Page 11 of The Game

“Ouch.” She playfully rubs her side and steps back. “I don’t know why Gunner doesn’t like this kind of thing. He loves being the center of attention. What QB doesn’t?”

“I like leading the team. Not talking bullshit with a bunch of people.”

I glance over at Tony and Jenna. They’re not listening to a word we’re saying. So much for rescuing me if I needed it.

“You two are lame.” She rolls her eyes. “I can’t believe we’ve stayed friends all these years.”

“I can.” Dani looks at her pointedly. “I’m here to tell you how special you are when some prick dumps you.”

Friends. Prick dumps you. My gaze dart between the two of them. They aren’t ‘girlfriends,’ but they’re ‘girlfriends.’ Good Lord. I’m clueless.

My breath catches in my throat. Is Dani single? Shit. The celibacy pact. Or whatever name I want to give it. It doesn’t matter if she’s single, I’ve got to focus on the game and only the game.

“Thank you, d

oll.” She puckers her lips and places a loud smack on Dani’s cheek. “And, I’m here when the dumb cocksuckers cheat on you with their tutors.”

“Ashley.”

“Shit.” She slaps her hand over her mouth and flushes. “Sorry.”

“Seriously, Gunner doesn’t want to hear about my ex and his roving hands.”

Son of a bitch. Some dude cheated on Dani. That’s insane. She’s so fucking hot. The guy must have been a total dumbass. I would love nothing more than to…

Stop. You can’t do anything.

“I’m so sorry.” Ashley pops her bottom lip out and pouts. “Forgive me?”

“Of course.” Dani rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “You’ve been my best friend for eleven years. You know I’ll always forgive you.”

“Thanks.” She grins and pats her upper arm. “I’ve got to mingle.”

“Of course, you do.” Dani stares at her back as Ashley sashays through the crowd.

I clear my throat. “I take it you two have been friends for a long time.”

“It seems like forever. We met in seventh grade and hit it off. I have no idea why. We couldn’t be any more different. I prefer to hang at home, and she’s the life of the party.”

I shove my hands into my pockets, so they don’t wander over to her and begin exploring her curves. They’re about to do something on their own without my permission. “I’ve never been big on the party scene myself. I was too busy studying tape and working out.”

She bites her bottom lip, which only accentuates the curve of her top lip and the plump flesh of her bottom lip around her teeth. I inch forward and stop. Down dude. Even if I forget my celibacy pledge, she’s done nothing to indicate she’s remotely interested in anything but my weight-lifting circuit.

“How’re things with your sister?”

“Good.” I nod. “My attorney finally thinks he’s gotten the message to him. He’s supposed to sign over rights to Joselyn.”

“How old is she?”

“She’s twenty months and a total angel.” I love my niece. She’s the most awesome creature in the world. Someday, I hope to have a couple of children of my own.

Would Dani be interested in dating after the season’s over? What in the hell is wrong with me? I can’t ask her to wait five months and not date anyone. That’s stupid.

“Oh, how sweet.” Her eyes light up, and her face softens. “I love kids. I’m an only child, so I’ve always wanted a bunch of babies.”

Oh, fuck me. I close my eyes. So, not better. The only thing I can envision is wrapping Dani in my arms and sinking into her delicious body. All kinds of different positions slam into me with full force. One after another, until her belly is swollen with my child.

I swallow and exhale a loud puff of air. When I look at her again, she’s staring at the wall.

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