Page 17 of Scoring the Player
“We’ve been playing a lot of phone tag. He’s busy on tour.”
There’s some commotion as his teammates get up to leave. Felix nods his head to them and inches back in his seat.
“My ride’s leaving,” he says. “I’ll catch you guys later.”
He says his goodbyes and then Felix lowers his voice so only I can hear. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”
I hesitate. “I’m not sure.”
“There’s a party at Phi Kappa Theta. Go with me.”
“Gowithyou?” I repeat, trying to make sense of his words. “Like a date?”
He chuckles softly. Oh god. Of course, that’s not what he meant.
“I don’t usually take girls to frat houses on dates, but sure, something like that. A casual hang at a party with half the school.”
I’d love to ask where hedoestake girls on dates, but somehow, I’m able to keep the question from blurting out of my mouth. Instead, I ask the more important question. “Why?”
“I like talking to you. I want to do more of it.”
I’m speechless, not that that’s unusual for me.
Felix must take my hesitation for uncertainty because he continues, “I’ve been thinking about all those things you said in the elevator.”
Groan. The humiliation never ends. He thinks I’m an easy lay now too. I guess I can’t blame him. The things I said about him did indicate that I was DTF.
His face twists up. “That sounded super cringey. I didn’t mean it like that.” He takes a breath. I’m glad this conversation is as painful for him as it is for me. “You’re a cool chick. I hate that you’ve been avoiding parties since that video.”
“I’m not avoiding parties.”
He cocks a brow.
“Fine. I am. Can you blame me?”
“No, which is why you should say yes. We both get what we want. Let me be your tour guide. If you’re with me, people won’t be able to say shit.”
Now it’s my turn to raise a brow.
“And if they do, I’ll kick their ass.”
A small laugh breaks free.
“Say yes, Dahlia.”
Oh god, he said my name. I wonder if he did that on purpose? It doesn’t matter. Of course, I want to say yes. Only an idiot would turn down Felix Walters and I should know because this idiot turned him down the last time he invited me out.
“Yes.” It comes out in a breathy whisper. This is a terrible idea, but I can’t wait.
7
FELIX
The next nightI’m standing around the keg outside of Phi Kappa Theta with Lucas, Brogan, and Archer. My friends are well on their way to being wasted and it’s only ten. This morning’s conditioning and then practice this afternoon has us all happy for the week’s end. We have tomorrow morning off and we’re ready to kick back.
I, however, am completely sober. Mostly sober. I’m three beers in. I don’t want to be drunk when Dahlia gets here, but I’m fucking nervous.
“Yo, Walters?” Brogan says my name louder than necessary and in an amused tone like it’s not the first time he’s tried to get my attention.
