A Different Side (University Park #4)

by C. M. Doporto

  “If it’s any consolation, I’ve never slept with her.” I shoved my hands in my pockets, feeling proud that I hadn’t crossed that line.

  “I can’t believe you just said that.” She thumped me on the arm, but I could tell she wasn’t mad at me. Maybe a little put off, but nothing I couldn’t fix.

  “Sorry.” I shrugged.

  She covered her face with her hands and shook her head. “Oh my God.”

  I wanted to wrap an arm around her, comfort her the best way I knew how, but I wasn’t sure about the fiancé thing. Something told me that might be over. Her head darted up from her hands. “I have to get out of here.” She rushed out the door.

  “Lexi, wait!” I called, following her.

  She rounded the building and stopped, dropping her backpack. Whatever she saw had upset her. She paced the grass with one hand pressed to her forehead. “How could they hide something like that from me? I don’t care if they are seeing each other or screwing. I just wanted to know.”

  “Lexi?” I tried to get her attention, but she continued mumbling incoherent words.

  “Did they actually think I’d never find out?”

  I seriously doubted her brother was screwing her roommate. More like her fiancé. It was now or never. I needed to be there for her. Help her through this difficult time. It wasn’t about getting in her panties, either. I wanted her to know I sincerely cared that she was upset. Lexi was a good person and it pissed me off that someone had hurt her. “Lexi,” I called one more time.

  She stopped and dropped her hand to her side. “Yeah?”

  “Can I take you somewhere?”

  With a sigh, she said, “No, that’s okay. I’ll be fine. I’ll just, um, head to the library.” She glanced around campus, looking lost.

  “Are you sure?” I finally caught her gaze. “Because we could hang out.” I checked my watch. “I don’t have practice until three.”

  “Um…well…”

  I refused to take no for an answer. There was no way I was leaving her by herself. “Come on,” I took her by the hand and led her across campus, “sounds like you could use a drink.”

  Σ

  Chapter 10

  I believe in taking chances and living your live. Sometimes doors open and others close

  and you have to figure out which one you’re going to take. I’m always for the one that’s challenging.

  ~Gisele Bundchen

  I guided Lexi to the Dragon Shuttle stop, which would take us to my car parked at fraternity row. I left it there because I was taking Shawn to run an errand after practice. His dad had picked up his car earlier in the week to get new tires and maintenance work, and he was bitching about needing to go to the mall. Shawn was almost as bad as Shelby when it came to designer clothes.

  Shawn was the least of my concerns. Lexi was in a complete daze, not saying anything. All I wanted to do was hold her in my arms and let her cry or complain about what happened. The girl needed a drink to calm her nerves and I had just the plan. The shuttle arrived and we got on. I sat next to her, but kept a safe distance. The route we were on circled around the entire school, giving me time to think about where to take her. It needed to be somewhere secluded, but not too far since I didn’t have much time. My brain scanned through all of the places in the area before deciding on the perfect one.

  Lexi leaned against the edge of the window, staring outside. I sensed the sadness, the disappointment, and the heartache. Her fiancé had cheated on her. She was too nice and innocent to deserve that type of treatment. I didn’t even know the guy, but I was ready to punch him in the face.

  “You alright?” I leaned a little closer to her.

  She turned toward me and nodded, but it was obvious she wasn’t.

  “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” I rested my arm along the back of the seat, eager to hold her like I had when she nearly got hit by the cyclist. It was best to take things slow. If she wanted to be in my arms, I’d welcome it, but I wouldn’t force her. She wrapped her arms around her body and I knew she wasn’t ready.

  The shuttle stopped a block from fraternity row. “Come on.”

  “Where are we going?” She followed me as we exited the shuttle.

  “To get my car,” I told her, trying to put her at ease.

  “Oh, okay.”

  I sensed the hesitation in her voice. “Relax,” I nudged her, “this will be fun.”

  With a raised brow, she said, “If you say so.”

  I smiled and her shoulders relaxed. “Just wait, you’ll see.” We walked toward my car and I pulled out my keys, unlocking it.

  “Is this your car?” I opened the door for her and she hesitated to get in.

  “If it isn’t then I feel sorry for the guy it belongs to.” I shut the door and then jogged around to the driver side. I slid in and started the ignition. The engine roared to life and her eyes widened. It was something about my Dodge Challenger that did it every time. Maybe it was the red stripe running along the top of it or the vibration of the engine. Whatever it was, chicks dug it.

  “And what do you mean by that?” She put on her seat belt.

  “Because he missed seeing one beautiful girl in his car.” I winked and pulled out of the parking lot.

  Lexi didn’t say anything, just kept her lips pressed together as a tinge of red tinted her cheeks. I felt bad — I didn’t mean to embarrass her. I kept quiet and drove to the store, proceeding with caution. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her eyeing my tattoo like she was dying to touch it. If she did, I’d let her. All she had to do was ask.

  I stopped at the corner gas station and put the car in park. “I’ll be right back.” I got out and went inside. It took me a few minutes to decide what to buy. I selected a domestic beer, paid for it, and exited the store. This was going to be fun. I opened the car door, placed the bag on the floorboard behind my seat, and got in on the driver’s side.

  “What did you buy?” She stretched, trying to catch a glimpse.

  The anticipation was killing me. I only hoped she was okay with what I had planned. “You’ll see.”

  She seemed a little disappointed, but curious at the same time. I drove toward campus and headed to the football stadium. Lexi twisted in her chair, turning from left to right, as though trying to figure out where I was taking her. I almost told her, but decided to keep it a surprise. Something told me she wasn’t one who got surprises often.

  I turned onto the road leading to the stadium and approached the gate. A stadium security guard flagged me to stop. I rolled down the window when I saw it was Mac.

  “It’s The Raven! What’s up, man?” Mac leaned inside the car and we bumped fists.

  “Nothing much, dude.” I inclined my head toward Lexi, giving Mac a hint. “Just gonna show her around.”

  “Sure thing, man.” Mac patted the inside of my car with his palm. “Just make sure you have her out before practice starts.” He backed away from the car. I’d snuck a few girls into the stadium at night, but never tried to get inside the clubhouse level where the owner’s boxes were located. I hoped this worked.

  I saluted his request. “Will do.” I drove through the entrance and cut across the parking lot, finding a spot at the very end of the lot.

  “You’re taking me on a tour?” She undid her seatbelt.

  I was taking her on more than a tour, but she’d have to wait and see for herself. With a raised brow, I said, “I guess you can say that.”

  We got out of the car and I emptied my backpack along the back seat. I stuffed the paper sack holding the beer in and zipped it closed. I double checked the front pocket and found the card key that would let us into the clubhouse level. “Let’s go.” I hooked the straps over my shoulders and Lexi followed me.

  I crossed the parking lot and sidetracked to a side gate — one I’d used before to get in after hours. I did a quick scan, making sure no one was watching. “You want us to sneak in?” Lexi, whispered, looking over her shoulder.

&nbs
p; “Well, yeah.” I pushed the gate as far as the chain would allow and Lexi slid through easily. I wasn’t one for breaking all the rules, but I had to admit this was fun. My heart pounded with excitement and I hoped Lexi would go with it. She pulled on the gate and I squeezed through the opening. Grabbing her hand, I led her in to the stadium, keeping her safely tucked behind me.

  “What happens if they catch us?” Lexi bounced up and down, her eyes wide with panic.

  I stuck my head into the main walkway, checking for clearance. The area was deserted and quiet. All the food vendors were closed and locked, waiting to reopen on game day. A gust of wind blew through the passageway, kicking up leaves and dirt, but otherwise, no one was in sight. Looking at her, I said, “They’ll ask us to leave.”

  “We won’t get in trouble?”

  I shrugged as I darted across the pavement with Lexi in tow. Using my good shoulder, I pushed on the door leading to the stairwell. “I hope not.”

  “What?” She yanked on my arm, stopping me in my tracks. “What do you mean, you hope not? I don’t want to get kicked out of school.” I unhooked my backpack and threaded her arms through it. She continued to stare at me as if I were crazy. Maybe I was. But I wanted to do this for her.

  “Relax. They aren’t going to kick you out of school. Now, get on.” I squatted and motioned for her to jump on my back.

  “What?” Her eyes darted to the top of the stairwell and then back to me. “How far are we going?”

  “A couple of floors.” I patted my backside, urging her to get on.

  “You’re going to carry me on your back,” she pointed, “up several flights of stairs?”

  I heaved a silent sigh. “Yes. Now, will you get on?” Lexi was very reserved, but there was only one way to break that.

  Hesitantly, she stepped closer to me, raising a leg as she straddled my back. Her legs trembled against me, but I didn’t mind. In fact, I loved her long, slender legs wrapped around me. Too bad she had on jeans. I admit, with her body pressed to mine, it was unnerving. It would take all my focus to get to the top of those stairs. The incessant need inside urged me to pull her around to face me, but I knew what would happen after that. I needed to think with the head above my waist, so I didn’t screw things up this time.

  Her hands landed on my shoulders in an awkward manner. “Lexi, you have to hold on tighter than that.” I pulled her arms around my neck, letting her know it was okay to get closer. I didn’t want to drop her. Her face rested against my head and her sweet scent swirled around me, drugging me to the point of incoherence.

  “Maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

  Maybe she was right. I shook off the alluring scent and regained my senses. I turned to her, and said, “Don’t worry. This will be great exercise for me.” With our lips a few inches apart, I quickly turned around, determined to keep my focus. I laced my arms through her legs and pulled her closer. This was going to be harder than I thought. Not because I didn’t have the physical strength to make it to the top of the stairs, but because I totally lacked the mental strength. I wanted to kiss Lexi so damn bad.

  “Ready?”

  “I g-guess.” Her voice trembled with anticipation.

  With speed, I raced up the stairs, planting one foot in front of the other. Lexi’s body bounced against mine and it was pure torture, but the good kind. As we passed from one level to the next, I refused to stop. I was making it all the way to the top with her on my back.

  “Raven, don’t drop me,” she squealed. She enjoyed this as much as I did.

  “I promise…I won’t let you go,” I said in between breaths. My lungs were heavy, but I drew in air, keeping my heart at a steady pace.

  “If I’m too heavy, you can put me down.” She lifted away from me, but I held onto her legs, refusing to let her go.

  “Are you kidding?” I huffed. “This is nothing compared to some of the shit Coach has us do.” I continued up the stairs, keeping my goal in mind. Lexi giggled and I smiled, hoping a rewarding prize greeted me at the end. I couldn’t wait to find out.

  “Why are you laughing?” I used the railing to pull us to the next flight of stairs as the muscles in my legs fatigued.

  “This is fun!” A burst of laughter escaped and she squeezed me tighter. Lexi’s body against mine felt too damn good. I was glad she was enjoying this. I thought singing with her at the piano was great, but this was even better.

  I pushed, refusing to give up, and completed the last flight of stairs, stopping at the fifth floor. That was the best damn workout I’d ever had. No question about it. Sucking in a deep breath, I said, “Glad you enjoyed it.” I released Lexi’s legs, even though I hated to. “I want to show you what it’s like to have a good time.” That was the truth. After hearing her story, I wanted her to experience life while she was in college. And I’d be more than happy to be the one who helped her.

  “Um…what are we going to do?” Slowly, she unlocked her hands from around my neck and glided off me, leaving traces of her scent on my clothes. My muscles weakened further and my legs began to cave. Lexi knew how to bring me to my knees.

  “You’ll see.” Slowly, I turned to face her, hoping I didn’t collapse in her arms. Sweat collected along my forehead and I wiped it away. “I’ll take this.” I reached behind her and carefully slid my backpack down her arms, keeping my eyes fixed to hers.

  “Okay,” she muttered, staring deep into my eyes.

  Her gaze was intense and my mind became erratic with dirty thoughts. What would it be like to take off her clothes? Feel her bare skin against mine? Caress every curve with delicate kisses. Lexi wasn’t even naked, but I could see her beauty, even with her clothes on. Every ounce of it.

  I took a hard swallow. Determined to finish what I’d started, I unzipped the outside pocket of my backpack and removed the card key. “I’ll need this.” I held it up and then looped one arm through my backpack. Lexi was still in a daze, so I ushered her toward the door. I scanned the badge and the door unlocked.

  “This way.” I led her down the hallway of the Champion’s Club. Pictures on the walls showed the history of the previous football teams and the old stadium. PHU had been playing football for seventy-six years, winning several championships along the way.

  “Wow…this is gorgeous,” she ran her hand along the intricate reptile markings lining the wall as we entered the main area. She made a complete circle, taking in the ballroom overlooking the field. She stopped in front of Blaze, PHU’s mascot. It was my favorite. Maybe it was the toughness portrayed through the carving or the sheer weight behind the bronzed statue, but something about it gave it that oomph existing in every football player.

  PHU spared no expense when it came to the Champion’s Club. Decked out in dark mahogany wood and sleek Art Deco fixtures, it made the facility luxurious. Thanks to my Art Appreciation 501 class, I recognized the era.

  “C’mon.” I latched onto to Lexi’s fingers, taking advantage of every opportunity to hold her hand. We walked up the stairs leading to the suites. I stopped in front of the suite belonging to Josh’s family and opened the door.

  “Whose suite is this?” Lexi asked as we stepped into the lavish room.

  “My friend, Josh.” I closed the door and then walked to the front, placing my backpack on the coffee table.

  Lexi ran her fingers along the marble tabletop at the bar as she assessed her surroundings. I think I impressed her.

  Score!

  Her eyes landed on the fifty-inch flat screen TV. “What does Josh do for a living?”

  “Nothing yet… he’s a student. This is his parents’ suite.” I unzipped the backpack and removed a six-pack of beer. I set it on the table and smiled, hoping I did well.

  By the expression on her face, I knew I had.

  Score again!

  She sat on one of the chairs facing the window overlooking the field. Her long, brown hair cascaded off her shoulders and she looked so damn beautiful. She belonged in this suite. “His parents must
do well to be able to pay for this space.”

  I laughed and then popped the top off two beers, using the edge of the coffee table. “His dad is in the oil and gas industry.”

  “Oh…with the Barnett Shell discovery here in North Texas, I’m sure his dad is fairing very well.” Lexi sounded so intelligent when she spoke. I loved it.

  I handed her a beer. “Yes, he is.”

  “And they don’t care if we’re in here?” She took the cold bottle from my hand.

  Taking a seat next to her, I shook my head. “Nah. Sometimes we come up here with a few of the guys to drink. I thought this would be a great place to have your first beer.” I tipped my bottle to hers. “Cheers.”

  She smiled her perfect smile and my heart went into overdrive. “Cheers.” In a well-mannered way, she raised the bottle to her lips and took a drink. As I took a swig, I held my breath, hoping she’d like it. Her nose crinkled and her eyes narrowed after she swallowed. The first gulp was always tough until your taste buds adjusted. I waited for her to cough or set the bottle on the table; instead, she took a few more sips.

  Yeah, baby!

  My goal was not to get her drunk. I just wanted to kick back with her and drink a few beers. This suite made it that much sweeter.

  “Should you be drinking since you have practice in,” she glanced at her watch, “an hour and a half?”

  I snorted, trying to hold back a laugh. “I’ve played under worse conditions. Besides, we never practice that hard before a game.” I took another drink.

  “Oh, okay.” She rested her hand along the armchair and leaned closer to me. I sensed a shift in her demeanor. Maybe it was the beer, or maybe it wasn’t. I didn’t care. Lexi was getting comfortable around me and that was all that mattered. “By the way, thanks for sneaking me up here.” She kept an eye on me as she sipped her beer. “This place is really amazing.”

  “No problem.” I propped my feet on the table and reclined in the chair, remembering why we were here. I wanted her to know I was here for her. Whatever she needed, I’d be there to listen. “So, do you want to talk about what’s going on at your dorm?”