Page 82 of A Quarterback for Christmas

As much as I enjoy that image, the fact that she’s brought our relationship back to sex is mildly disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, sex with Bella is hot, but anytime I try to have a meaningful conversation with her, she soothes it over by asking me a question that’s certain to get my cock hard.

“Is that it?” I hold my jaw because I’m starting to conclude that our expectations for tonight aren’t aligned. I wanted to out her as my girlfriend, and it seems she only wanted to claim me as a conquest.

Come to think of it; besides walking in together, she hasn’t glanced my way the whole night. Too engrossed with Reese, Justin, or anyone else on the team who would give her attention, she didn’t bother looking at me. It’s always just been me watching her. That is until Brianna came over. Then she needed to stake her claim.

Bella pulls away from me quickly and glances over her shoulder. Is she worried that this corner isn’t secluded enough?

“Come on. We’re missing the end of the game.” The game? Like she knows what sport’s on, let alone the team. This only serves as a distraction, so she can avoid answering my question.

Even now, as she walks back into the crowd, she doesn’t bother to grab my hand, but she expects me to follow her as I’vealways done. She wants no commitment; yet, I’m chained to her like a dog.

My feet move before I’ve had time to think.

This isn’t how I want Bella. I just need to figure out a way to show how her actions are affecting me.

Chapter 21

Bella

Jogging to Drew’s house, the fresh, frosty bite that I’d become accustomed to has slowly thawed, replaced with warm air skating across my skin. Although the pain in my foot has subsided, it hasn’t completely gone away yet, and with every step, there’s a little spike of discomfort. I know Caroline would have a heart attack if she found out I’ve been running on the concrete sidewalk every morning, but I don’t care. Seeing Drew is worth the pain.

I arrive at his house at our usual time, and a shiver runs up my spine because I can’t wait to see him. After last night, we’ve technically gone public, so there’s no need to sneak around like this anymore, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to do it one last time for prosperity’s sake.

Standing at the sliding door, Drew’s in his usual place. On the treadmill, sweaty and godlike. Even with such harsh lighting, he really is a vision in the gym. The door’s unlocked. It has been ever since the first night, but I still like to knock.

His eyes flick up to see me, but he doesn’t smile since he’s too into his run.

Heat radiates behind his eyes, and I know he’s ready for me just as much as I’m ready for him. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times we’ve had each other; we always want more.

I slide the door open and walk in.

“Do you remember when you were on the dance team in high school?” No greeting. He’s straight to the point when he’s in a mood like this, and Ilovewhen he’s in a mood like this. Hedonistic and horny.

“How could I forget? I was on it for a week because the minute I found out we’d have to dance for the football team, I quit.”

“Because of me?” he asks calmly.

I lift a shoulder in answer and then pull off my sweatshirt. “Partly. Hated how everyone fawned over you, including me. But also out of principle. I didn’t want to be in my dad’s pocket forever. Being by the sidelines meant he’d critique my every move.”

“Yet you come to his college and join the track team,” he muses, still feeling ice cold. “Odd choice for someone who wants a little independence.” My nipples harden as I look around all the equipment and wonder how he will play with me today.

“I already explained that. Free college overrides my hatred for the football team.”

“Hate?” He raises a brow, slowly making his way to me.

Giving him a small smile, I take my hair out of the claw clip holding it up and run my hand through it. “Guess you guys aren’t all that bad anymore.” He doesn’t respond to that, just stares at the black foam floor in contemplation. “Why the trip down memory lane?”

“I was just reminiscing about the time I saw you dancing at one of the basketball games when we were sophomores.”

“Oh yeah?” That thought makes my body perk up again.

“Yeah. Your uniform killed me. You were always in these tiny, black booty shorts and a crop top that showed off your abs.” He licks his lips as his eyes track my legs, stopping at the little black shorts I’m currently wearing.

“You’ve got a good memory.” I take a step toward him tentatively because he might be flirty, but he’s acting differently, and I’m not sure why.

“When it comes to you, I remember everything. That outfit has been safely stored away in my memory ever since. But do you know what else I remember about that day?”

I shake my head, and he’s close enough now that I can see the sweat dripping off his dark hair and flushed skin. I love it when he’s like this because I know his adrenaline is up, and he’s ready for some release. “You doing the splits at the end of the routine, and that idiot dance partner of yours, Derek, picking you up.”

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