Page 84 of Love at Second Down

I follow behind Jace and Chris as we make our way down the hallway toward the lobby, wondering where the hell we’re going and how these assholes are calling the shots when I’m our QB and captain.

“But we’ve already kissed,” I remind them, my mind back on Avery. “I know I need to keep my focus, but isn’t it a little too late for crossing the line into more?”

Brandon laughs. “A kiss is nothing. I’m sure you can manage to hit pause for one week.”

I turn toward him with an impish grin. “Oh, yeah? A kiss is nothing, huh?” I lift my chin. “Then why haven’t you kissed Tatum yet?”

“She’s my best friend,” he says, shoving a hand through his hair with a growl, “and I don’t want to fuck it up just because?”

“You wanna bone her,” Jace cuts in with a grin.

Brandon rolls his eyes. “Not what I was gonna say.”

“So, youdon’twanna bone her?” Chris asks.

Brandon blushes, sending the four of us into hysterics as we emerge from the hallway into the main lobby where I catch sight of the girls.

“Brandon, are you okay?” Brynn asks, peering at him closely. “You look . . . feverish,” she finishes.

“Nah.” Jace jabs him in the ribs, fighting back laughter. “We were just talking about Tatum.”

“Ohhhh,” Brynn and Charlotte say in unison as if that’s the only explanation needed.

“Anyway, do we have a game plan here, or do we just plan on standing in the lobby all day?” Brandon asks, sounding more irritable than usual.

As they launch into an argument on how we should spend the rest of the day, I say nothing, shifting my gaze to Avery whose blonde curls are piled into some kind of messy bun, with a few strands framing her face. She’s wearing a long-sleeved Harvard T-shirt that’s just oversized enough to be cute but not swallow her whole, and when she catches me staring, a slow smile spreads across her lips, making my heart stutter in my chest.

“Hey,” she says, walking over to me while the rest of the group continues to debate between going to the pool, hanging at the lounge for free refreshments, or the trivia night they’re holding in one of the conference rooms.

“Hey,” I respond, my voice suddenly gruff.

Keep it cool. PG. Just friends who like each other but are afraid to cross the line. I can do that. Right?

“So, I guess we have the rest of the night free, huh?” She tucks one of those loose strands behind her ear and shifts on her feet,and everything inside of me aches to move closer. “Any ideas on what you wanna do?”

My mind immediately falls into the gutter, filling with all the things I’d like to do that are decidedlynotPG.

Clearing my throat, I try to rein in my thoughts, as I reply. “Um, I’m up for anything. Especially you.”

I wince.Shit. Did that sound bad or is it just me?

“I mean, I’m just glad you’re here,” I elaborate. “With me.Us.” I shove my hands into my pockets and press my lips closed, lest I keep rambling. Suddenly, I feel like I’m back in junior high, meeting her again for the first time.

Avery’s eyes twinkle with amusement, like she can read my mind. “Anything, huh?”

“Within reason,” I amend quickly, sweating beneath my hoodie. “Coach said we had to be on our best behavior.”

“Right.” She nods solemnly, but there’s a playful edge to her voice. “Best behavior it is.”

“Guys!” Charlotte claps her hands to get everyone’s attention. “We’ve reached a decision. Pool first, then trivia night. Anyone who wants food can grab something in between.”

“Perfect.” Avery’s eyes are still fixed on mine when she smiles and says, “I brought my swimsuit just in case.”

Chapter 25

AVERY

Itug at the straps of the red bikini, suddenly self-conscious as Charlotte, Brynn, and I push through the glass doors leading to the hotel pool. The small swatches of fabric leave little to the imagination, which is why I’ve yet to wear it in public. In fact, I probably wouldn’t have brought it at all had I known we’d be swimming with the guys.

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