Page 86 of Necessary Roughness
I grinned at the giant television erected in front of the stadium, where Knox’s handsome face was displayed.
He’s talking about me! On national television!
I felt like I was on cloud nine as we filed into the stadium to watch the actual game. Knox must have felt just as good, because he moved around the football field with divine providence in his feet, ducking under tackles and deftly avoiding the grasping hands of the opponents.
He wasn’t the only one shining under the spotlight today. Logan caught four touchdown passes, setting a school record for receiving yards in the process. By the time we won the game, my voice was hoarse from alternately screaming Logan and Knox’s names.
“You’re developing feelings,” Bryson said as we shuffled out of the stadium with thousands of other students.
“So what?” I challenged. “I can’t help but like them. They’re both very likable.”
“Yes, but in this case, they like you back,” Bryson replied.
“I would hope so, considering what we’re doing twice a day.”
Bryson wouldn’t relent, though. “You know what I’m saying, Sloane. This isn’t just physical.”
I gazed over my shoulder at Jayden. “You’ve been awfully quiet in all of this.”
The other twin hesitated, which I immediately knew was a bad sign.
“What?” I asked. “Spit it out.”
“You know I was totally gung-ho about this sexy athletic arrangement at the beginning of the semester,” Jayden said. “But now I’m afraid you’re biting off more than you can chew. I don’t want a Twilight scenario.”
“Huh?” I asked.
“Twilight scenario,” Jayden repeated. “You know. Having to choose between Edward and Jacob? A love triangle?”
“I never saw those movies,” I said.
Jayden gasped.
“Or read the books,” I added.
Jayden clamped his palm over his mouth. “I will refrain from saying what I really think about you, because it might irreparably damage our friendship.”
“I’m not necessarily against it,” Bryson said carefully. “Polyamory is a lot more mainstream than it used to be.”
“Ohh! Polyamory!” Jayden exclaimed. “That’s so trendy right now.”
Bryson went on. “My only concern is that your relationship may come under the microscope of national attention. One of your boyfriends was on ESPN this morning, and your other boyfriend broke a school record. If anyone finds out about what you’re doing…”
Boyfriends. I hadn’t thought of them that way until now, but I kind of liked how it sounded.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” I replied. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself.”
“You sound like Knox being interviewed about their perfect season,” Bryson muttered.
I turned around, walking backwards while spreading my arms wide. “What can I say? He’s rubbing off on me.”
“More like rubbing offinyou,” Jayden said with a toothy grin.
I flipped him off, which made the three of us laugh even harder.
*
I got home before my three football player roommates, which wasn’t a surprise since they had to shower and do their post-game interviews and everything. I opened a bag of chips, relaxed in the leather recliner, and played the full College GameDay interview. I had missed most of it since I was out in the crowd, the cheers and boos from my fellow students drowning out most of what was being said.
