Page 19 of Play It Off

One turned into a possessive asshole I had to dump after two months. Plus, the sex wasn’t that spectacular because he was always drunk and couldn’t get it up. He eventually got kicked off the team because he partied too much.

The other one was sweet but too wishy-washy in bed. Meaning he cared too much about my supposed tender feelings. I realized after I broke up with him that I want someone who takes charge. Who likes to be in command and boss me around in bed. The type who tells me what to do and slaps my ass and all the delicious things that come alongwith that. But I also want him to be an alpha male who respects me and won’t act like a complete douche when we’re in public. Does that sort of guy exist, or is he a complete unicorn?

I’m not too sure.

I wait for approximately ten minutes to respond to him because I’m not above playing the game, and at about seven minutes in, I receive another text.

Gavin: ???

This man isn’t above ditching the game to gain his answer quickly. I appreciate that. Biting my lip, I type out a response, going for nonchalant.

Me: Oh sorry, I just saw this! When are you going to be there?

He doesn’t hesitate with his answer.

Gavin: I’m headed to Charley’s right now. A bunch of guys from the team are there already.

Hmm. I hope he doesn’t try to set me up with someone else. I mean, we’ve come to an agreement that we’re just friends now. But would he do that? Is he that blind? I have zero interest in any of the guys, even though some of the new recruits are really cute. But they’re like eighteen or nineteen years old, and just ... I don’t mind a younger guy, but they’re not serious enough for me at the moment. Not that I’m looking for anythingserious.

Wait a minute. I don’t know what I’m looking for. Not really. I’m just letting things happen and seeing where I end up. Probably not the best way to plan my life, but it’s all I’ve got at the moment.

Me: I’ll be there soon. Give me fifteen minutes.

Gavin: I’ll be waiting.

I stare at his response, wondering if I’m reading too much into it. I’m sure I am. He’s just being nice. Gavin is a nice guy. A little oblivious when it comes to women, but nice. He’s also got that charisma going on. People have always been drawn to him, and not just women. He’s easy to talk to. Has a beautiful smile and a commanding presence. People want to be around him.

Like me.

I go to my room and comb through my closet, pushing aside every option I’ve got. None of it works. I don’t want to wear any of it, and it’s not like I can go shopping. First, I don’t have the time. Second, I don’t have any money to spare. I need to get a job, but I’ve been lazy and living off grant money since I came back here.

Guess I’m sticking with wearing something tried and true.

I find a simple black T-shirt dress, and I pair it with strappy black flat sandals. I slick my hair back into a sleek ponytail, then add some thin silver hoops to my ears. I keep my makeup understated. A little blush on my cheeks and mascara coating my eyelashes. The freckles on my nose have become more prominent thanks to me spending more time outside lately, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Maybe Gavin thinks they’re cute. He did call me Freckles ...

Deciding my outfit is good enough, I grab my phone and head out to Charley’s.

“Yo, Sienna!” My brother throws his arm into the air when he spots me entering the bar, and I head in his direction, shocked that he screamed my name. That’s so unlike Coop, but when I get closer, I can tell he’s already had a few beers by the twinkle in his eyes.

Someone is feeling good tonight.

“Coop.” I hug him because I always do when I see him, and he returns it with extra enthusiasm, squeezing me tight. When my brother drinks, he’s affectionate. “How many drinks have you had?”

“Two.” He holds up three fingers, chuckling as he drops them. “It’s the pretty waitress’s fault.”

“We don’t call them waitresses anymore,” I remind him. “She’s a server.”

“Whatever. She’s hot. Won’t flirt with me, though.” He mock pouts, something I don’t think I’ve ever seen him do before in my life. “I don’t even know her name.”

Frank appears at Coop’s side, a full mug of beer in his hand. He sets it on the table in front of him. “Here ya go, buddy.”

“You think that’s a good idea?” I ask Dollar.

He shrugs. “You know how it is. I give your brother what he wants, no question.”

“Just don’t get him too drunk.” I look around, trying to spot this server my brother is supposedly flirting with. “In fact, after this one, maybe you should cut him off.”

“You’re no fuckin’ fun, Sienna,” Cooper mumbles, making me laugh.

---