Page 7 of 4th and Goal
“He’s not dangerous. He’s an investment analyst!”
“Your phone records would indicate otherwise.” She leans forward earnestly. “Lilly. Please tell Brody. They can keep an eye out for him if nothing else.”
“Ok.” I agree. I shake out my arms and crack my neck. “Do you want to review the photoshoot itinerary?” She nods and we focus on Daya and Addy’s upcoming shoot with Edee. I push Creepy Conner to the back of my mind. I’m not going to tell Brody anything. I don’t need him knowing how stupid I was for getting involved with a man like that. I wanted to talk to Jenna about Brody’s cute comment, but since I haven’t seen him since he ran from my office last week, I swallow my disappointment and decide not to mention it. I’m already embarrassed about Conner; I don’t need to compound it by obsessing over my crush’s words.
Brody 6.
It’s been a long week. A lonely week. I haven’t seen much of Lilly and I’m starting to think she might be avoiding me, kind of like how I was avoiding her. I’m a grown fucking man. And my rounds this morning before the football game seem like the perfect chance to dispel this avoidance nonsense.
She usually comes in the morning of a game to make sure everything is set for the announcer, jumbotron operator, and the press releases and press conference after the game. I’m always amazed by her work ethic. She’s dedicated to her job, but not for the reasons some might think. Lilly has a big heart, and she loves this university and the students here, especially the athletes. We’ve talked about it over the years, and she’s interested in the people behind the uniforms, what makes them tick, what brings them joy, and how their stories might inspire others. It’s no wonder I’ve been half in love with her for years. I shake my head when the elevator opens on her floor, my stupidity knows no bounds apparently. She’s been right in front of me, but I thought she needed time to grow into herself, settle into her roles professionally. And she did, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have been there to support her through it all.
“AHHHHH!” I’m running before I even register what’s happening. That was Lilly, no doubt in my mind, and she’sscreaming. I throw her office door open and rush inside, my heart pounding, my hand on my taser to defend her.
Except she’s alone. And jumping up and down, spinning in a circle. Her hands above her head waving like she just don’t care. Her boobs are bouncing boobily, her ass jiggling every time her heeled feet touch the floor. When she lands once again and shakes her ass back and forth, while doing the cabbage patch, I blink several times and finally register that she’s happy. Ecstatic. Not in danger. Though she will be if she keeps shaking that ass my way.
“Lilly?” I call out hoarsely, most of my blood flow inconveniently redirecting south, my mouth dry from arousal. She’s so fucking beautiful. “Lilly!” I call out again a little more strongly when she doesn’t hear me the first time.
She stops, bringing a grin to my lips, her arms extended, back arched, ass out, mid-cabbage patch. Her eyes widen and her cheeks pinken lightly. “Brody!” She stands up straight, fixing her blouse and trouser pants that fit her like a second skin. They’re dark, probably black or navy blue, but I don’t think I saw a panty line. Jesus. She’s trying to kill me. “Hey! Sorry. I got carried away.”
“I heard you scream—”
“Sorry! Jenna’s gonna smack me so hard. I seem to be doing that a lot lately.” She shakes her head back and forth and smiles up at me. “What can I do for you?”
Yup. She wants me dead. Open-ended questions like that are dangerous for my health.
“I heard you scream, remember?” She nods, biting her bottom lip. “I was making my rounds before the game and thought I’d stop by…to say hello.”
“Hi, Brody,” she says shyly, ducking her head. Her head snaps back up a second later, with a brilliant grin. “You have to see these!” She waves me over enthusiastically, pointing at her laptop. I step further into her office and slide behind her desk to stand next to her. I glance down at her while she’s distracted by whatever is on her screen. I inhale her perfume, feeling the warmth of her flushed skin, licking my lips hungrily as her chest heaves and her cleavage teases me from the open buttons of her shirt.
It takes me a minute to get myself together to realize she’s clicking through photos on her computer. Daya Moul, the freshman cheerleader sensation, and Elijah Addelsbach. It’s hard to miss the utter devotion in his expression as he stares at Daya. When her things were stolen, I saw how much he cared for this girl. But photographic evidence cements it. Then I start to notice the photographs themselves, the angles, the artistic blurring of the backgrounds, the use of black and white and shots of color.
“They’re really good,” I say reverently. “This Edee’s work?”
“Yeah, Ty’s girl.”
“Ty?” I look down at Lilly when she smirks up at me. “I didn’t know they were dating.”
Lilly snorts, so unladylike and real. “Neither does Edee.”
My brows slant in confusion. “What?”
Lilly waves me off and points down at the screen. “Nothing, young love is all around us.” Clearly indicating the connection between Daya and Addy.
“You’re only a few years older,” I remind her gently.
“Yeah, but I feel decades older.” Her eyes instantly lose their spark, and I hate it.
I swallow hard and force some cheer as I say, “Well, you and Conner have been together a while. Are you hearing wedding bells?” Can she hear the texture of my voice, like I’ve gargled glass?
“Absolutely not,” she states vehemently. My brows crawl up my forehead, I was not expecting that. “We…broke up.”
“Oh.” I rally hard, imbuing as much sadness as I can in my voice. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Lilly turns slightly to face me, looking up at me with an intensity that settles in my gut. Her lips stretch slowly. “No, you aren’t,” she scoffs. “He’s an ass.”
“He is,” I agree readily, not willing to lie. “But I thought you liked him.”
She considers my words, shifting to rest her hip against her desk. “I think I liked the idea more. Stupid really.”
