Page 28 of Even Exchange

My dick hardens as I remember the way she looked at me. Or rather, the way my eyes roamed over her beautiful body like I was a virgin and it was the first naked woman I’d ever seen.

Screw me for being such a gentleman.

I type out a reply, holding my breath, and hit send.

Me

As long as you don’t ask me to fuck you again, we’ll be fine

Charlotte

Scout’s honor

A GIF comes through of a boy scout holding up three fingers, and I chuckle.

Charlotte

I’ll buy you a milkshake to make it up to you

Me

Mint chocolate chip or nothing

Charlotte

You got it

I lie against the pillow, smiling till I fall asleep.

* * *

The familiar buzz of the athletic building surrounds me as I stroll down the hallway, passing friendly faces. The weekend at home flew by. Mom didn’t force me to go on any dead-end dates, and I’m thankful for it. Usually I end up doing at least one to appease her, and then I have to let the girl down easy at the end of the night—it’s not you, it’s me.

I rap my knuckles on a large mahogany door, and James Porter, CBU’s head football coach, calls me in.

He stands as the door swings open. “There’s my favorite ex-team captain.”

I scrunch my nose, sadness surrounding me at the reminder. “That sounds so harsh.”

He gestures to the seat in front of his desk, and we both sit. “How was your break?”

“Good. You?”

“Fine, thanks.” He clears his throat. “So, I’ve heard some buzzing around the industry.”

I shift in my seat, hands clenched tight. “What’s the word, Coach?”

“The Barracudas were pleased with your visit,” he says, grinning, referring to the NFL team in Tampa where he also played before ending up at CBU. The team that would allow me to pass my mom’s neighborhood every day on the way to work.

“Glad to hear it,” I say, relief filling me.

“L.A. was also impressed. And you’re heading out to Seattle soon for a top-30 visit?”

“Yeah.” My shoulders tense. I’m dreading the distance.

He narrows his eyes on me. “What’s wrong?”

“Just getting anxious,” I admit, knowing he’ll understand. “I hate that I don’t really have much control where I end up.”

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