Page 67 of A Quarterback for Christmas

As I leave the dorm, Marissa shouts, “I’m going to find out sooner or later, whether you like it or not.”

With that, I shut the door and head to my physio session, hoping that I’ll bump into Drew but knowing he’s avoiding me like the plague. I can’t say I’m surprised about it.

As I make my way to the gym, I’m getting more stares than usual, and I don’t know if it’s because of the length of my skirt or if people know what happened over the break. Drew’s not one to tell people, but Jacob knows something went on, and I don’t know enough about him to know if he’d spread that around to everyone he can. Coach’s daughter with a QB. That’s big gossip, after all, and I’d have no one to blame but myself if it got out.

My feet slow as I inch closer to the gym because Brianna is standing outside, talking to a few of her friends, and even in gym gear, she looks like Michelangelo sculpted her. I’m surprised she’s allowed in the gym looking borderline indecent. Wearing flesh-colored leggings with a scrunch in the back, her ass is on full display.

Gosh, I could only wish to have that kind of confidence in my assets.

I guess I was wrong about all the stares. They weren’t for me. They were directed at her. Everything is always directed at her.

Even Drew’s attention.

God, she’s stunning, and knowing she gets to spend time with Drew makes my blood boil. He told me they were never really a thing, but that didn’t stop the gnawing feeling of jealousy in my heart because, look at her. What man wouldn’t want her?

Like a dagger to my heart, I have no doubt that she’s the one he moved on with, and that hurts more than I’d ever admit.

Striding past, I do my best to walk by confidently, not that she notices me. I’m just a speck in her existence; I doubt she knows who I am or even cares.

I just hope one day I can feel the same about her.

“Bella.” My physiotherapist Caroline snaps her fingers in front of my face, drawing me out of my mini hell. “Are you listening?” Sitting on the rowing machine with my feet strapped in, I should be attentively following her instructions, but I can’t. I’ve been immobilized by brown eyes and a pair of amazing breasts.

Drew just walked into the gym with Brianna draped all over him, and I want to die. Yes, I know I planned on seeing himhere – I even dressed cutely, just in case - but this wasn’t what I expected. I thought I’d see him with his teammates, not with her.

And he looks so happy. She whispers something in his ear, and his hand squeezes against her hip.

I want to vomit.

“Your form is all wrong,” Caroline continues. “What are you looking at?” Her gaze follows mine. “Oh, are you staring at Edo?” She laughs. “Sorry to tell you, but he’s into guys.”

I shake my head, focusing on Caroline. “What is with everyone’s obsession with Edo?” I whisper under my breath, quickly glancing at him. Sure, he’s cute with floppy bronzed hair and a wide smile, but he’s not Drew-level hot. No one is.

“I don’t see it either.” Caroline shrugs. “But the disappointment I see on my clients’ faces when they get me is disheartening, to say the least. He’s booked up six weeks in advance and he’s the worst physio here. Even Jacob Miller uses him, but I think that’s because he’s trying to avoid me more than anything else.”

“Why’s Jacob avoiding you?”

Her face pinkens. “Probably not appropriate to talk about here, but I may have thrown myself at him freshman year, completely unaware he had a girl back home.”

“Oh.” I bite my lip, but decide not to hold back. “Yeah, I’ve heard he’s still hung up her.”

“And that’s why I need to stay away and find a guy worthy of me.”

“Good plan.”

“So, if it’s not Edo, then what are you staring at?”

“Nothing.” I cover up the high-pitched response and quickly change the subject by grabbing my leg. “It’s just it hurts my calf to bend like that.”

I flinch when I hear Drew's deep, hearty chuckle and swallow all that is left of my pride. He hasn’t noticed I’m here, but he’s all I think about.

“No problem, let me just manipulate your leg a little bit.” She bends down and massages my sore leg, giving me time to look around. Drew’s by the water machine, still not working out, but looking absolutely perfect in his gym shorts and tight black shirt. Has he just come out to pose or something?

Brianna offers him some of her water, and Drew gladly accepts. His forearms glisten as he lifts the bottle, and I choke when I see his throat bobbing as he swallows the water.

I’m suddenly feeling a little parched myself.

“Bella. Are you okay?” Caroline pops her head up, looking at me with concern.

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