Page 3 of Defending Madison

“Eventually.”

The server sets down the water and his beer. “Are you ready?”

“Uh. We need more time. I haven’t even looked at the menu.” The woman could be courteous enough to look at me when I answer. But she stares at Dixon, shrugging as she walks off.

Dixon focuses on me. “Eventually?”

I take a sip of my water and set down the glass. “Yeah. If I go pro, I’ll need a job to support myself, and then when my career is over, I’ll need a future.”

“Why do you need a job on top of playing pro soccer?”

“The salary is pathetic. So, it’s necessary. Women make less than professional men athletes, and unless I’m a star, I’ll make low five figures.” Dixon continues to scan the restaurant, sipping his beer, looking like he’s waiting for someone to jump up and cause trouble.

He nods. I don’t expect a reply because what can you say about that?

A few minutes later, the server arrives back at the table and breaks the uncomfortable silence. “Ready?”

I hand her my menu. “I’ll take a burger with cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, and light mustard.”

“Fries or tater tots?” She can’t keep her eyes off Dixon.

“I’ll do fries. Thanks.”

He smirks, noticing that I’m annoyed at the server’s behavior. “I’ll take a double burger the same way with tots.” She collectshis menu and walks away. I wait. He’s going to ask more questions. It’s what he does.

“Brian mentioned you’re doing really well on the soccer team. I didn’t know college soccer was a thing, at least for girls.”

Way to sound like a misogynist. “There are many women’s sports in college, Dixon.”

His smile increases as I realize he’s just pushing my buttons. He focuses his gorgeous eyes on me. “Got a boyfriend?”

I shake my head. “No time. I’ve got a guy friend to scratch the itch.”

The color drains from his face, and I have to stop myself from beaming. I caught the arrogant man off guard. Yay, me! I steel my face and drink water from my almost empty glass. The women that had been trying to engage him have stopped, and I have a chance to notice the new movie posters hung on all the walls.

Dixon clears his throat. I turn and his surprise turns to a glare. “You shouldn’t do that.”

Here we go. “Do what?”

“Have random sex.”

I set my glass down. “It’s not random. Bobby and I have been friends since high school. He’s a football player and busy, like I am. He doesn’t want anything more than I do. It’s just good sex.”

He scoffs while rolling his eyes. “How good can a nineteen-year-old boy actually be?”

I deadpan. “At least three orgasms for me for each session. He’s thick and long, exactly what I prefer.” This is a whole new way to flirt with a hot man. Bobby and I aren’t exclusive, and if it weren’t for my own fingers, I’d never have an orgasm with him, but Dixon doesn’t need to know that.

“If Brian knew what you were doing, he’d have a heart attack.”

“My mom knows.” I move my long blonde hair over my shoulder. “I can’t say she’s thrilled about the ‘friends with benefits’ plan, but she wants me to be happy.”

His jaw is back down, hanging like a dog waiting for a treat. “You told your mom you’re screwing some guy?”

My forehead wrinkles as I think about how far I want to take this conversation. It would be nice if he didn’t see me as some kid. “Mom understands I’m not a kid anymore. Sex is a healthy activity. She encouraged me to get birth control in high school.”

“Wow.” He leans back in his seat. “You have a totally different relationship with your mom than I imagined. I assumed she’d be protective like Brian.”

“Pfft. Brian wants to be another parent. If he knew I was having regular sex with a friend, he’d blow a gasket.” I raise my eyebrow. “He’s a hypocrite. No one is a bigger man whore than Brian.”

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