since Mom died.

  “No!” I nearly bark. “It’s Saturday.”

  He shakes his head, laughing. “Move those lazy bones and come with me, Kara.”

  Did I mention I love when he says my name? I’m almost tempted to drop everything and do whatever he asks me. Almost.

  “Come on!” he presses. “It’ll be fun and it’ll get you in shape.”

  “Are you calling me fat?”

  “No way! But it wouldn’t kill you to go for a run and spend some time with your awesome boyfriend.”

  He’s cute when he’s cocky, isn’t he?

  I give him a crooked smile. “Who said you’re awesome?”

  He laughs. “Just get your butt down here, girlfriend!”

  I shake my head resolutely. “No way am I going for a run at five in the morning on a Saturday.”

  He pouts, locking his fingers together and lifting them over his head. “Pweaty Pwease?”

  I can’t stop the giggle bursting from my mouth. I never knew this guy could be so goofy. He’s always so calm and cool, so comfortable and sexy. But he’s got this fun side that I love. He makes me laugh.

  “Kara! Please!”

  “Why is this so important to you?”

  “Kara?” a voice says from behind me. Whirling around, I find my dad standing there, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and yawning. “What’s all that shouting?”

  I freeze. “Dad! You’re up.”

  He takes in my leaning out the window. “Who are you talking to?”

  I giggle like crazy, like I always do when I’m nervous. “It’s nothing. I was just yelling at a raccoon.”

  He looks at me like I fell from Mars. I definitely feel like I have.

  He approaches the window and peers out. His eyes widen when he notices the hot guy standing there bent over and pleading. “Is that…?”

  “My boyfriend, yes,” I say loudly enough for Brayden to hear.

  Brayden’s head shoots up and he jumps to his feet, placing his hands at his sides like he’s in boot camp.

  “Hello, sir,” Brayden greets, and I note the nerves on him. So, so cute.

  Dad nods in greeting.

  “Brayden wants to go running with me,” I tell my dad. “So I’m going. Apparently, it’s important to keep fit.”

  “All right.” He glances at Brayden for a bit, like he’s studying him, before removing himself from the window. Before he leaves my room, he faces me. “Honey, I’d like your boyfriend to come over for dinner tomorrow night. I think it’s time we were introduced.”

  My hand flies to my hair, where I pull on the strands. “Oh! Yeah, sure. Of course. I mean, I’ll need to ask him, but okay. Sure, yeah.”

  Dad chuckles. “No need to be so nervous, Kara. If you like the boy, I’m pretty sure I will as well.”

  “Right.”

  Panic seizes me because this isn’t about me. It’s about Brayden. And if he messes up his chance to make a good impression on my dad, then I don’t know if I can forgive myself. It’s all because of me that Dad woke up. If I would have just agreed to run with Brayden, then we wouldn’t have woken up my dad. Darn it.

  “He’s amazing,” I gush. “The best boyfriend I ever had.” The only (fake) boyfriend I ever had, but who’s really counting?

  Dad smiles. “Then I’m really looking forward to meeting him tomorrow night.”

  My chest heaves as he leaves my room. I zoom over to the window and find Brayden pacing, running his hand through his hair.

  “Brayden,” I hiss. He glances up. “I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

  “Okay, girlfriend.”

  I giggle more than I should before shutting the window and rummaging through my closet for something to wear. What does one wear when they go running? I’m about to text my friends, but remember it’s freaking five in the morning and most people are still in bed.

  But despite the early hour, this is exciting, isn’t it? To run with Brayden, feel the wind in my hair, to be so close to him…

  I snap out of it and grab a sweatshirt and sweatpants, throw them on, then rush downstairs and fling the door open. Brayden sits on the front porch, elbows resting on his knees, and chin on his hands.

  “You okay?” I ask.

  His head snaps up and he gives me a weak smile. “I’m sorry I woke up your dad. Did I screw up my chance to impress him?”

  I drop down next to him. “I don’t think so. He wants you to come over for dinner tomorrow night.”

  His eyes widen. “Really?”

  I laugh. “Yeah. Now’s your chance to knock him off his feet with your charm and talent.”

  He laughs, too. “Thanks. I’m really looking forward to it. And please tell him I’d love to come over for dinner.”

  “Yep.” I stand. “But first we have some running to do. Am I dressed right?”

  He scans me from top to bottom. “Perfect. Have you ever done this before?”

  I gesture to myself. “Does this look like a body that works out?” I’m not fat, but I’m not as skinny as Teagyn and her cheerleaders. But I’m fine with my weight.

  “I’m not sure if that’s a trick question,” he admits.

  I wave my hand. “I never run. But I guess it could be fun, if it wasn’t five in the morning. Do you always do this?”

  He nods as he leads me away from my house. “Pretty much. It was something my dad always did with me and Brock when we were kids. It was our dad/son bonding time. And after my dad hurt his knee and couldn’t run anymore, my brother and I kept the tradition. Even my little sister wishes she could come, but she’s too young.”

  I gape at him. “Every morning? Talk about dedication.”

  He nods as we meet the main road and he starts increasing his pace. I follow his every move. So far so good. “I’m very dedicated to things that are important to me. Like my family, friends, football.”

  “That’s great. You’d totally be a dedicated boyfriend.” My eyes widen when I hear what left my lips. Why do I sometimes blurt out my thoughts? They’re meant to be private.

  His smile is warm. “Thanks. Is it okay if we go a little faster?”

  “Sure.”

  We up our speed, but only by a little.

  “Is it okay if I ask why you don’t have a
girlfriend?” I say after a little bit. “Off the record, of course. I know you mentioned you wanted someone special, but haven’t you found anyone at school who fits that description?”

  He’s quiet as he mulls it over.

  “Sorry if that’s too personal,” I say. “I tend to get a little nosy sometimes.” Blame that on my lack of experience in the friendship department.

  He shakes his head. “It’s fine. I’d rather talk about the article, though. How’s it coming along?”

  “I’m nearly finished and need to give it to Martina to read before it can go to press. The issue should be out next week.”

  “Next week? Nice. I’m looking forward to reading it.” He gives me a sideways smile. “Any chance I can steal a peek at it before you send it in?”

  I twirl some loose strands of hair that escaped my ponytail. “Uh…wow. I don’t know. I bet Martina wouldn’t like that.”

  “No worries, just thought I’d ask.” He grins. “I’ll read it along with all the other kids and teachers and faculty.”

  “Assuming they’ll read it.”

  He turns his head to me. “Why do you say that?”

  I shrug. “You know the paper doesn’t reach many readers. Most aren’t interested or think it’s so outdated. But I like that we have a physical paper. It makes it feel more…real, you know?”

  “Yeah, I get it. It’s something you can hold in your hand, turn the pages and get sucked into the words on the page.”

  I nod. He totally gets me. Or does he? How do I know if he’s being sincere or if he’s feeding me what I want to hear so I’ll put in a good word to my dad?

  Oh, I’m being ridiculous. Brayden’s not like that. He cares. Please say he cares.

  We decide to go even faster and I know my partner wants to zoom ahead. But he keeps close to me, making sure I’m okay. He’s not doing it in a macho, condescending way because I’m some weak girl. No, he’s just making sure I’m not overdoing it on my first run.

  When an hour passes, he leads us into a park a few miles away from my house. Wow, I didn’t realize how long we’ve been running. If I keep this up, I’ll be a pro at this. Yeah, sure. But it’s definitely fun. I can see myself doing this again with him. Maybe not at five in the morning, though.

  “Come, I want to show you something,” he tells me.

  He motions for us to take a turn toward an area where there are a few trees and large boulders. There’s a clearing in the center and I gasp as I take in the beautiful orange and red colors of the sunrise.

  Brayden takes hold of my arm and lowers us on one of the boulders. I can’t take my eyes off the magnificent sunrise. Nature is seriously the most wondrous thing in the world.

  “Wow,” I breathe, slowly bringing my eyes to him. “Is this what you wanted to show me?”

  He grins. “Why do you think I asked you to run this early?”

  I playfully slug his arm. “You could have given me an extra hour of sleep and just brought me here instead of running.” I shake my head. “Just kidding. It was actually lots of fun. Thanks. And thanks for sharing this with me. It’s spectacular.”

  He leans back on the boulder, careful not to tumble down. “It really is, isn’t it? My dad used to take Brock and me here. And when he and my mom were dating, he brought her here. They didn’t run, though. He was never able to get her out of bed for that.”

  I laugh. “Your parents sound like good people.”

  His smile is strained. “They are.” He averts his gaze to the sunset, suddenly uncomfortable. I hope I didn’t offend him. Or pry too much. I just love listening to him talk. About anything.

  We watch the sunrise together, and my breath is knocked out of me. Sometimes I get annoyed when the sun blinds me in the morning, but I’m not going to feel that way anymore. Because this is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.

  Glancing at Brayden, I wonder how many girls he’s brought out here and shared this with, then I remember it doesn’t matter.

  He turns to me, his smile dropping. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. You never answered me why you don’t date anyone at school. It’s none of my business, but I’m curious.”

  He sits up. “I can ask you why you don’t have a boyfriend.”

  “I do.” I wink. “He’s sitting right beside me.”

  He chuckles. “Touché.”

  He and I stare at the sun that has already risen in the sky. Then I keep my eyes on him, loving the way he marvels at the world.

  We remain sitting for a few more minutes, not saying much to each other, but loving each other’s company. Well, at least I am. I hope he’s enjoying mine, too.

  When we’ve had enough of the sun beating down on us, Brayden takes me to a small coffee shop a few blocks away, where we buy milkshakes and donuts. Settling down at one of the tables, we talk a little more about the newspaper and how I got into it. He listens intently as I tell him how important it is for me to be part of something that matters.

  “Not that the newspaper matters to most kids at school,” I say with a laugh as I take a bite of my donut. “But who knows? Maybe after next week, after kids read about our amazing quarterback, we’ll have more readers.”

  He chuckles. “I hope so, too.” He stands. “Ready to go home?”

  I’m a little dismayed that he doesn’t want to hang out with me some more, but then I remember—for the millionth time—that we’re not really dating.

  Our run back to my house is slow because we both just stuffed our stomachs and don’t want to get sick. He tells me some memories of when he, his dad, and brother ran together. Like when Brock nearly tumbled down a hill or when his dad thought he heard a bear in the woods.

  When we reach my house, I wish I could turn back time. Just to give me and Brayden some more time to spend together. But then it hits me that I’ll see him tomorrow for dinner with Dad.

  Brayden must share my thoughts because he swallows as he glances at the closed front door. “Tell your dad hi for me and that I’m looking forward to meeting him.”

  “Okay.”

  We just stand there looking at each other. He seems to be deep in thought, probably about my dad. I need to keep telling myself that all of this isn’t about me—it’s about him. We’re trying to pave an amazing future for him.

  One I won’t be part of, but it’s not like I can do anything about it.

  I shift from one foot to the other, causing the boards on the porch to creak. Brayden’s eyes snap to mine, knocked out of his thoughts. “So I’ll see you?”

  I nod. “Yeah, see you.”

  He watches me as I step to the door and twist it open. Before I slip inside, I give him a small smile and wave. He returns it, the corners of his lips trembling a little.

  Tomorrow is very important to him, and I’ll do whatever I can to help.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Maybe I bit off more than I can chew,” I mutter as I squint at my phone. I found a recipe online for chicken alfredo, one that didn’t look too complicated. But I have zero knowledge of cooking. At least I know he’ll like the chocolate chip cookies I baked.

  “You need help there, pumpkin?” Dad calls from the living room, where he’s watching a football game.

  “No!” I call. Which is a total lie. I’m drowning here. But I want to do this all by myself. I know how nervous Brayden is to meet my dad, and I thought I could soften my dad up by preparing a delicious meal. Don’t they say good food cures everything? But if he gets poisoned…yeah, not good.

  “Ugh,” I groan as I read over the directions for the millionth time. Why is this so hard?

  I know, I’m putting way too much pressure on myself for a fake boyfriend. I mean, Brayden should win my dad over on his own, right? By being his kind, charming self. But I won’t lie that a part of me isn’t trying to impress him. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and all that. Not sure if it’s true or if I believe that, but good food always helps.

  When all fails, t
urn to your friends.

  Kara: Help! Brayden’s coming in less than two hours and I have no idea what I’m doing!

  Charlie: You should have just made mac and cheese. That’s the easiest.

  Kara: Mac and cheese for my boyfriend???

  Charlie: Not your boyfriend.

  Kara: You know what I mean!

  Ally: Sorry, I don’t know how to cook.

  Dani: My mom’s an awesome cook, but she’s not home right now. I’ll see if I can text her.

  Kara: Thanks, you’re a lifesaver!

  And a lifesaver, she is. Her mom gives her some pointers, which she passes over to me. And lo and behold, I actually have a dish.

  How on earth did I survive all these years without friends?

  “Something smells really good,” Dad says as he enters the kitchen. He reaches for a cookie, but I slap his hand away with a spatula.

  “Hands off the cookies!”

  “This boy must be something special,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve never seen you so bent out of shape.”

  “Yeah,” I mutter as I turn to the stove. If only he saw me the way I see him.

  “Can’t wait to meet him,” he says, then returns to the living room.

  Just to make sure everything’s going to plan, I shoot off a quick text to Brayden.

  Kara: Still on for 7:00 tonight?

  Brayden: For sure. Already got my tux on.

  Kara: Haha.

  Brayden: I hope he likes me.

  Kara: He’ll love you.

  Brayden: I don’t know. Sometimes my nerves get the better of me.

  Kara: Just be yourself and you’ll be fine. That’s what my dad loves most in players—seeing the real person inside. And you’ve got a great personality and a kind heart, so you have nothing to worry about.

  Brayden: You really see me that way?

  My cheeks turn bright red. Ugh, why did I text that? I guess it’s easier to let go when I’m texting and not standing face to face with him.