Page 67 of Blitz'd

After I push his hair back once more, I give him a gentle kiss on the cheek. Kerian startles awake, sitting up suddenly and looking around wild-eyed.

“Hey,” I say, almost falling off onto the floor. “It’s me. You okay?”

Kerian stares at me, bringing me into focus slowly. He pushes his hand into his hair, blowing out a shaky breath.Who did he think I was?

He flicks his gaze up to me and gives me that cocky grin I’m used to. “Is it strange that I’m here and you can’t send me a good morning text?”

Grinning, I lie back down, looking at him as he turns his body to face me. “Nah. I can still text it to you. I know how much you like it.”

Kerian scoffs, stretching his arms over his head. His muscles pop as he shakes out his limbs. “I slept like the dead. But I can tell your sheets are shit quality.”

I laugh and roll over, biting him on the back. He jumps and gives me a death glare, but a small smile crosses his lips. “Yeah, well, you were on me more than the sheets.” I prop my hands behind my head. “Want to get some breakfast?”

He shakes his head and stands up. “Nah. I don’t feel like being around people and I wouldn’t be caught dead in your caf. I’m sure Evergreen wouldn’t take too kindly to Meridian’s star quarterback walking your campus.”

“Please. Everyone knows I’m better than you. I proved that when I beat your ass just a few weeks ago.”

His serious face makes me laugh harder than I should. One thing I’ve realized about Kerian is he’s extremely competitive. Playing the same position puts us both on the same playing field and he has to try hard to be better than me. I enjoy our rivalry, even now.

“Whose stats are better?” he asks, crawling up the bed until he’s in my face.

I put my finger to my chin, pretending to think. “Yours,” I say and he grins smugly. “But that’s only because we just had a bye week.” His grin drops and his eyes turn stormy. “It’s fine to be second best. Silver medals are admirable too.”

He growls and launches himself at me, taking my wrists in his hands and thrusting them over my head. Then he proceeds to… tickle me. I’m so shocked that I freeze for a moment, then I laugh at his antics. I’m not ticklish at all, but I like seeing him like this.

After he came in yesterday, looking like someone had stolen his puppy and he’d lost the championship game, I didn’t think I’d see this side of him so quickly. I’m not sure what happened or how I’ll ask him about it—Kerian is not an open book by any means—but I want to know. Ineedto know. If someone hurt him or upset him, I need to know who it is so I can stop them.

Kerian stops tickling me, then lowers his face, kissing my smiling lips. I sigh into his mouth, soaking up this softer side of him. Kerian is full of surprises.

He pulls away and lets my hands go, lowering himself to lie on my chest. He’s fucking heavy, but I don’t ask him to get off. I wrap my arms around him, sliding my hands under his shirt to rub the muscles of his back. “How do you smell this good so early in the morning?”

His chuckle rumbles through me. “It’s called a shower, Braithe. I’m sure you take them every now and then.”

“Fuck you.” I laugh despite myself. “Plans today?”

He shakes his head against my neck. “No. Maybe get some sleep. That game was brutal yesterday. You?”

“Nothing. Russ will probably stop through to play some games. We don’t have practice today.” I pause. “You played really well yesterday. I swear, I’ve never seen a Hail Mary so pretty. I don’t think I’d ever be able to make a forty-yard pass like that, especially with defenders gunning for me. How did you read the play so well?”

Kerian looks down at me, that smug grin back on his face. “Iambetter than you, Braithe.”

I snort and push at his chest. “Get off, you cocky fucker.”

Slade gives me a quick kiss and hops to his feet. “Come on, Dimples. Walk me to my car so I can feel you up when you kiss me goodbye.” He holds his hand out to me.

“You’re deranged,” I tell him, but take his proffered hand. “Seriously, though. How did you make that play?”

For the first time, I see uncertainty cross Kerian’s face. He looks almost embarrassed. “I didn’t think I would. I know my line, but I’ve never thrown that deep in a game before. But I had to try something.”

I bump his shoulder as we step out into the hall. “Well, you are kinda good at your position, so…” Kerian gives me a half grin, his eyes lighting up.

After I shut and lock the door, I take his hand, threading our fingers together. Kerian makes as if to pull away, but he relaxes after a moment. I only plan to hold his hand here in the building, since most of the students are probably asleep. There were like three parties on campus last night, so I’m sure everyone is fighting a hangover or tired from being out all night. Even Luca stayed out, a first that I can remember. No one will see us holding hands.

The feeling of his calloused palm in mine feels good. Warm and strong. His touch secure.I’ll never get tired of this.

We walk slowly down the stairs, Kerian’s hand tightening around mine for a moment.

I smile over at him when we hit the bottom landing. “I’m sure that bullet alone will get more than a few NFL teams interested. It was a textbook play. I think Coach will give me shit about not throwing like that.”

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