Page 34 of The Assist
Wes chuckles. “Definitely with you.”
The three of them grin and chuckle as they share their Tom Cruise movie quote moment, but I can’t peel my eyes off Wes.
Oh no.
I’m totally falling for him. First, I let him kiss me, and now I’m getting all mushy inside watching him have a bro moment. Making out with a jock is one thing, falling for one? That spells disaster, and I can’t stomach any more relationship disasters.
“Let’s grab lunch at The Hideout to celebrate all the things. Another statistics test done and the boot is off! It’s a damn good day,” Joel interrupts my thoughts and just like that I find myself back in the small sports car with enough testosterone to power it Flintstone-style.
The Hideout is the most popular restaurant and bar near campus. The décor is sports themed and judging by the warm welcome they receive as we slide into a booth, I’d say the employees are fans.
Wes and I sit across from Joel and Zeke, who are deep in debate mode over whether Coach should start Nathan or some rookie who neither Joel or Zeke seems to like. Wes angles his body toward me and nudges me under the table with a knee.
“Tell me honestly, did you use basketball references in your essay?”
“Nope,” I say proudly.
“No? All my good basketball examples went to waste?” His eyes light up. “Wait, did you use my kissing example? Please say yes!”
I flush, and my eyes fall to his lips, remembering the way they felt against mine. “I took your examples and flipped them to football terms instead. Professor O’Sean prefers football.”
“He does?” Wes tilts his head to gauge my seriousness.
I nod. “He used the Cardinals as an example twice last week during the lecture.”
“Well, I’ll be damned. Maybe I shouldn’t have slept through class.”
He winks, and my heart does a little pitter patter.
“How’s the foot feel?” I ask as the waiter brings our food.
“I’m cleared for practice today.”
“Wow, just like that, huh?”
He nods. “Exhibition game is on Friday, so I don’t have a lot of time to get my guys ready.”
“Your guys?”
“I’m the point—the leader on the floor. Z and I have been playing together since freshman year, Joel and Nathan a year later, but we have younger guys who aren’t meshing as well as I’d like yet. Takes a lot of time together.”
“I’m impressed.”
He waggles his eyebrows. “Oh yeah?”
Joel and Zeke get quiet as they start piling food into their mouths. I eye the food in front of Z. Two sandwiches, chips, and a milkshake. I don’t comment. He has to be close to two-hundred and fifty pounds, so it’s probably a drop in the bucket.
“I can’t wait for practice.” Joel chews, and his body practically bounces with excitement. “Coach letting you play the exhibition?”
“He’ll let me play.” By the tone in his voice, I venture that Wes is used to getting his way on the court. And probably off it.
“What about you? Are you coming to the exhibition?” Joel asks, stealing a chip from my plate.
I swat playfully at his hand. “What exactly is an exhibition?”
The table goes silent. Even their chewing stops.
“Wait a minute. Have you ever been to a Valley basketball game?”
