[Love in the End Zone 01.0] Out of Bounds

by Jillian Quinn

  Now, she’s just trying to piss me off, a scare tactic to get me to leave. She can forget that. I plan to stay by her side until Monday morning if she’ll let me. I already have enough guilt on my conscience when it comes to Tori. The last thing I want to do is leave her sick and unattended when she needs someone most.

  With hundreds of people roaming around the SAC, we step inside the crowded cafeteria. I grab a tray from the stack and slide it down the metal counter. They have everything from burgers and fries to Chinese food, paired with a few leftover breakfast foods. Tori has her eye on the massive salad bar in the center of the buffet lines.

  “Do you want me to get you a salad?”

  “Nope,” she says, turning her head back to me. “I want chicken fingers.”

  “You had them last night.”

  She scowls at me. “What do you care? I like them.”

  “I’m just saying that you should eat something with more nutritional value than chicken fingers.”

  “You sound like my dad. And chicken is a food group.” She sticks her tongue out at me.

  “Technicality,” I say, shaking my head at her.

  As we move through the buffet, Tori places a paper carton of chicken tenders on the tray. Following her lead, I opt for a greasy cheesesteak wrapped in foil.

  “Why, Bash, how could you?” Tori holds her hand up to her mouth, widening her eyes in mock surprise. “What happened to food with nutritional value?”

  “Keep moving, smart ass,” I say, pushing the tray with my fingers. “I guess you’re rubbing off on me already.”

  She flashes a victorious smile as if she’s won a contest. At the rate we’re going, this will be one of the longest weekends of my life.

  I search the expanse of the hall for Clay, hoping he showed up with Jessica. But I catch someone else’s attention.

  Instead of Clay, I find Harper, smiling and waving at me. She reminds me of everything I hate. Everything I did to get to this point. I hate myself for allowing her to fuck with my life. But I hate myself more for making the stupid decisions that had forced me to go along with Harper’s agreement.

  Something about her has always provoked a sudden rage inside me. There used to be a bit of sexual tension laced with anger between us. Now, it’s just anger and resentment, or at least on my part.

  As Harper violates me with her eyes, I pretend not to see her. In desperate need of a distraction, I clutch Tori’s shoulder as we stand in line for the cash register.

  “Why are you touching me? Hands off,” Tori says, through clenched teeth.

  “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking. Old habits, I guess.”

  She shakes me off. “Don’t let it happen again.”

  By the time I pay for our meals, Harper has vanished. Another minute of her gawking at me would lead to more problems. And I need to make things right with Tori.

  Crammed between hundreds of people, Clay raises his hand in the air to flag me down. He has on a navy blue Strickland Senators T-shirt that fits tight against his chest and shoulders, revealing the definition in his arms, and a pair of jeans. Clay is a big dude, built like an ox, but I have a few inches on him.

  “Tori,” Jessica calls out, waving. “About time you made it. I was getting ready to call you.”

  “We’re here. You can call off the search team.” Tori deadpans, feigning a smile.

  “You look like death. What happened to you?” Jessica’s eyes travel from Tori to me. She gives me a look of disgust as if I am the reason Tori is so disheveled.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” I say to Jessica, annoyed. “I’m taking care of her until she gets better.”

  I make room between some of my teammates and set my tray across from Clay and Jessica.

  Tori sits next to me with a flustered sigh.

  A few of the guys nod or say hello as we make ourselves comfortable. The look surprised to see me. After all the rumors that have gone around campus about Tori and me, eating lunch together will start more. I will have to shield her from as many as I can. She couldn’t handle the rumors last time. I don’t blame her. The shit they were saying about her would’ve made anyone go a little…nuts.

  “Why are you taking care of her?” Jessica seems confused.

  “Because I have a minor concussion, and Dr. Holland wants someone to stay with me.”

  “And I volunteered,” I add.

  Offended, Jessica says, “Why didn’t you call me? That’s why I’m here.”

  Tori lifts a chicken tender from the tray and holds it up to her mouth. “Don’t be ridiculous. You guys have plans, and I am capable of taking care of myself.” She bites into the chicken, speaking between bites. “Have fun. I will be okay on my own.”

  “You’re not on your own,” I clarify.

  “Whatever. You’ll be there. Same difference.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I counter. She’s working my last nerve.

  “Like I can count on you for anything, Bash. Please. Be serious.”

  If only she knew about the things I have done for her, continue to do for her. But I can’t…

  “You can,” I say, lowering my voice to a whisper. “Just let me show you.”

  Tori studies my face for a few seconds before her features soften. “I guess I’ll find out.” Then, she shoves the rest of the chicken into her mouth, ending the conversation as she stuffs her face.

  Seated next to Finch, a girl with caramel hair, cut in layers over her shoulders, flashes a broad grin at me. She raises her hand and gives me a quick wave. Even with Tori next to me, women still try to get my attention. The girls who didn’t give a fuck who they had to step on to get to me ruined my relationship with Tori the first time. Not me. And I won’t let them do it again.

  Ignoring the girl who is now pretending to poke at her salad, my attention shifts back to Tori, who by the scowl on her face must’ve watched the quick exchange between the girl next to Finch and me. Just fucking great.

  Neither of us exchanges a word, holding each other’s gaze before Jessica interrupts our staring contest.

  “Are you going to be okay with him?” Jessica asks Tori, her finger pointed at me as if even she thinks I am not up to her standards.

  Tori shrugs against her chair. “Who knows. I doubt he’ll make it through the night without attending to one of his booty calls.”

  “I’m right here,” I say, not meaning to raise my voice. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not. And I’m staying with you until Monday, so you had better get used to me.”

  Now, I have everyone at the table’s attention, whether I wanted it or not. Bringing Tori here, even with our friends to run interference, was a mistake.

  I turn away, checking out the right side of the cafeteria and frown when I see Harper strutting over to our table with her friends. She slides a chair between Clay and Finch, focused on me the entire time. I try to ignore her, but the two feet separating us is not enough. The devilish grin she wears, although not unusual for Harper, makes me want to throw her over my shoulder and drag her from the room. I keep my fingers crossed that she shuts her mouth in front of Tori. We have an arrangement for a reason.

  Harper scans my face, acknowledging my warning with a nod. We don’t need words to communicate. She knows the deal. But that doesn’t mean she won’t make Tori’s life a living hell instead of mine.

  “Bash,” she coos, “I see you’ve brought the trash with you. I didn’t realize you were doing charity work this weekend. How nice of you.”

  Balling my hands into fists at my sides, I yell, “Knock it off, Harper. Apologize. Right now!”

  Tori rolls her eyes and chugs the last sip of her soda. “It’s okay, Bash. I can handle this bitch.”

  “What did you just call me?” Harper squeaks out.

  “You heard me, bitch,” Tori says, her face like stone.

  I always loved that fight inside of Tori. It was one of the things I liked most about her. That’s why it upset me so much to see the fire die insi
de her over the years. I’m glad it’s back.

  “He doesn’t even like you,” Harper spits back.

  “Harper, stop it!” I yell, crossing my arms over my chest. “I am sick of this shit. You need to leave.”

  Her lip quivers at my words. “You don’t mean that.”

  “I do,” I say, pointing toward the exit doors. “Now, go. You are not wanted here.”

  She folds her hands on the table, leaning forward. “You’re an ass; you know that? You had better stop by tonight, or you will be sorry.”

  I do not doubt that she will make things worse now that Tori is back in my sights. It has taken me far too long to get close to Tori again. I’m stuck in a tough position. Harper knows the secret I’ve kept from Tori all these years. A secret that will make Tori hate me. But Harper also knows the truth, and the truth is what Tori would want from me. It would give her closure. If I don’t give in to Harper’s demands, she will make sure Tori finds out. I can’t have that.

  “Later, Harper,” I say, shooing her away.

  She shakes her head, teeth clenched in anger. Without another word, she gets up from the table, her three minions following behind her as if she’s a celebrity flanked by her team.

  I dig my fingers through my hair, frustrated, flashing a forced smile at Tori. “I’m sorry about that.”

  She shrugs, unaffected by the exchange with Harper. “It’s nothing. She’s an idiot.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Okay. I’m lightheaded, but for the most part, not bad. I think I could use a nap.”

  “We can leave,” I say, pushing my chair out from the table.

  “Already,” Jessica whines. “Don’t let that hooker be the reason you’re leaving. She was just trying to get under your skin.”

  Tori laughs. “Like I care about Harper. I don’t feel good. I promise I just need some sleep. Have fun this weekend. Don’t worry about me.”

  Jessica snorts at her comment. “As if I can ignore the fact my best friend has a concussion and enjoy my weekend.” Jessica turns to Clay. “Would you mind if we cancel our plans for tonight?”

  “Jess, C'mon,” Clay says, trying not to look too disappointed. “Bash can take care of Tori. If anyone knows how to nurse a concussion, it’s Bash. She’s in good hands.”

  “But—” Clay interrupts Jessica’s train of thought.

  “It took me a month to get reservations for tonight, and that was with my dad’s connections. Just let Bash handle things.”

  “He’s right,” Tori says. “I will be fine.”

  Jessica cocks an eyebrow at Tori. “Really?”

  “Yup,” Tori confirms. “I’ll be fine.”

  “Promise me you will let Bash stay with you.”

  “I can’t promise he won’t get on my nerves,” she counters.

  Jessica purses her lips. “I’m serious.”

  Tori smirks. “So am I.”

  Clay scratches his jaw, the corner of his mouth opening a little bit. “Good. It’s settled.”

  He shuts the conversation down with three words. Jessica doesn’t even bother to argue.

  Holding out my hand to Tori, she looks up at me, her big, blue eyes slicing right through me. She takes my hand without fighting me, allowing me to help her to her feet.

  Nervous energy runs through my body in waves, magnified by Tori’s touch. My skin is on fire, a sudden burst of heat traveling down my arms. It feels so good to be with her again.

  Tori flicks her golden locks over her shoulder with her other hand, still holding onto me tight. I thought she’d leave after Harper’s outburst, but instead, I get the opposite reaction. Maybe she will give me time to show her how wrong she is about me.

  I lean down and whisper against her ear. “Are you ready, Queenie?”

  She grins up at me, despite the permanent scowl she usually wears in protest. “Yes,” she breathes. “But stop calling me that. I hate that nickname.”

  “Whatever you say, Queenie.” I laugh, and she elbows me hard in my side.

  I missed this. I missed Tori. And I hope she will let me stay long enough to win her back.

  Chapter Six

  Tori

  Bash is killing me. With kindness. And I have no idea how to react to him. After all the years I have spent hating him, he’s making it hard for me not to like him all over again. Why is he so nice? I wish he’d be the jerk I know, the asshole who betrayed my trust. Except he’s different or at least trying to be a person I am starting to like.

  “Sit up,” Bash says, pushing another pillow behind my head. He fluffs the stack and helps me lie back down as if I’m incapable of doing it myself.

  Sitting at the edge of my bed, he leans over me to pull the blanket up to my neck. Being this close to Bash is hard. So fucking hard. All my feelings for him come swirling back. A blush spreads from my cheeks to my chest, my nipples hardening from his proximity. He’s always had this effect on me. I lose all self-control around him.

  Fighting off the urge to kiss him, I close my eyes and suck in a deep breath before blowing it out my nose. When I open my eyes, Bash’s face is so close to mine. I can feel his breath on my cheek.

  “Bash,” I whisper, wanting to tell him to leave. But I won’t ask him to leave. I don’t have the willpower. Instead, I mutter a quick thank you.

  He props himself up with his elbow and leans over me, pushing a strand of hair from my face. “How are you feeling?”

  The fact that he doesn’t move makes his intentions clear. I try hard to suppress my emotions. But in a moment of weakness, I brush my fingers over his skin and look up at him, flicking my tongue over my lips.

  “Tori,” he mutters, moving close enough that I can feel his breath on my lips. “I’m worried about you.”

  “Don’t be,” I say. “You’re here now. I’ll be fine.”

  “You mean that?” He seems surprised by my words.

  “Yes, I do. I know you will take care of me.”

  He sighs. “I thought you hated me and didn't trust me.”

  “I do, but you feel guilty. That’s why you’re here. And I know you will help me.”

  “I would do anything for you.” With our faces so close together, I can feel his breath on my lips.

  I lean in closer and stare into his eyes. My body stills but my heart is another story.

  “Then show me,” I whisper. He either needs to kiss me or get off the bed. It’s hard being this close to Bash without wanting to jump him.

  He doesn’t hesitate. Bash grips my ass with one hand and my face with the other. Our clips crash together, and when he slips his tongue into my mouth, his touch goes straight between my thighs. One thing I always loved about Bash was his ability to make me wet just from one kiss. His tongue is like magic, spelling me into believing this is all real and like it was before everything had fallen apart.

  At this moment, I can forget about the Bash I hate and focus on the Bash I love. Moaning, he sucks on my bottom lip. I love the sexy sounds he makes, always have. Each sound he makes dampens my panties. I want him to touch me, make this throbbing between my legs go away.

  I can feel his erection pressing against my thigh through his jeans. Licking my lips, I feel his length over the material. He’s so big that to this day, I can still remember what it was like when he took my virginity. It was perfect, something out of a fairy tale, but it hurt like fucking hell. I’m not even sure I can handle Bash right now with how much my head hurts. One body part at a time.

  Bash is the only guy I have ever had sex. Unlike him, it has meant something to me. He meant everything to me. For a second, I let myself enjoy the sweet scent of his skin and the way his hips rock against me.

  I separate my lips from him, moving my head to the side, but he kisses my neck instead. “What are we doing, Bash?”

  “Kissing,” he mumbles against my skin. “I missed you, Tori. I missed you so fucking much.”

  I don’t want his hands to leave my body or his tongue to stop doing wh
atever he does that causes my toes curl and my body to tingle with pleasure. I want to fight him, but I don’t have the willpower. Because I am powerless with one kiss, one touch.

  “I missed you, too,” I confess, hating myself for saying the words aloud.

  His tongue caresses mine once more, and he kisses me with an animalistic passion I crave. Heat runs over my body in waves as his hand slides up my thigh. Everything about this feels normal, familiar. I wish my body would reject him the way my mind has tried to over the years, but it’s a goddamn traitor.

  I sit up just enough so he can lift my shirt over my head. He throws it on the floor behind him and unhooks my bra, sliding the straps down my shoulders to expose my breasts. His palm falls to my back, pulling me closer, as he leans down to suck on my nipple, tugging it with his teeth. The tiny bud hardens at the flick of his tongue.

  He takes his time as he explores my body.

  On the verge of an orgasm, my brain shuts down, functioning long enough to mutter, “What are we doing, Bash?” I grip his hair in my hands, and he stops sucking on my nipple, peeking up at me. “We shouldn’t do this.”

  “I was planning to make you come.” He peeks up at me, so confident and relaxed, as always.

  Gripping his hair in my hands, I get his attention, holding him in place. “After what happened at the SAC, we should stop.”

  “Because of Harper?” He slips from my grip and sits up, locking onto me, his expression serious. “Don’t let her get to you. She’s trying to piss you off.”

  “I know that, but I just can’t do this with you. Not right now. We can’t be together. This cannot happen again. It was a mistake the first time.”

  He frowns. “It wasn’t a mistake. What we had was real.”

  “You cheated on me, Bash. I was the laughing stock of this school because of you and what you did to me. And you know what happened after that…” My voice trails off, and I don’t dare finish the rest. It’s hard enough to forget the past. I don’t want to relive it

  He shakes his head. “I never cheated on you. Never. I never even as much as thought about another girl while I was with you.”