Page 43 of For Emery

I shrugged as I sat down beside him and called up some movies to stream. I skimmed through the horror movies, thankful we’d been interrupted. My mouth was getting ahead of itself. And in no way was I ready for that type of rejection.

Jordan pointed to a movie I never would’ve watched alone. “I hear it’s really scary.”

“Oh great,” I laughed.

“Don’t worry. I’m right here.”

I clicked on the movie and the eerie intro music filtered through the speakers and the credits flashed onto the screen.

“You sure you don’t want to watch it on your bed?” he asked. “You know, get a little more comfortable.”

I nodded, knowing I’d never be able to concentrate on the movie with Jordan Grady in my bed. “I’m sure.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Emery

“So, you’re telling me nothing happened?” Raquel asked, her mouth filled with blueberry muffin.

I sipped my iced coffee. “Nothing happened.”

“But why? You two are so stinking cute together.”

“We’re not together.” My gaze wandered around the crowded dining hall. “We never were.”

“That doesn’t mean things can’t change.”

I picked up my raisin bagel and tore off a piece. I’d always wanted Jordan. Plain and simple. So why wouldn’t I let myself admit that to her? Or him for that matter? Was I that terrified of being rejected? He’d teased me about wanting to kiss me or lay in bed with me, but that didn’t necessarily translate to him wanting a relationship with me.

Raquel stared at something behind me. “Speak of the devil.”

I glanced over my shoulder. A group of football players filed into the dining room with Jordan leading the pack. He didn’t see me as he pulled out a chair and flipped it around so he sat backward at a table with his friends. I looked back to Raquel. “How about you and the kicker?”

“Eh.” She shrugged. “He’s a kicker and not a QB for a reason.”

“Am I supposed to understand what that means?”

“It means he’s not aggressive. I had to do all the work.”

“Ohhh,” I said, hoping that spared me the dirty details.

“Oh, what?” Jordan was suddenly there, slipping into the seat beside me.

“Hey, football player,” Raquel cooed.

I was beginning to realize she wasn’t flirting. It was just the way she talked to all guys. “Raquel was just talking about your kicker,” I explained.

“You and Jonesy?” Jordan asked her.

“I think our time together has run its course,” she explained.

“Well, let me know. There are a lot of other guys who might be more your speed.”

“So, you’re a matchmaker now?” I asked him.

He leaned into me and whispered into my ear. “I’m a lot of things.”

The tenor of his voice sent goosebumps scampering up my arms. “Oh, yeah?”

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