Page 48 of Love at Second Down

“Ooh, I like it!” Chris snaps his fingers, pointing to his roommate.

“Who would I double with?” I ask, still not sold on the idea. “And before you say you or Jace, forget it. I go out with you guys all the time, and it just reminds me of all the reasons I don’t want a relationship. That, and you’ll critique me all night.”

“What’s wrong with a little feedback?” Chris asks, sounding offended.

I tilt my head, shooting him a dirty look. “I don’t need feedback.”

“Fine,” Chris grumbles. “Then, if you’re willing to consider it, pick one of your other jock friends, and I’ll ask Liz to bring a friend along.”

“How do I know Liz isn’talsofriends with Avery?” I ask.

Chris shrugs. “I’ll make sure of it when I see Charlotte and pitch the idea to Liz. It’s simple. I’ll tell her under no circumstances can Avery be informed of your plans.”

“I can’t believe I’m even considering this,” I mutter as I scrub a hand over my face.

I have zero desire to date again, but I have to admit, it would be worth it if it meant putting Avery in the rearview mirror where she belongs. Better yet, maybe she’ll find out I’m seeing someone and leave me the hell alone.

But Liz? Looks wise, she and Avery couldn’t be more different. While Liz’s hair is dark, Avery’s is the color of spun gold.Liz’s olive-toned complexion and storm-cloud eyes are a stark contrast to Avery’s whiskey-hewn depths and fair skin. While Avery’s figure is lush and curvy, Liz’s is slender and petite.

Personality wise, however, if I were looking to date, Liz does have qualities I find attractive. She’s soft-spoken and sweet, smart and loyal?far from a jersey chaser?and she doesn’t sleep around.

Chris must sense my internal struggle because he steps forward and gives me a playful jab in the arm. “One date, man. Just see where it goes,” he says, and I crack.

“Fine.” I sigh.

“Fine, you’ll go?” Chris gapes.

When I nod, Brandon just laughs. “Oh, shit. I can’t wait until you completely blow this.”

I flip him the bird, and the corners of his mouth twitch.

“Fuck, yes!” Chris practically shouts. “I won’t let you down, man. Consider me Doctor Love. Cupid’s consultant. The heart whisperer. A love savant. Your personal heart healer?”

“Would you shut the fuck up?” I snap.

“Shutting up.”

“Just make sure Avery hasnothingto do with this,” I say in warning.

“Of course.” Chris slashes a cross over his heart. “You can count on me.”

“Famous last words,” I grumble.

Chapter 15

AVERY

Isigh and sink down into my desk chair with the take-out salad I grabbed from the dining hall, setting it in front of me before I dig into my book bag. Pulling out my notebook from my Tightwaddery class, I flick through the contents with a sigh. Six full pages of notes from today alone, and Professor Karr announced an open notes quiz next week. For a class I thought would be an easy elective, it’s turning out to be quite educational. I can’t help but wonder if Damon is getting notes from another student or whether he’s dropped the class because he hasn’t been there since the first two, and the Damon I knew cared about his grades.

Then again, maybe he’s changed.

The thought gnaws at me as I stare at the notebook in contemplation. I wonder what he would do if I copied my notesand gave them to him. I could drop them off at his apartment or find a way to run into him after practice. It would be the perfect excuse to see him. And after the dance on Monday night, and our trip down memory lane, I’m dying to see him again.

I remember how he looked at me when our song came on. The way something sharp and electric hummed in the air. Damon can deny it all he wants, but there’s still something between us, even after all this time. I saw the truth in his eyes, and foolish or not, it was enough to give me the smallest glimmer of hope.

Snapping my notebook shut, I push it aside, deciding he won’t take kindly to my tracking him down on campus, whether it’s in an effort to help him out or not. Which means, I’ll have to wait to see him.

With a sigh, I slide my salad toward me and peel off the plastic lid just as there’s a knock on my door.

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