Page 13 of The Game

Does he want to know, or is he killing time until he can leave without anyone saying he’s too boring to hang with the crowd? “I played softball and then started studying to be a personal trainer. I wanted to do something in the sport’s world, but I wasn’t nearly as good at softball as I was at football.”

“What does your dad think about your choice of careers?”

“Since I could never grow a male appendage, this is as good as it gets.”

He coughs until tears fill his eyes. “I’m sure he’s proud of you.”

“He is, but I know he still wishes he had a son. Unfortunately, they couldn’t have more children, so I’m the end of the line.”

“You can have children someday. You might give him a grandson.”

“Yeah, maybe.” I shift in my seat as I’m suddenly very uncomfortable with the conversation. My dad would adore Gunner. If he could pick a son-in-law, Gunner would be at the top of his short list.

And to produce a grandson with a top football athlete who worshiped my dad while growing up? Good gravy, he’d be doing a happy dance. Sadly, we’re chatting like two people who’re squarely in the friend-zone and never getting out of it.

It’s not like he’s flirting with me. We’re talking about me playing a man’s game. Yep, that makes me widely exciting to the opposite sex. I might as well spit some tobacco on the sidewalk and adjust my junk.

I need to change the conversation. What in the hell do we talk about?

“Hey, guys.” Tony slides into Gunner’s seat and shoves him against the wall.

Two larger than life dudes occupying a seat made for one is a sight to behold. “What are you guys talking about?” It doesn’t bother Tony he’s interrupting our conversation, and I’m glad for the distraction.

“Football,” Gunner says as he tries to adjust in the seat and not have Tony sitting in his lap.

“God, man. Can’t you think of anything else to talk about besides football?”

“No.” He presses his lips together and stares at the bottle in his hand.

One corner of Tony’s mouth curves into a slow smirk. “Let’s play Truth or Dare.”

My heart skips a beat. What in the hell? I haven’t played Truth or Dare since I was in seventh grade.

“That’s a stupid idea. You do realize we’re in public, and people have video phones everywhere.” Gunner looks at him like he’s lost his mind.

“Shit.” He cringes. “I should know better than anyone else about bad publicity.”

“What?” I frown. There seems to be more to this story than a general statement about people eavesdropping.

“Last year, the paparazzi – “

“Oh, yeah.” My mouth drops, and I gape at Tony. “Now, I remember.” There was an article in the gossip magazines about a conversation between Tony and Jenna that hadn’t exactly painted him in a flattering light.

“Don’t bring it up.” Tony glares at me. “It was a bad time.”

“But it all worked out.” I glance around the room until I settle on Jenna.

Jenna’s standing a few feet away from us next to two women I don’t know. They’re all gorgeous. All soft curves and feminine. I’m a total tomboy. If I wanted to look like them, I’d need to stuff tube socks in my bra and have an intervention for make-up and clothes.

“Yes, it did.” He places his arm over Gunner’s shoulders. “We should all go to my place and play Truth or Dare.”

I want to tell him, no, but the word is stuck in my throat. The last boy I played Truth or Dare with was Ronnie Chambers.

Our five minutes in the closet should have been memorable. Well, it was, but not for a good reason. He had braces and managed to cut my lip. I’m betting Gunner could do a better job.

Jenna taps Tony on the shoulder. “The next thing I know, you’re going to invite them over for Naked Twister.”

“Um…” I point between Gunner and I. “We’re not together.”

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