Page 27 of Play It Off

“Don’t have a date?”

Oh, now look who’s fishing. This is such an interesting turn of events. Not just one man is asking me if I’m seeing anyone; now there are two. And considering the second man knows pretty much everything I’m doing at all times, he has to also realize that I am not dating anyone in particular. Though that could all change thanks to Ryland.

Life is so weird sometimes.

“Gav, baby. You of all people should know that I’m not seeing anyone.” I keep my tone light and flirtatious, hoping I sound like every other starstruck girl who tries to talk to him.

“Right.” He nods, kicking a small rock on the sidewalk and sending it skittering into the street. “And did you really just call meGav baby?”

I burst out laughing, the tension easing from my body at his question. At the way he’s looking at me. Smiling at me. I forget all about my potential with Ryland, my focus entirely on the man walking besideme. Towering over me and making me feel small and delicate. And not small in a bad way. More like small in a feminine,I’m just a girlway.

Sometimes a strong woman wants to feel like she’s “just a girl,” and there’s nothing wrong with that.

“I did,” I finally say. “I’m trying to be like all of those girls who come around.”

Gavin grimaces. “Seriously? That’s the reason we like having you around, Sienna. Because you’re not one of those girls who’s trying to get with us.”

I’m oddly touched by his appreciation for me. “Not that you’ve tried to spend any time with me over the last couple of years.”

“Not that you’ve been warm and welcoming toward me either,” he throws back.

“True.” I shrug. No point in arguing with him about that. “Are we finally at peace with each other?”

“Are you still pissed at me?”

Why is it suddenly so hard to stay mad at him? I did a pretty fair job of it before, though I was never really mad. More like I was hurt and positive that I’d done something to turn him off. God, he made me feel insecure about everything, and I hated it. That’s why I stayed away from him.

“Not really,” I admit, glancing over at him to find he’s already watching me. “Even though I probably should be.”

“Look.” A ragged exhale leaves him. “I’m not always good with my words, especially with women.”

“I’ll say.”

“And I know I keep saying dumb shit that makes you angry.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I don’t mean to.” His gaze is dark and heavy. Full of sincerity. “I’m sorry, Freckles.”

I wish he didn’t call me that, but then again, I would miss it if he stopped. “It’s okay, Gavin.”

We’re quiet as we walk side by side along the sidewalk through campus, surrounded by everyone else’s chatter. I can hear Nico grumbling to my brother behind us. I watch Frank walking with Everleigh and notice how she’s listening to every word he says, which I know he appreciates because he loves an audience. And speaking of an audience, I notice that there are a lot of people joining us as we walk through campus. And that they’re trying to ask us questions.

“Hey! Who’s the girl?” someone asks, and I know exactly who he’s referring to. The team’s fellow students and fans are used to seeing me around the guys. Everyone knows I’m Coop’s sister, but they don’t recognize Everleigh, and they’re curious.

Increasing my pace, I come up on Everleigh’s right side and hook my arm through hers. “She’s my friend.”

“Oh, come on. I heard she lives with Cooper and Valente,” someone else says, their tone almost taunting.

Everleigh and I share a look, her gaze filled with worry. She’s not used to this sort of attention, and what exactly are they trying to imply, anyway? That Nico and my brother have some sort of throuple relationship going on with Ever?

Please.

“She’s our roommate,” Coop says, and I can tell by the sound of his voice that he’s irritated. “Nothing more, nothing less.”

The crowd explodes after that, people shouting questions at the guys one after another, their voices getting higher and higher. Concerned, I let go of Everleigh’s arm and go over to Gavin. “You should call security,” I tell him.

He doesn’t even hesitate and has his phone to his ear in seconds, making a few quietly said commands before he glances over at me. “Done.”

---