Page 12 of Silent Count
He barks out a laugh. “In certain situations, yeah, maybe. I guess we’ll have to see how it goes.” He leans back in his chair and tilts his head, his brow raised as he studies me. “So, what brought you to Oklahoma? Doesn’t seem like the kind of state a girl from the Sunshine State would want to go.”
“Says the West Coast guy.”
“Exactly. But I’m here for football. Because no one just wakes up and says,You know where I want to be? Oklahoma.”
I smirk. “Maybe I did.”
He chuckles. “Nah. You’re too smart for that.”
I swirl one of my curls between my fingers, keeping my tone light. “Let’s just say … it was time for a change. Walker was far enough away, and that was enough.”
“That’s all you’re giving me?”
“That’s all there is,” I answer easily, though I can see the way he’s still searching my face, like he’s trying to pry more out of me.
“You’re tough,” he says finally, grinning. “Most people like talking about themselves.”
“I’m not most people.”
“No kidding.” He shakes his head but smiles like he’s enjoying the challenge. “All right. I’ll let you keep your secrets—for now.”
I lift my brows, playful but firm. “Smart choice.”
We stare at each other for a minute, smiles on both of our faces. I sit back in my chair, crossing my legs to mirror his casual sprawl.
“So, besides football and being a mediocre student, what else should I know about you?”
He smirks. “Mediocre? Harsh. You’ve never even seen me study.”
“Exactly,” I shoot back. “The fact that I had to be recruited to keep you eligible speaks for itself.”
“Fair,” he concedes with a laugh. “Okay, let’s see … I like wings, video games, and long walks on the beach … at least, that’s what it says on my dating profile.” He winks, and I know he’s kidding.
“Any special talents?”
“I could answer that in more than one way, but I’ll keep this PG.” He taps his chin like he’s thinking hard. “I make the best chicken wings you’ll ever eat.”
I arch a brow. “You cook?”
“Cookmight be a strong word,” he admits with a grin. “But I grill like a champ. You haven’t been here when it’s my night to cook. My roommates beg me to do it every time there’s a game.”
“Impressive. Wings and video games. Truly a renaissance man.”
He points at me. “Don’t forget the long walks on the beach. That’s key.”
I laugh. “Except there are no beaches in Oklahoma.”
“Minor detail.” He bends closer to me, smirking. “You’re not supposed to poke holes in my profile. You’re supposed to be impressed.”
“Oh, I’m very impressed,” I say, deadpan. “You’re basically every girl’s dream guy.”
“Exactly.” He sits back, smug, though his eyes are glinting with amusement. “And you? What’s on your profile? Got any hobbies?”
I tilt my head, smiling like I might answer. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
He groans, dragging a hand over his face. “You’re gonna make me work for every scrap, aren’t you?”
“Pretty much.” I’m enjoying the little spark of frustration in his eyes. “Fine. I’ll give you a hint. I like organizing.”
