Page 24 of Replay

“I’m just here for the secret sauce,” the brunette beside them chimes in and takes a sip from her cup. I recognize her as Darby, who Graham pointed out on campus earlier in the week. She’s on the women’s basketball team, and not nearly as prickly to me as Bellamy is.

“You and half of the student body.” I laugh because it's the first game of the season, which means, the majority of the campus is drunk right now.

Allowing my attention to wander where it really wants to be, I look right at Berkley. “How about you, BB?”

“Could have been better…” she smirks, and I quirk my eyebrow at her. “It was a good start, Outlaw. How’s the shoulder feeling?”

Unable to hold in my smile at her concern, I roll my right shoulder. “Surprisingly good. The athletic trainers here are top tier.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.”

My body warms at her not dismissing me. I grin and ask, “Where are G and Lottie?”

“So about that…” The girls all let out a collective giggle. “We may have gotten Lottie a little drunk during the tailgate, so she was done for by half time. Greyson said rain check on the party.”

I shake my head, smiling, because I can picture sweet Lottie giving Greyson a run for his money right about now. A memory of the four of us on my boat in the summer creeps in, with Berkley in a pink bikini, lounging at the helm. Fuck, I’d give anything to have that moment back.

I reach out, barely running my finger across the hem of Berkley’s crop top before I stop myself. “I like the shirt.”

Eyes narrowed, her scowl is now firmly back in place. “I didn’t wear it for you.”

I bite my lip to hide my smirk. “No doubt, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t notice how hot you look in it.” I trail my eyes all the way down her body, finding the Air Forces I knew would be there.

A slight blush takes over her face as she tries to say something, but she’s interrupted by my other roommates.

Maverick nods at Nola and Graham as they come up behind me. “Y’all ready to celebrate?”

“Is that even a question?” Nola chimes in. “I think that reporter wants to come too.” He looks at me and gestures his head back toward the stadium.

“Which reporter?” Mav asks.

He bumps his shoulder into me. “The one who interviewed me and QB after the game.”

I roll my eyes at Nola. She was more hands on than normal.

“I think I know which one you’re talking about. Pretty sure she fucked our captain last year.”

I don’t miss the way Berkley swallows, looking away at Maverick’s response.

“Well, she isn’t welcome. And speaking of that, you all will be nice to Graves tonight.” Bellamy gives a chagrin smile, pointing in mine and Cash’s direction.

I don’t like it, but I answer truthfully for Berkley to hear.

“Man, fuck Graves, but if it’s what gets you three to come,” I pause and nod toward Berkley and Darby, “then I’ll behave.”

Speaking of the motherfucking asswipe himself... Carter approaches from the corner of my eye. Not wanting to watch them together, I turn my body swiftly and give a quick goodbye. “See y’all at the house. I’m going to go say hi to my dad before I hit the shower.” I don’t miss Bellamy taking notice of my pain-stricken face, her eyebrows pinching as she looks at me curiously.

I’m sure in her eyes, I’m the asshole who broke her friend’s heart, but she has no idea how broken I’ve been since that day.

Seven

The bass vibrates through me, and I sway my hips to the steady beat of “Passionfruit” by Drake that’s blasting through the speakers.

I swig the last of my beer and place it on the counter, ready to cut myself off. It's been a long day of drinking, and I don’t want to feel like shit for the pool party tomorrow. Glancing at Bell, she raises her shot glass and swigs it back. Clearly, she’s more advanced at partying than I am.

Although I haven’t seen Nate since we first got here, I'm finally relaxing and not trying to spot him in the crowded room.

Bellamy leans into me. “I need another drink! Follow me.” She grabs my hand, and we weave ourselves through the crowd. Once we’re back in the kitchen, I crack open a Diet Coke as Bell pours herself another mixed drink.

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