Page 17 of His Team

My thoughts of her are so strong I have to speak out loud before my brain explodes. I could tell she was uncomfortable as she fidgeted, but why? She was adorable in her running gear.

That messy bun is cute on her and shows off her face and neck. I’ve never seen a girl look so enticing with no makeup and running clothes. She smelled amazing even through the light scent of sweat.

Had she accepted my offer to coffee, I would have made it my business to make sure we kissed before parting. Her lips are mesmerizing. I bet they would feel amazing against mine.

“What’s that?” Dakota asks, looking up from her seat on the floor. She’s been down there with notes, textbooks, and her syllabus surrounding her for the last hour.

“Nothing, I’m talking to myself.”

We have always been close with our cousin Dakota. We’re only a few months apart and since Uncle Rusty and Aunt Judy have been such a big part of our lives, so has she. If you find us somewhere, Dakota is usually right there with us.

We never asked her to come to college with us. She sort of told us she was coming. I thought she would move in with us, but she opted to go into the dorms.

It’s her college experience too, so I can’t be mad at that. She’s been here helping us to make the place a home as much as she can. My brother has a great support system outside of my mama. Daddy has gotten better over the years, running interference with Mama like I do with everyone else.

My phone pings with another text from my teammates. They’ve been group texting about going to a party tonight. Caleb has already begged off, but he wants me to go.

I don’t want to leave him here alone. Yeah, I need to lay the groundwork with our team members, but I want to make sure Caleb is fine on his first night home.

My mind wanders back to Amina. I wonder if she has friends on campus. Will she be at some party tonight?

I clench my fists at the thought. I’m sure all the guys will be tripping over themselves to talk to her. She’s superhot.

Those long, toned legs, her cute, full ass, those plump, full breasts, and her gorgeous face—a total ten. I had asked her out before I gave myself time to think about it. Something about her keeps drawing me in.

Last night, when Kay said we should take a break, I was hesitant. I thought that would only complicate things more. When I didn’t agree right away, she took that as a no and initiated sex.

I knew I should have stopped things, but I wanted to forget the drowning feeling that came over me. I also love sex. Kay knows just what I like.

However, this morning, she was gone, and there was a note. She said she thought it best to give it a few weeks. That our friendship was the most important thing.

I have mixed feelings about that. Seeing Amina stirred something within me. I’ve started to wonder all the more if Kay and I even belong together.

If our friendship is the most important thing, shouldn’t we protect that by remaining friends? Amina made me think about the options I could have. The concern in her eyes spoke to me. For once, someone cared about how I felt.

“Cam, you should go to the party with the guys. I’ll be okay,” Caleb says from his spot wrapped up in a blanket on the couch.

He’s been there all day since Daddy bought him home. I made him a sandwich and his favorite snack. We’re eighteen. It doesn’t take much to please us.

I know my brother is happy sitting here watching movies all night. He won’t miss going out to some party. Although, I can go to feel the guys out and figure out who Caleb will be able to vibe with—if anyone.

It will allow me to know who I can bridge relationships with for him. I can always weed out the assholes. To pull this off for the next four years, I need to be strategic.

“You sure?” I ask, still not convinced.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll be here with him,” Dakota says.

I drag a hand down my face, still not persuaded that I should go. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind staying in to get some much-needed sleep.

Thomas comes out of the bathroom and sits down next to me. This guy has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. He’s more like a brother than a friend.

I never have to ask him for anything because before I open my mouth, it’s already done. I can always count on Thomas. That’s never been a question.

He looks around, seeming to read the room. I’m sure he heard some of the conversation through these thin-ass walls. Either way, I’m sure he’ll be down to do whatever I decide.

“So we’re going?”

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