Page 41 of Dirty Roulette
“I swear she has some voodoo doll in her closet with pictures of Ryder, and she secretly performs witchcraft on him.” Charlie swats my arm.
I roll my eyes. “Who cares, right?”
“She tries too hard, and it’s annoying.” Charlie pretends to heave like she might throw up. It brings up a slight smile, but it washes off my face quicker than I’d like it to. I bring a leg up to my chest and wrap my arms around it. Half of my shoelace hangs over my soles untied, but I couldn’t give two shits right now. I want a thousand-pound brick to land on top of Brittni and squish her.
“You could pull down your shirt a little and show off your boobs. Maybe one of the hotties on the team will notice.” Charlie wiggles her brows.
“Shut up,” I smirk.
“Last night, Ryder told me you have a nice rack, so the guys on the team are totally looking.” Charlie presses her thumbnail to her upper lip, flashing her sparkling blue nails that almost appear like claws.
“Lovely...”
“You’re shitting me. One of them has to be cute to you.” She dips her head to the side.
Yeah, your brother.But I don’t say that. I cover up my laugh and shake my head, then ask, “Does sex really suck? All the other cheerleaders rave about it or how big someone’s dick is.”
Charlie bursts into laughter. “Talk about dodging my question... and if you have to know, half the guys don’t even know what a clitoris is. Remember Brody?”
“Does it hurt? You know... when you lose your virginity?” I ask and stray my eyes back over toward Ryder. The other girls on the cheer team swarm him and leap around the other players.
“Why are you asking me? You really think I know?” Charlie asks and steps in front of me to block the view of Ryder. “I haven’t lost my v-card either.”
“I’m just curious.” I shrug.
“Do you see something interesting? Come on, you won’t quit staring at my brother.”
“I’m not staring.” I roll my eyes. The coach comes out with a notebook in his hand, calling over the players to run plays.
“You’re on edge. Do you wantmagic waterto get you through practice? I have some in my bag.”
“No, I’m fine. I didn’t sleep much last night.” Alcohol is that last thing on my mind. I spot our squad leader not too far behind Coach. She rallies us up with a whistle and I do everything possible not to turn my gaze back to Ryder as he gears up. His helmet with the number eleven slides onto his head. My heart throbs when Ryder glances over, and I pick up my poms. His white glove waves, and he grins with his mouth guard in. Even looking ridiculous, he still manages to make me melt.
We start with basic cheers, our voices ring out in unison with simple choreography. The squad dulls the roar of the football team calling out plays. The linemen ram into blocking sleds. Other players grunt and shout, blending in with clashing pads. The cheers come out of my mouth, but my eyes are locked on the ball as Brody throws it across the field and Ryder dives in and catches it.
Water bottles and protein bars are tossed at us at the end of practice. I’m thirsty, my tongue is dry and solidifies to the roof of my mouth.
Charlie sits down next to me on the bench.
“Hey, I’m gonna go shower and hang out with Noah for a bit.” She squirts water into her mouth. Beads of sweat melt down her flushed cheeks. “Wanna come? You said you would think about it.”
“I’m kinda tired...”
“You’re going out?” Ryder comes over, pulling off his helmet. He reeks of sweat and socks, and oddly, I’m not heaving into the bushes. I’m inhaling him, wanting more.
“Yeah, my friend is buying me food.” Charlie laces her fingers together and flutters her eyes.
“So, is cutie going with you?” He asks, running a hand through his sweaty wet hair. I think there is drool sliding down the side of my lips.
“Why do you ask? Do you want to hang out with her?” Charlie furrows her brow and gives him a sly grin.
“I’m just curious,” He shrugs.
“I think I’m gonna shower and head back to the dorm.” I clear my throat and swallow the bulge lodged in it.
“Seriously? You’re so lame.” Charlie gives me a pitiful look. “Come on, I want you to make new friends.”
“Sorry...” I say.
