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Chapter 2
I Found You
Aiden
I've got a full schedule. I'm carrying a full load of classes on top of football. I don't have a lot of extra time. So when my professor requests me to stop by when I get a chance, I'm concerned that I've just really fucked up a class. I won't ruin my gpa, so I do what needs to be done.
I have to make the time.
Finishing my early morning class, and before I meet up with Sawyer at the gym, I head out to the law building. Business law was one of my harder classes but having a handful of lawyers in the family, I had the luxury of getting plenty of tutoring. I aced the class with flying colors and then some.
Crossing the quad, I spot Hunter and yell over to her. I can see the roll of her eyes before she heads my way. I've got a bone to pick with my cousin. She hurries across the grass with a gleam in her eyes. "Good morning hotshot! How's the arm?"
"Sore, but fine. By the way, thanks for sicking your dad on me." Teasing her over the jabbing I got from Blake this past week, she blushes and shrugs.
"Don't ruin a perfectly good roommate situation by thinking with your dick and daddy won't come after you again!" She has a point and I did apologize for what happened.
"I said I was sorry. But in my defense, I did you a favor." She gives me that look that says she just doesn't quite believe me. With one eyebrow lifted and her lips pouting she looks just like her mom. "The chick was nuts and she took your favorite springform pan."
Hunter loves to bake just like her mom. The cherry cheesecake she makes is to die for.
Considering what she lost and what I did, I'd say she was screwed over the pan more. "I did like that pan but she didn't have guys over and for the most part was respectful, except for stealing my pan. Just leave Riley be, please. She's not your type anyway."
So what exactly does she think is my type?
"Meaning?" I think I need to know what she thinks I really go for. Because from where I stand, I like all females. Big, small , straight and curvy. I like them in all shapes and sizes. I have no preferences of hair color or complexion, I don't even mind when they're smarter than me or slower. I'm an equal opportunity male.
"She's not like Leighton or half the girls that follow you around." Well, that's a plus right there. I can't say I want another Leighton in my life. I'm having enough trouble with one. "She's really down to earth and smart and shy. I just don't think you'd have anything in common."
Ouch!
Nothing like Hunter to tell me how she really feels. Cringing at her words and feeling the jab that hits a little too close to home, I frown at her. Lowering my brows and tensing my jaw, I cross my arms over my chest and stare down at her. It's a look that intimidates most football players on the field but just has Hunter rubbing my arm to smooth me back out.
"I just mean that you don't take relationships seriously, Aiden. I don't want her getting hurt. Not that you're not sweet but let's face it, you don't want a girlfriend." Hunter explains and I'm really starting to agree with her. "You like the field and that's fine for you but it's not for everyone."
"I'll stay clear okay? But am I really that bad? I don't treat girls badly when we're done." But even as I say it Hunter is shrugging her shoulders.
"You're great as a cousin and the family loves you. We know you'd do anything for us. But you've not exactly been a great boyfriend. I wouldn't want to be in Leighton's shoes." She doesn't know the half of what's gone on between me and Leighton. "I love you Aiden, but you're a man whore."
"Gee. thanks for that." But I can't argue. I have been for a while now and I'm getting bored with it. After my talk with Blake I've been doing a lot thinking, if I could just get a hold of Leighton and talk to her, maybe I could figure things out. "I love you too."
Wrapping my arm around her neck and scrubbing a knuckle on her head, we split into different directions and I head off to find my professor. The buildings over here are quiet. Most of the classes are done for lunch, so it's pretty empty down the hall.
Poking my head into the classroom, I see there's a few stragglers still working on a test. I quietly walk in, keeping to the back until they're done. I know exactly how hard this class is, so distractions definitely suck when you're trying to focus on a test.
The professor is reading at her podium when she spots me by the door. Waving me in, I work my way down the auditorium steps. It's like a small theater here and her podium is the stage. When I get down to her she gives me a look of relief.
Crap, what'd I do now?
"Aiden, I'm glad you're here. I'm desperate." Huh? Okay, I get hit on a lot but not by my teachers. "My TA had a family emergency and had to go out of town for a few weeks. I know you have football and I don't want to overload you, but I really need your help."
"Okay... I'm not a TA though. I don't know what I can do to help you." I'm a little confused on what she wants me to do.
"I'm aware, but you were my best student in this class and I'm willing to apply your hours helping me out by subbing for me as extra credit in your communication class with me. I wouldn't ask if there was no other choice." As she explains what she needs and the schedule of classes she has, I think fast over my own schedule and what I can shift around.
I don't have a class right now, so getting here isn't a problem. Correcting papers, answering questions and helping her students out is no big deal, I do it with the team as it is. And there is the benefit of extra credit. It's always a good idea to have those extras just in case I screw up.
"I can do it but I might have to flex some time with practice here and there." The look of relief washes over her and I'm not gonna lie, it's good to see. Her class is a bear.
"Perfect! Wednesday and Friday ten to twelve and you can pick your hours for any meeting with students." Agreeing to her hours, I head back out.
As I enter the hall, I get a brief glimpse of dark curls going out the door. The girl I've been looking for. I wonder if I finally found her and jogged down the hall, pushing through the door to the bright midday sun. I squinted my eyes to see clearly and search through the groupings of people hanging around. The quad is full of people enjoying the sunshine today.
Looking in all directions I can't see her. Shit, am I seeing things? She was just there and poof, gone! Shaking my head, I head towards the parking lot so I can get to the gym. I need to get my workout in before the big party tonight.
Riley
I was invited to go with the girls to the game last night but they had their family here and I didn't want to intrude. I know how precious my time is with my dad, family is special to me. Maybe more than it is to others because he's all I've got. The little time we spend together without work or school is few and far between.
So I take care to respect it.
Our team won. Or that's what I was told when the girls came home last night. The excitement and exuberance of the game followed them, bringing their parents to our apartment to check in and Hunter made the introductions.
I know professional football. My father and I watched it together growing up. He taught me all about the rules of the game, stats, players all of it. So when Blake Bradford walked in and Hunter said he was her father I about cried. If only daddy was here for this. I did get a picture of him, Hunter and his wife, Emma, just to prove to dad that I did meet the GOAT.
Sending it to him with a text: look who stopped by
He was in awe. It's nice to share something he loves. Now I am struggling through my business law class. I took the first two levels in community college but it wasn't like this. I thought I could slip in as easily as I had my communications and administration courses, but it isn't happening. I'm lost and the semester just started.
Sitting in the back of the class, I'm pretty much invisible to most of the people here. They're too busy talking about the game last night and the star quarterback for the team. He's something special from what I hear. A real talent that's going to the NFL next year.
He's probably arrogant and self absorbed too. Girls dropping at his feet, guys idolizing him. He must have a huge ego to boot. He doesn't sound like someone I would want to even talk to. Although most females in the class are giddy over him. I don't see why, he's just a guy. A person like everyone else.
The large room is filled with seats, all filled with students waiting to begin. Laptops are opened, notes are out, books are stacked and one by one those empty seats are full. I'm just a number here. Studying my notes for our first test of the quarter, I only hope I can pass. The struggle is real and failing would kill my scholarship. It's just not an option.
As the professor comes into the auditorium, she hands out stacks of papers down each row as her voice booms through the room quickly quieting the chatter.
"No notes! Laptops and study guides away! This is to test your knowledge and memory from the last week. I don't do many projects or tests so know that one bad grade can and will seriously affect your grade. You have one hour to complete the test, begin." She crosses to the front of the room and takes a seat at the podium.
Reading through the first couple questions, I know I'm in over my head. I have to do the best I can. Tomorrow I'll see about getting a tutor. I work through one problem then another, hearing the clock on the wall ticking the time away. One by one, people finish the test. One by one, they each leave.
Tucking a long curl behind my ear, I see I'm one of the few left in the room when the door opens behind me. He walks in as if we aren't here and goes straight to the podium when she sees him. It's then I see who it is. The professor smiles greeting him warmly as if he were a long lost friend.
Quickly, I finish when we're given the five minute warning. I did the best I could. Getting up and gathering my things, I place my test with the others on the back table and leave. My second week of school completed and I'm headed back to study for the weekend.
~~~~~~~~~
"No studying tonight!" Hunter comes into my bedroom and flops on the bed next to me. "I promised Sawyer I was bringing you with us."
"I don't think that's a good idea." Looking over my glasses at her I turn the page of the thick textbook. I have everything I could find on business law. Huge books filled with articles and legislation that I have to know. Websites and downloads I have to memorize. I don't have time to go out.
"Of course, it is. You need a break. Studying all the time will fry your brain and ruin those gorgeous eyes." Hunter tries harder to urge me out of my room. Emery and Colby join us leaning in the doorway and listen to Hunter plan. "Emery, you have something she can wear, I bet. Colby and I will spiff you up."
Spiff me up?
My books are dropped to the floor and I'm pulled from my spot on the bed. Nudging me to the bathroom, I'm told to shower and they would take care of the rest. I'm wondering how I went from not going to getting ready but Hunter is one that gets her way.
As I come out of the bathroom, I'm wrapped in a quick whirlwind of dresses and high heels, so high there's no way I can walk in them and then there's the makeup and hair. Each of them taking turns curling my hair, slathering on creams and powders over my skin, trading outfits until they find the right one. This goes on for an hour until they deem I'm fit for a king.
"I don't think I can walk." I mutter looking in the mirror with Hunter behind me gaping over my shoulder. She twirls a ringlet around her finger as she studies me. "I'm not really good on high heels."
"You only have to walk from the car to the house. Once you're there you can sit, dance, stand but honey, every guy there's going to be begging for you." She's quite proud of her work.
Taking a long breath I chew on my lip and debate my overhaul. The girls have somehow managed to tame my curls into long silky waves. My eyes are smoky and mysterious, with dark liner and long black lashes to shadow them. They've done something to make my skin glow and my lips are a dark red, a color I never would have thought of for me. It doesn't even look like the girl I know reflecting back at us.
The Moss green dress is sinful and accents my curves. Straps, thin on my shoulders crisscross on my back, with a modest neckline but a low drop in the back. The hem just reached my fingertips but barely and my legs, dusted with a golden glow are bare. The shoes are a work of art all their own. A garden of colors that blend together looking more like a watercolor masterpiece that's been attached to gold spikes. I've never seen anything like them.
"Damn, Riley you're definitely gonna get a guy tonight." Colby grins putting on some large silver hoops in her ears and some bright bangles on her wrists.
I don't think I've ever met anyone like these girls.
They coax and nudge me along until they get me into the car and we head off. Around the main building and over to where frat row sits. House after house of Greeks, fraternities for every guy's major. We pull up to the end of the road where a large two story house sits. Looking at it from here, it seems quiet for a party going on.
We slide out of the car, and head up the long drive parked up with cars and trucks of every make and model. Hunter takes the lead with Colby chatting up a storm by her side. Emery walks in front me as I slow my pace to look around. It's actually a nice house given a bunch of guy's live here.
When the front door opens the music flows out, the beat pounding against the walls. I just see inside and its body to body in there. "Come on Riley!" I hear and turn to see the girls disappear into the doorway.
I should have stuck closer instead of looking around, when I got to the door I couldn't see where they went to. I know they're here, but the place is full, the music is loud and it smells like cheap perfume and beer. Bodies are grinding against each other in one large room, while further in I see a long table with bottles and cans.
I opt for the kitchen when I find it since there's fewer people here and I just try to melt into the background. I'm self conscious and I feel every eye in here watching me, knowing I don't belong. I should have driven myself so I could just go without having to find my roommates. It's not like they need me to have fun and from what Hunter said they know these people. Unlike me who knows no one.
"You want a drink?" Turning around there's Sebastian Mattox, the baseball hotshot.
I know who he is. I doubt there's a female on campus who doesn't. He's everywhere showing off, trying for attention and eating up every bit of what he receives. He's handsome but I've heard the stories about how he treats girls. Even if he's nice to look at, I'm sure I'm just plain Jane for him. The idea of someone like him just talking to me makes me nervous.
"I don't drink, thanks though." Turning away I assume he'll brush me off for a more palatable girl.
"Here then. It's lemonade, made it myself." He hands me a red solo cup full of what looks and smells like lemonade.
Something about the way he's watching me makes me uncomfortable. He's still standing here, still looking at me. Why? I'm not his type.
I give him a tight unsure smile and take the cup. Why not, it's hot in here and I could use something to ease my thirst. So I sip and watch and drink more. It's good and I'm relaxing finally tonight. Sebastian stays in the kitchen, just leaning against the counter watching me, like I'm doing something special. I'm not, I'm just watching everyone around me laugh and move and boy, is it hot in here.
"Can I have some more please?" I ask him, earning a big Cheshire grin from him. Taking the cup from me, he's only to willing to oblige.
"Absolutely, beautiful. I'm Bast." He introduces himself as he fixes me another drink. With a wink and a flirty little look, he fills my cup.
Handing me a much fuller cup than last time, I take it and drink a third of it down. Turning away again without responding to him, I try to look over the crowd. I'm just too short to see anything. I can't find Hunter. I wonder where they went.
"Why don't we go somewhere a little quieter so we can get to know each other better." The sound of his voice in my ear makes me jump. I turn right into his chest and find myself against the wall. His hand is on the wall next to my head and I feel light, dreamy and tired. But it's just so hot in here. Sebastian strokes his finger along my jaw and I suddenly realize he's hitting on me. Me?
My mind seems slow, my tongue thick and I'm just a bit... fuzzy.
"I need to find someone." I motion towards the crowd and catch a blur of what I think is Hunter outside.
"I can help you." His hand is moving to the back of my neck. I step clear of his advance and into the crowded room. Turning he seems surprised I'm not interested.
"Thank you for the lemonade." I mutter having trouble with my words and start for the back door on the other side of the crowd. The shoes are hindering me and I swear I'm wearing bricks now instead of the heels. I can't seem to walk right and stumble into the strong back in front of me.
"I'm so sorry." I hate these shoes. Pulling them off, I try again but an arm reaches out and catches me just as I start to tip over.
"Hey, you okay?" My eyes widen as they work their way up the black T-shirts fitted well over a wide chest and thick shoulders, a tan neck with a bit of dark stubble covering his face as I meet a pair of electric green eyes staring into mine.
His hands hold me up, while my body seems to lean into him on its own accord. "Curls? I found you."
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