Page 54 of Blood Sport

you at the game this weekend, right?

“A large vanilla iced latte to go!”

My head snaps up at the sound of the barista’s voice calling out my drink order. Slipping my phone into the back pocket of my jean shorts, I walk around a tall man standing in front of me, and head to the counter where I see my drink sitting. As I reach for the drink, smiling at the worker, I can already feel the cool condensation on my fingertips. The weather is starting to cool down as the warm summer heat shifts to a cooler fall, bringing with it spooky season and pumpkins.

As I wrap my fingers around the base of the plastic cup, so does another hand, one much larger than mine. Confused, I lift my eyes to the tall man beside me, the one I had stepped around to reach the counter. His deep chocolate eyes look back at me with a hint of amusement twinkling within them.

“Well, this is awkward,” he jokes, not letting go of the cup.

I laugh softly, tightening my grip on the cup. “It’s only awkward if you say it is. But I do believe this is my coffee.”

He raises a sharp brow at me, biting back a smile. “Are you sure about that?”

My eyes roam the stranger’s face, taking in his soft features and tousled blonde hair that looks dyed because of the brown regrowth peeking through. He looks like the classic boy next door type of guy you would see in romcoms or read about in romance novels with his blue jeans and letterman jacket even though it’s still slightly humid outside. And dare I admit it, but he’s very attractive.

“Sorry, but you don’t seem like the type to drink iced vanilla lattes,” I point out with a smile.

He gasps, his free hand lifting to rest on his chest. “I take offense to that. Iced vanilla lattes are my go-to. Who says a man can’t enjoy a sweet coffee?”

He’s right. Most guys think it’s uncool to drink sweet coffees, opting instead to drink Americanos because it’s ‘manlier’. But I disagree. Sweet coffee should be enjoyed by all.

I laugh at his words, shaking my head softly. “Okay, fine. You win. Truce?”

The man lets go of the cup to extend his hand between us, a soft smile touching his lips. “No, I concede. The drink is all yours. You’re lucky you are cute, otherwise, I would have fought harder for the drink.”

My cheeks warm at his flirty words as I shake his hand, his skin warm in my palm. At least, I think he’s flirting with me. I’m terrible at picking up on this kind of stuff. I can only really tell when Jaylen is flirting with me because he’s so blatantly obvious about it. But this guy is more subtle, making it hard for me to read him and his motives.

“That’s a shame because I would’ve quite enjoyed a standoff.” I grab the coffee just as the barista brings over another one, having seen our little exchange. “Anyway, I’m going to enjoy this coffee after a hard-fought battle.”

I turn to walk away, already sipping on the goodness of the drink. There is nothing better than the taste of victory.

“Wait,” the man calls after me, falling in step beside me as I walk toward the exit. When I feel him beside me, I stop and face him. He’s looking down at me with kind eyes and a fresh drink in his hand. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“That’s because I didn’t say it.”

His tongue darts out to lick his lips as a smile curves up his mouth. “Is there any chance you’d tell me now?”

I consider his question. As much as I’d like to tell him no so I can leave to go to the library and just be alone, I must admit that I do like the boyish charm and calm vibe he gives off. After everything that happened with Roman, I’m a little nervous about inviting any new guys into my life in a romantic sense for fear of getting hurt again. But maybe it wouldn’t hurt to just see what happens with this man. Who knows what could happen? Past me would’ve been terrified of that saying, but new me isn’t as worried.

Although I don’t know what the hell is going on with Jaylen, I’m still free to do whatever I like with whomever I want, so fuck it. I’m going to take a chance on this guy and see where it lands me.

This could end in happiness or total fucking chaos.

“Evie,” I finally say. “You?”

“Kale,” he smiles. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise. Do you go to school at WSU?”

Kale shakes his head. “I attend UC Berkeley.”

I shift on my feet, moving to the side and out of the way of the people coming in and out of the shop. “Then what are you doing all the way out in Pullman?”

“My dad is the coach for the soccer team at Berkeley, and I happen to be on the team also.” I want to laugh at the irony of this piece of information. Of course, he is a fucking soccer player. “We’re here checking out the stadium for the game on Saturday night. Dad wanted to see the facilities and location before the team arrived in town tomorrow.”

“Well, WSU does have an amazing stadium,” I say. “My brother is on the team, so I’ve seen it all firsthand.”

Kale grins. “Your brother, you say. Well, I’m going to apologize now if we kick their asses. But don’t hold that against me, okay?”

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