Amaya looks down at her food. Her lips are quirked into a half grin. She likes me but doesn’t want to show it.
“Want me to do it again,” I tease, but I’m not kidding. I’m serious.
“You’re trouble,” she observes shoving another fry in her mouth, totally smiling.
She has it wrong, all wrong. She’s the one who is trouble. I could just sit here and watch her eat and be happy, because we’re sitting here together. I’m a goner and there’s no coming back. I want to go all in for this chick.
Chapter 12
Amaya
I
almost say yes, but I stop myself. His friends all decided to ditch their booth and share mine. Of course, there was some bickering once his friend Adams sat next to me. He’s easy on the eyes but totally not my type. He has blond wavy hair, a nice golden tan, and hazy brown eyes. He looks like a surfer dude. Tate made him switch places. His friend Bucky had to pull up a chair at the end of the table. He’s all skinny. I probably weigh more than he does. His hair is kinda like Tate’s but has streaks of gold from being in the sun.
Tate gripes and says no one gets to sit by me but him. Whatever. He’s lost it. I’m not his property.
When he puts his arm along the back of the booth, his hand grazing my shoulder I glare at him. “You know…I was enjoying my alone time.”
Tate shrugs. “Yeah, but now I’m here, nothing’s better than spending time with me.” He gives a cheeky smile. God he’s incorrigible. The guy doesn’t know when to quit.
“How do you fit your ego in your tiny head?” I ask him seriously. “I mean, wow,” I goad him, waiting for one of his lines. I bet he has plenty he throws out to all of his admirers daily.
The guys laugh.
“I like her. You didn’t claim her did ya? Because I want to. No wonder why Keith is being such a dickless asshole lately,” Big Tex comments. He’s a big ol’ boy. Looks like he never skips a meal. He isn’t fat though. Just thick. His arms are huge, like he probably crushes beer cans with his biceps. His hair is shaved short with a side fade. I snicker to myself seeing he has zigzags shaved around the sides. It doesn’t suit him entirely but somehow he pulls it off.
“You shall be my new best friend.” I smile pointing at him with a fry. “Anyone that calls Keith a dickless asshole deserves that title. Just don’t tell Courtney,” I mock whisper as Courtney comes over to chat.
“Don’t tell me what?” She pushes Big Tex slightly so she can sit down. “Move.”
He looks at her in surprise and he scoots over still staring at her. Oh, maybe I can play match maker. But wait, why isn’t Courtney going gaga over him? She’s always had a thing for sexy football players.
“I was just appointed her new best friend,” Big Tex says proudly.
Courtney snorts. “Bitch, please.” She looks at me. “Trust me, you don’t want him as a best friend, you’ll probably catch his slut disease.”
“Uh, did I miss something? Do you two know each other?” Courtney tells me everything and I have a feeling she didn’t tell me something.
“No,” Courtney says, glaring up at Big Tex.
Adams interrupts. “Yes. They were seeing each other over the summer, but Big Tex here forgot to mention that he’s engaged. Something his parents set up,” he offers the information as if it’s not a big deal.
“Wait what?” How did I not know this? I know we spent most of the summer apart this year, but I didn’t think she had met someone.
“Don’t worry about it, Am. I didn’t tell you because it wasn’t worth mentioning.”
Big Tex’s jaw ticks and he looks angry. “If you would have just let me explain.”
She cuts him off. “No need. Trust me. I’m over it, and you. I have better things to do now.” She slides out of the booth. “Breaks over, I’ll see you later, Am. Don’t wait up for me though, I have a date tonight.” She walks away giving me a wink and Big Tex looks like he’s itching to get up and go after her.
“Did you know about that?” I ask Tate.
“No, I was down in Florida for the summer, I had no clue,” he tells me. I wonder what he was in Florida for?
Adams sneaks a fry off my plate, and I glare at him. “Did I say you could eat that?”
“Uh,” he mumbles with the fry in his mouth.
I snatch my plates close to me and look at him. “Mine,” I growl.
His hands go up and he sits back against the booth. “Won’t touch it again, promise. So uh, how do you two know each other?” He questions.
“Dance. The Gym,” Tate and I both say at the same time.
He looks at me in a panic. What? He doesn’t want his friends to know he’s in dance?
“I ain’t lying for you, buddy,” I tell Tate. I look back to the guys. “His coach wanted him to take some ballet classes. I’m teaching him, so he’ll be better on the field.” I shrug.
Big Tex burst out laughing. “Oh man, wait until the other guys find out about this.”
Tate grumbles.
“Dude, lay off. I’m in dance. The scrimmage last week? I was amazing all because of dance,” Adams boasts.
“Yeah, and I’m being tutored in dance by some hot chick named Kendra,” Bucky says speaking up, not looking ashamed at all.
“Oh uh.” Big Tex looks ashamed.
“If you need extra help, my schedule is open on Tuesdays, I can help you.” I smile at him.
Tate stiffens beside me. “No, if your schedule is open on Tuesdays, then I want the extra day.”
“Yeah no, I see you enough as it is. Maybe Big Tex here can find time away from his womanizing and hang out with me?” I smile over at him and give him a wink.
“Yeah. I can do that.” Big Tex nods enthusiastically.
“No,” Tate growls.
“What about you, Bucky boy, you’re awfully quiet.”
“Bucky boy?” he asks amused.
I shrug. “No one is just named Bucky, that’s weird. So, it’s Bucky boy from here on out,” I declare, throwing my arms wide, almost smacking Tate in the process.
“I’m not getting involved. I’ll just keep sitting here quietly waiting for my food.”
I give him a glare. “Fine, be a lonely loner,” I grumble. “Can’t believe Bucky boy here doesn’t want to be my friend, I’m awesome.”
Tate chuckles. “Bucky doesn’t really like anyone, but he makes the exception for us.”
“Anyways, let’s ignore Sticks,” I tease pointing at Bucky, I think that name suits him more, that name makes him laugh, and I give him a wink. “Big Tex? Adams? You guys want that extra lesson on Tuesdays?”
“I said no,” Tate protests loudly.
“Listen up, buddy. You can’t tell me what to do. We’re not together, we’re not even friends. You’re someone I’m helping for payment so you are good at football. That’s it.” I suck down my drink.
The guys all chuckle and Tate glares at me. “Listen up, Twinkle Toes. We’re friends, best friends, for now, but soon, you’ll be mine. Under me, letting me taste you, touch you, and you will love every minute of it,” he says it so quietly, but I know every person at the table heard it. “So no to you spending alone time, anytime, unless I’m with you with other guys.”
My face goes red, I know it, because I can feel the heat. The guys cough awkwardly.
“Fine, I’ll just come over later, and you can hang in your room while I hang with Tex,” I snap.
“Yes, to coming over, no to hanging with Tex.”
“You’re impossible.” I shake my head and shove Tate to the side so I can pay for my food and get some studying in. I stop and look back at Tate for a moment. I forgot to tell him the new dance schedule. “We’ll need to work out a new schedule for dance. I got the star role in the fall recital. I’ll text you my schedule and you can get back to me when you figure out what’s good for you.”
“You got it.” Tate beams up at me. “That’s great. Make sure to let me know when it is, and we’ll all buy tickets, front row,
to watch you.”
“Yeah yeah, anyways, I gotta go. Big exam tomorrow.” I give everyone a wave and head out.
Chapter 13
Tate
W
e climb into Adams’ SUV, everyone is quiet. Our food came quickly and the minute we were done we all left. No one really talked after Amaya was gone. The guys just sat there eating quietly and giving me weird looks.
“So uh, what was all that back there?” Big Tex asks.
“Just staking my claim.”
“Never seen you like that before, man. Fuck, never even heard you say shit like that either. Amaya’s a great girl and all, from what I know from tonight, but you sure? Especially now? You know, she’s wants to go to San Diego to be a ballerina something or other, and you want to go to Miami for the draft.”
“Doesn’t matter, she’s my big bang,” I tell him quietly.
Bucky speaks up from the front. Shithead called shotgun. “The big bag your parents have talked about gives me the creeps. I personally think it’s bullshit.”
“Trust me, it’s not bullshit,” Big Tex says. He doesn’t say anything more, makes me wonder if he’s talking about Amaya’s friend.
The rest of the ride back to campus is quiet and a little awkward. Adams doesn’t get out. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Need to get going.” He speeds off before the door even fully closes.
Huh. “Anyone know what’s going on with him lately?” He’s been quieter than normal, and is always gone. Tonight was a rare hangout. Last year, we were always all together, and since this year started, he’s always gone.
“Something to do with a woman probably,” Bucky shares.
“Don’t want to know then.” I hold my hands up. “I think we’ve had enough chick talk for one night.” More like enough chick talk to last a year.
I head over to the gym to burn some of the calories I just inhaled.
**
When I was working out, I got a text from Woodburn, our fraternity president. He wants me to come over and check out the new recruits. Which means there is a huge ass party happening and they are on trial to see how they manage the thing. I don’t want to go to it, but I may as well. What else am I gonna do tonight?
Walking up to the house, I see the party through the window is already somewhat out of control. Thankfully, we got the new windows put into the place so no more broken windows will happen. Soundproof and shatter proof. Which is a plus, since usually the only reason cops get called is because of the noise.
“The King is here!” I hear shouted, and I shake my head. I fist bump a few guys and walk to the kitchen for a beer. That keg shit is for the party, but the shit in the kitchen is for the frat brothers. Popping the cap on my bottle, I take a swig while Woodburn chats about the recruits. This frat used to be known for the worst hazing around, but once Woodburn became president, he put a stop to it. Instead, the recruits earn their place by seeing how they behave and run the parties.
“So, heard you got a girl?” He asks, finishing his beer off.
I grin. “Damn right I do.”
He starts to reply when we’re interrupted by a football groupie. Not unusual, but I’m not interested, and I’m getting fed up with this shit, especially when I have Amaya.
“Been looking all over for you, King,” she purrs.
“That’s nice? I’m busy.” I try to turn back to face Woodburn when she grabs my head and tries to kiss me.
Shoving her off I glare at her. “What the fuck was that? You don’t just go up to someone and try that shit out. Fucking crazy, chick, you need to get your head examined.”
She looks like she’s gonna cry when I spot Keith smirking with his phone out by the kitchen door. That fuckhead did this.
I narrow my eyes at him when he speaks. “I can’t wait to show Amaya that, she’ll realize that you are just like me.”
I charge at him, shoving him into the wall. “I’m nothing like you, and Amaya knows that. I don’t cheat, ever. Only dickless dogs like you do.” I sneer at him, my hand pushing into his throat.
“You said Amaya was yours, that you wanted to marry her. Bullshit. The only man she will marry, is me. You keep this shit up, I’ll make sure your throwing arm is out of commission, for life.”
Arms wrap around me and pull me off him. “Calm down, bro. You don’t need this shit, and that asshole isn’t worth it.”
“That asshole is gonna find my fist in his fucking teeth if he doesn’t leave my girl alone.”
Woodburn gets into Keith’s face when he is sure I won’t go at him again. “We voted you out last week, why are you here?” That’s a surprise, I didn’t know about that.
“You can’t kick me out, my father pays the upkeep on this place,” Keith snaps.
“Your father is aware of all the shit you’ve been up to. Smashing in car windows, assaulting girls in club bathrooms, forcing your way into that same girl’s dorm room. All of it, asswipe. So yeah, I can kick you the fuck out, especially when you are giving this frat a bad name.”
“Fuck you all,” Keith shouts. He stomps toward the door and looks back to me. “You might think Amaya is yours, and while she’s wrapping her cock sucking mouth around your dick, she will be. But I know you, King, you won’t keep her. You and I both know it.”
Asshole.
“Trash has left the building, commence the partying,” Woodburn yells. The music turns back on and drinks get passed around some more as if nothing happened.
“So, Keith’s ex is your girl,” he states.
“Yup.”
“Good. She’s a great one. Tried to be friends with her a while back, but because of that fuckwad, she wasn’t letting that happen. I think she thought I was hitting on her or something, when really I was trying to just be her friend, and also because I want an in with her friend Julie.”
I laugh. “I’ll talk to her about ya, man, and see what I can do. Thanks for making sure that scene didn’t get worse.”
He shrugs. “You’re my brother, of course.”
An hour later, I leave. After the scene with Keith, and me going on about Amaya all night not one girl came up to me. They finally seemed to get it. Tate King is done fucking around.
Chapter 14
Amaya
G
etting home, I realize that Courtney isn’t here. Maybe she really did have a date. I turn my TV on and put in Save The Last Dance, my second favorite movie of all time and flop on my bed to watch it. I’ve seen this movie so many times I could probably recite the whole thing off by heart.
Just as the credits roll on the movie Courtney finally walks in the door looking worn out.
I raise my brows at her and sit up on my bed, arms crossed. “Where were you?”
She looks up startled and runs a hand through her messy hair with a shaky laugh. “I had a date.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “I didn’t know anything about a date until you threw it out earlier tonight, you usually tell me things like this. What’s going on with you?” I ask her, wounded.
“I’m sorry, Am. I ugh, this is hard. At first, I didn’t have a date. I turned the guy down, but after seeing Tex tonight, I changed my answer and took the guy up on his offer.” Still not offering me up a name. Hmm.
“Okay, we need to back up. What’s this about you and Big Tex. I know I wasn’t around this summer, but we still talked all the time, and you never told me anything about a guy.” I can’t believe she kept something so big from me.
“I’m sorry, I wanted to say something, but you were still hurt over the mess with Keith. I didn’t want to rub it in your face, ya know?”
I nod, I understand she was just looking out for me. “You could’ve told me, but I get it. Now dish.” I pat my comforter for her to sit.
She sits at the end of the bed, rubs her face, and starts her story.
“I met Tex at the summer blast off fair about a week after you left. It was great, we hit it off. He met my folks, and it was exciting. A month later, it was time
to meet his family, and that’s when they dropped a bomb on me. Letting me know that he needed to stop fooling around with girls like me, because he was set to marry some chick named Asha when college was over. I felt like I got kicked in the face by that one, he never once said he was engaged to someone, and I thought we had been pretty open with each other.” She pauses.
“After his parents exposed that I stood up and said, ‘Sorry, my family’s billions aren’t good enough for your son.’ And I walked out. To say they were shocked was an understatement. A week later I was at home and my mom got a phone call from Tex’s mom saying that they would cancel the marriage to this Asha girl if I agreed to step up in her place. And from that moment, I told my mom to tell Mrs. Roth to go fuck herself up the ass with her silver spoon.”
That doesn’t really surprise me, once people find out who Courtney’s parents are, they start acting weird around her. Her mom owns the biggest real estate company in the state of California, her face is everywhere. And Court’s dad is a lawyer who mostly only works for celebrities.
I laugh at that, and then look at Courtney. “You really liked him, huh?”
She snorts. “No, I was in love. Yeah, it was fast, it was only a month, but I was there, and then I just, it just…hurt. Ya know? So, I’ve been avoiding him ever since, except earlier tonight when I just shrugged it off and didn’t give a shit, but I did give a shit. Gah. I need a drink.” She gets off the bed and goes to the cupboard where she keeps her wine.
I would join her for a glass, but I have early classes tomorrow.
After I get my teeth brushed, I’m lying in bed unable to stop obsessing over my night with Tate.
I can’t believe he hasn’t sent a text or called me.
I can’t stand it. I have to do something.
I break and send him a message, telling him Tex sucks ass, and I don’t want to hang out with him after learning he’s been such a dick to my bestie.
The phone rings instantly and it’s Big Tex himself. “What do you mean you don’t want to be my friend? You have to be.” He sounds in a panic.
Sacking The Player Page 7