Playing the Game: Providence University Book 6

by Parker, Ali

  Avery

  After another long talk with Abi over dinner and a movie, I decided that my next move was to tell Seth exactly how I felt and why I had been so distant.

  Practice had me nervous, especially after the second half when Coach Carr left Coach Simms in charge of the men and we all had to run laps around the entire field.

  I hoped I’d catch up with Seth, but I didn’t want to be too obvious when we first took off. I ran in a slower jog that I knew he would catch up to easily, and sure enough, after several people passed me up, I felt a nudge.

  “How was your date?” he asked.

  “Abi was hardly a date, but we did have dinner and a movie.”

  “What did you see?”

  “Fist Bump. It’s that stupid comedy about those boxers who rob a bank.” I decided not to be rude and remind him that it was the movie I’d wanted him to bring me to on our date.

  “Oh, I remember you wanted to see that. I would have taken you.” He seemed upset he didn’t get the chance to.

  “It’s fine. I got to see it. It was funny. You’d like it.”

  “Yeah, and I thought maybe you’d still like me,” he said, looking down at his shoes.

  “I do like you, silly.”

  “Well, I feel like something is wrong, and I dare you to deny it.”

  “Okay, something is wrong.”

  He slowed down and nearly stopped running, but hurried to catch up instead. “I knew it. What the hell happened? Did someone else ask you out or something? Because if that’s the reason, don’t leave me hanging. Just be honest.”

  “I like how you think that I have a lot of interest, but actually, sometimes I don’t even know why you like me.”

  “Because you’re nice to me, you’re funny, and you don’t put up with my shit. Not to mention, you’re sexy as hell.”

  “Me? Sexy?” I had to laugh. I had never been called that before.

  “Yeah, don’t even act like you don’t know it.” He shook his head. “So, if it’s not another guy, what is it? Because I’ve tried to be different with you, and I’m still just a fuckup.”

  I started to say something but held my tongue. It would do no good to tell him he could be an ass.

  “Don’t say it. I know I can be a bit pushy. But if you go out with me, we could talk it over?”

  “I’d like that,” I said. “But just know it’s taking a lot for me to give you another chance.”

  “Damn, was I that terrible of a date? If so, I don’t know if I can hold to your standards. But I know you can choose the movie from now on.” He gave a sigh, and I couldn’t help but smile.

  Coach Simms blew her whistle as we passed her. “Pick it up, you two. I know you’ve got more in you than that.”

  Seth smiled. “Your coach is a cakewalk. Coach Carr would skin me alive for this.”

  “She can be a tyrant when she wants to be. Trust me.” Rugby wasn’t always easy, but I had to admit Coach Carr was way worse.

  “So where do you want to go?”

  “I don’t know. Can I wait and think about it?”

  “About going or choosing where?”

  I could tell he wasn’t confident about me at all. “About choosing. I’ll go. I promise. And I’ll tell you what happened.”

  “Why not tell me now?” he asked.

  “Because maybe I want to make you work for it.” I gave him a wink and sped up my pace to leave him behind.

  He caught up with me and grinned. “It’s going to take a lot more work than that to get away from me.”

  “You sound like a creepy stalker.”

  He sighed. “Damn, I can’t get anything, right? But that will probably be the next rumor going around about me, right?”

  “As long as you’re only stalking me.”

  “I guess you have heard the rumors,” he said, looking away.

  “Well, I’ve never been one to hold much truth in a rumor,” I said. “But maybe sometime you could tell me what happened between the two of you?”

  “Yeah, that’s fair. But you might not like it.”

  I smiled at him. “At least you’re honest.” It was a start.

  Coach blew her whistle for us to walk in.

  “Allow me to shower, and I’ll just run back to the house to change.” I didn’t want to wear just anything if this was a date.

  “Sounds good,” he said. “I’ll have to do the same.”

  “Please,” I said, holding my nose.

  “Hey, I don’t smell that bad.” He raised his arm and sniffed.

  I giggled. It was fun to tease him. “I’ll see you around seven?”

  “Make it six thirty,” he said. “I don’t think I can wait that long.” He gave me one of his sexy smiles and turned to go into the men’s locker room.

  * * *

  It was almost six thirty when I slipped on my best jeans and found a blouse that Clara had bought me months ago for my birthday. It wasn’t exactly my kind of day-to-day wares but definitely something I’d feel confident enough to throw on for a date with Seth, even though it had peek-a-boo shoulders that showed a little skin.

  I was so nervous, pulling on my nicest pair of boots. They had a heel that gave me a little height and made me feel a bit more feminine than my usual sneakers or flats. But they did make me feel confident in a way as well.

  I had just spritzed on some perfume when the doorbell rang, and I walked over to see Seth through the peephole. He was looking to the right and rattling his keys, which I could hear through the door. Surely, he wasn’t as nervous as I was.

  I opened the door slowly and peeked around. “Hi,” I said. “I’ll be a second. Do you want to come in?”

  “Sure,” he said, accepting my offer. He walked in and looked around, and I realized it was the first time he’d been inside my apartment. “Wow, this is a nice place.”

  “Thanks. It’s kind of empty with Clara moving out, but I’m going to bring a few things from home next time I visit my mom.”

  “Cool. I guess she and Dillon are really getting serious.”

  “Yeah, you could say that. An engagement is a big deal.”

  “Well, you let me know if you need any help with your stuff.”

  I was surprised by his offer. “Oh? I might hold you to that.” I let out a relieved breath that he seemed to be in a good mood, and I hoped I didn’t wreck the evening when he asked me to explain what happened.

  “I thought we’d go to eat somewhere outside of town. I’m a little tired of the food around here. If that’s okay?”

  “Sure, I don’t really know of any places, so you’ll have to surprise me.”

  “There’s one place that’s about twenty-five minutes away if you don’t mind the drive.”

  “It’s a nice night for it,” I said. I loved being in his Jeep with him, especially when he took the top off. “I’ll just be a minute.” I went to the bedroom, added a little extra perfume, and dropped my lip gloss in my bag. I didn’t wear much makeup as it was, but I needed the gloss, especially since I refused to wear heavy lipstick. It always got on my teeth when I’d tried.

  When I walked back to the living room, I found him looking at the photos under the glass coffee table. “Wow, your family must have traveled a lot growing up.” He turned his eyes to look up at me, and his mouth fell open.

  “Yeah, we did travel a lot until our parents split up, and Mom couldn’t afford it. Dad wanted us to go places with him, but that never worked. Neither of us wanted to go anywhere with his new girlfriend.”

  “Oh.” Seth looked surprised. “I’m sorry I brought it up. You look gorgeous by the way.”

  “Thank you,” I said, feeling the blush rise to my cheeks.

  “And I hope I didn’t hit a sore spot.” He gestured to the photos.

  “No, it’s cool. I’m used to the fact that they divorced. It’s Clara who has the problems with it. She still hates my dad. I don’t hate him. I just don’t let him bother me as much.”

  Seth nodded. “That�
�s probably why she hates me, if she’s listened to the rumors.”

  “You promised you’d tell me if there was any truth to those, remember?”

  “Let’s get going to the restaurant first. I don’t want you to lose your appetite.” He didn’t look too proud of himself as he held out his hand. “Are you ready?”

  “Yeah.” I didn’t usually carry a handbag many places, but I had a small clutch with a wrist strap that I carried along for my ID and lip gloss, as well as my keys. I picked it up and went to the door.

  After I locked up, Seth walked me to the Jeep and opened the door before walking around to get in on his side. I was settled in my seat before he did, and as he climbed in, his cologne hit my nose. “You smell good.”

  “I was going to tell you the same thing.” He laughed and met my eyes. “Do you want to know now or later?”

  “How about I go first?” I thought I might save him the trouble. He might turn us around and bring me home.

  He seemed a little hesitant. “Let me at least buy you dinner before we get to confessing too much?”

  “Okay. Let’s talk about our day instead.”

  Seth smiled. “Mine didn’t start off as good as it ended. That’s for sure.”

  I smiled, knowing he was happy to be with me. “I had a dull morning too. I had a dental cleaning before I went to class for my test. I think I aced it no problem. And I went to practice and took a run with the most handsome guy in town.”

  Seth laughed, but he took a breath and glanced my way. “Some of the rumors are true, Avery.” The smile faded from his face. “The truth is, I didn’t treat Layla well, and yes, I did mess around when things started going south for us. I’m not proud of it, and I have apologized for it.”

  That wasn’t easy to hear. “It was a long time ago, wasn’t it?”

  “Well, not that long ago, but I feel like I’ve learned to be better. And I understand if you have a problem with that, but I’m trying not to be that guy ever again.”

  “I believe in second chances,” I said, taking him by surprise. “But just in case you think you can do that to me, you can’t. And I’m ordering the most expensive thing on the menu, and you’re going to have to be as understanding about what I have to tell you over dinner.”

  “I’m surprised you still feel like eating.”

  “Hell yeah. You and Layla had your problems, and while I have to admit it does sting a little hearing you confess that to me, I know that doesn’t have to be us. If you don’t want it to be. I mean, I don’t want it to be, and I won’t let it be. I’m not going to put up with that bullshit at all.”

  “I’d never expect you to, nor would I do that to you. It was stupid. I know I could keep telling you that I’m trying to do better, but I’d rather show you instead. If you’ll give me a chance.”

  “Of course.” I had wanted to give him the benefit of that chance since I heard the rumors.

  Our conversation fell quiet, and after a while, I reached over and put my hand on his. Seth smiled at me and told me about his day.

  We arrived at the restaurant, which was called Sage and a lot nicer of a place than I expected. “How did you find out about this place?” I asked as the hostess sat us at a table. I wondered if he had brought Layla there before me.

  “I drove past it one day and thought about bringing you.” He gave a shrug like it was nothing, but I thought it was the sweetest thing in the world.

  “Well, it’s really great. Thank you.”

  “Let’s order the food first, and we’ll be the judge of that.” He gave a laugh as the waiter came to the table.

  The man’s name was Henry, and despite his thick southern accent, he managed to pronounce some of the menu specials better than I could have.

  We quickly placed our orders, and when Henry left, Seth took my hand. “I need you to know something about me, Avery. I’m kind of impatient. And I really want to know what I did to upset you. Because I don’t want to do it again.”

  I could tell he really meant it. “You hurt my feelings.”

  He frowned and looked down at the table. “I’m sorry, Avery.” He glanced up and met my eyes. “I didn’t realize I’d done anything that would do that.”

  “Well, that may be my fault because instead of confronting you about it and starting a big stink, I just let you think I was tired and had you take me home.”

  He looked as if a light went off inside him. “The movies. That’s why you didn’t let me come in. I don’t know what happened.”

  “It was after. At the Omega House. I overheard you and your friend talking about me and saying how I was a tomboy and liked girls.”

  Seth’s eyes widened. His shoulders slumped as he sank in his seat. It was as if the wind was knocked out of him. “I’m sorry. I was just goofing around, Avery. I don’t think about those things.”

  “But you didn’t correct them either. Instead, you said you were hoping for a threesome and laughed it up with your friend.”

  “Look, I never cared what your sexuality is. As long as you like me, that’s all I care about.”

  “I’m not bisexual, Seth. I’m straight. I just don’t like rumors going around about me any more than you do. And I’ve dealt with that ever since I was a girl who decided to play sports. Especially rugby. I’m not ultra-feminine like some girls, but that doesn’t mean I am gay. And it doesn’t mean you get hot threesomes with my friends and me, which was way out of line.” I had to let him know I didn’t intend to share him with anyone, and I wasn’t going to put up with anyone else in our relationship.

  “I’m so sorry. I was just kidding around. Ben’s an Omega, and I just didn’t want to cause any problems with him. I should have spoken up.”

  “I’m not going to say it’s okay, but you of all people should know how that feels, and I’d hope that you would set the record straight if that ever happens again.”

  “Yeah, I was just acting stupid. I’m sorry I hurt you.” I could tell by his tone that he was really sorry about it.

  It was quite a few moments until our food came. We ate, and I did my best to make idle conversation until he finally loosened up again.

  On the way home, I did most of the talking, and I felt terrible, hoping he wasn’t angry with me. “I didn’t want to make things awkward,” I said as he pulled into my complex.

  “I just sometimes don’t know what’s wrong with me. I say and do things to fuck up, and I’m sorry. Most of all, I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings.”

  “Well, I’m sorry too. For not telling you sooner.”

  He turned and took my hand. “I’ll do better if you give me a chance.”

  “That’s what I’m doing by coming out with you. I realized that you’re worth a second chance to me, Seth. But before you go thinking that was too easy, know that I’m going to make you work for it.”

  Seth slumped back in his seat. “Okay. I can handle that.” He seemed disappointed, and I had to wonder if I was too hard on him.

  I turned in my seat and faced him. “You’re mad at me, aren’t you?”

  “No, I’m mad at myself. I’ve wanted to kiss you so badly and I guess I’ve screwed that up.”

  “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” I took his hand, and he smiled, wasting no time laying one on me.

  I had missed kissing him too, and I was especially glad we had gotten things worked out. He had been honest with me, and I wanted him enough to look past his faults and give him a chance.

  As our lips moved together, I realized just how much I had missed his kiss.

  I finally pulled away when I felt I was losing control and knew if I didn’t tell him goodnight, I was going to invite him inside. I didn’t want to take advantage of that situation just because I could.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “Yeah. I can’t wait.” He gave me another quick kiss before I got out, and he jumped out too to walk me to the door. “Thanks for giving me another chance. Does this mean we can go out again soon?”
<
br />   “We’ll see. I know I’m moving slowly for you, but I don’t want to be hurt again.”

  “I’m sorry, and you take your time. I’m not going anywhere. I want to make it right with you.”

  “It’s behind us. Let’s not take those steps back. Let’s move forward and see what happens.”

  After another quick kiss, more feverish than the last, I told him goodnight and went inside alone. I watched out the window as he drove away. He didn’t push to come inside. Maybe he really was going to do better this time.

  Chapter 6

  Seth

  I had never had a kiss so hot or cared about anyone the way I did Avery. Not even Layla. While there was a time that I thought Layla hung the moon, now my heart was mended, and I had moved on.

  I felt like a dick for what had happened with Ben. To know that Avery heard us talking about her not only embarrassed me, but it made me feel just horrible.

  A lot of times, the guys at Omega House said shit to me, and I would just blow it off. That was all I was trying to do with little confrontation about my love life.

  While I had been a party animal and allowed myself to be talked about, it seemed that I’d also given some people the wrong idea that they could say anything and get away with it. I had to start being more accountable for making sure the truth was understood. What people said not only hurt me now, but they could hurt Avery as well.

  I closed my eyes and could still feel her lips. Having the opportunity to kiss her had keyed me up, and now I was too excited to simply go home for the night.

  If only she had invited me in. I knew Avery was going to take it slowly, but by not inviting me in, it had me wondering. What if she didn’t really like the kiss? What if it had given her second thoughts about us?

  As I stepped outside her apartment complex, I felt so alive and up to whatever she threw my way. If Avery wanted to play hard to get, I was up to the challenge.

  My head was reeling. I decided to stop by Omega House on the way back to my place just because I wasn’t ready to go home for the night.

  I got out and went to the door, knocking even though I had always been welcomed without it.