Page 4 of Punt My Life

Chapter 4

Alexis

Idon’treplytoMaddox’s last text, but I don’t immediately leave the bar like I usually would once the game is over, either. I’ll admit I got a little excited when he asked me to celebrate with him. However, as the bar starts filling up with all the football groupies—who only come into Ball Busters when the team is close enough to come in after the game—I realize that he probably won’t even notice I’m here.

Ignoring the other patrons, I keep my attention on the TV as the commentators lament on Maddox’s kick winning the game. Hopefully, it will give him a better chance at getting picked in the NFL draft this spring.

“Whoa! Is that a smile on your face, Alexis?” Cory, one of the barbacks, says as he takes the stool next to me.

We’ve hooked up a few times in the past, but not since my tutoring gig started. I’ve been dodging those encounters with anyone lately, and I hate to admit that it’s because of Maddox’s attention.

“Hey, Cory. Taking a break before the real party starts?” I ask, ignoring his question as my face returns to its standard blank expression.

“Yeah. I’m surprised you’re still here.” Cory leans closer, putting a hand on my thigh when I shrug and turn my attention back to the TV over the bar. “If you’re sticking around, you should come back to my place when the crowd clears out. It’s been a while.”

I roll my eyes at his half-assed attempt to pick me up. Before I can tell him he’s barking up the wrong tree, the bar erupts in cheers and Zack yells at Cory to get back to work.

I spin on my stool to watch as the football team barrels through the doors, hooting their team chant, “Bears on the field. Bears in the end zone. Bears, Bears, EVERYWHERE!”

The crowd starts cheering with them as they make their way inside and up to the bar where Zack is already lining up shots of assorted liquors. I realize too late that all the other customers have moved away from the bar to make room for them when I’m suddenly surrounded by the entire team as they reach around me for the glasses lining the bar top.

“Oh. Sorry, guys,” I apologize and vacate my stool in an attempt to get out of the way.

Before I can take a step, a meaty arm falls across my shoulders, causing the hairs on my neck to rise as I look up to see Dirk standing next to me. “Don’t rush off, baby. Half of these guys would have been on the bench with me if you didn’t help them pass their finals.”

“Hands off, Sheppard.” Maddox’s voice is harder than I’ve ever heard when he speaks from Dirk’s other side. “They’ve gotten you in enough trouble this week, yeah?”

Dirk scoffs as he drops his arm and steps away, shoulder checking Maddox as he passes him on the way to one of the cheerleaders at the other end of the bar.

“There’s my sexy Lexi.” Maddox struts up to me, his scowl being replaced by his usual grin. “I’m glad you stayed. I didn’t think you would when you didn’t text me back.” He keeps talking before I can respond. “How come I’ve never seen you here before?”

“I only come here to watch the away games.” I shrug.

“What about the home games?” Maddox furrows his brows in confusion.

“Um. I watch those from the stands. Duh.” I roll my eyes before giving him a rare grin.

His eyes light up and his smile widens, but before he can speak a blond that I’m pretty sure is in one of the sororities steps between us and puts her hand on his chest. “Hey, Maddie. Can I buy you a drink?”

Maddox takes a step back. “No, thanks. The team’s drinks are on the house.”

He’s still smiling, but it doesn’t seem as bright as it was when he was talking to me.Wishful thinking, Alexis.I turn toward the bar to order a drink, leaving him to flirt with his groupie. I knew this would happen. Am I disappointed? Yes. Surprised? Not even a little bit.

Cory steps up to me since Zack is busy at the other end of the bar. “Didn’t know you were friends with the Bears,” he says with a little bite in his tone.

“I’m not. I tutor the athletes at the library.”Why am I explaining myself to Cory?“Can I get a Long Island Iced Tea?”

Familiar long fingers wrap around my wrist, stopping me from sliding the cash in my hand across the bar. “Lexi’s drinks should be on the house, too. I mean…she’s the ‘Tutor of the Bears’ so she’s practically part of the team.” I look up to see Maddox smiling brightly.

When Cory shakes his head with a frown, Maddox yells for Zack to ask him the same question. Zack glares at Cory before nodding at Maddox with a smile.

Maddox grabs my drink and winks before guiding me to the lonely pool table in the back corner of the bar. Despite the name on the sign, no one comes to Ball Busters to shoot pool. It’s really just a sports bar where everyone comes to watch the games and hang out with the teams from T.U. Everyone goes to TG’s Happy Hour across town for everything else.

“I’ve missed you,” Maddox says as he leans against the end of the pool table. “Did you have a good Christmas?” When I just nod, he keeps talking. “Mine was great. Since we got a little snow, I was able to take Aiden on a sleigh ride. He was so excited; he actually peed his pants.”

“Who’s Aiden?” The question slips out before I can stop myself. I usually don’t engage in his personal rambling, but I’m caught up in his excitement…and the fact that he’s standing here withmeinstead of the sure hookup he had waiting for him at the bar.

“Oh…uh…” He looks at me sheepishly. “Aiden is my son. He’ll be four in August.”

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