Page 9 of Play It Off

But I realize quickly that isn’t who I think it is, and relieved, I take another long drink from the can, savoring it. Enjoying the languid sensation of the alcohol flowing through my veins. I can always feel it course through my body, and people call bullshit when I say that, but it’s true.

And tonight, I need lots of alcohol if I’m going to get through this party.

My brother reenters the kitchen wearing a grim expression, reaching for the beer he left behind and taking a big swig.

“What happened?”

“Someone was fucking with the PlayStation.” He shakes his head. “I told Nico not to invite the freshmen.”

Nico is my brother’s roommate and the star wide receiver on the team. He’s become even more handsome to the point of distraction, and he’s still a complete player. The worst out of all their friend group, and with reason. His smile dissolves panties campus-wide. I found myself falling under his sway more than once but always knew it would be dangerous. Besides ...

I already tried something once with my brother’s teammate, and it bombed big time. I’m not going there again.

“You can’t discriminate against the freshmen,” I remind my brother. “Maybe you guys should’ve put away the PlayStation.”

“Good call. We’ll do that next time.” Coop turns so he’s facing me fully, blocking my view from the living room completely. “There’s something I want to tell you.”

The grave tone of his voice has me immediately filled with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. We have a new roommate.” He pauses. “Her name is Everleigh.”

“Her?” I’m stunned. “What happened to your other roommate? Sampson?”

“That asshole bailed out on us. Said rent was too expensive. We were talking about it at the café earlier over breakfast, and this girl—Everleigh—overheard us and said she was looking for a roommate, and well ... now she’s moved in,” Coop explains.

“Where is she?” I start to head for the living room, but Coop grabs my wrist, stopping me. “I want to meet her.”

“I’ll introduce you if I get the chance. But don’t be afraid to approach her if you see her. She’s about yay high.” He holds his hand up to the middle of his chest, indicating she’s short. “And she looks nervous all the time.”

“Aw, Coop. That’s so mean.” I laugh, though not at his new roomie. “You guys probably make her nervous.”

“You’re right. I think we do.”He rubs a hand across his cheek. “She doesn’t know we’re football players. Well, she knows, but I don’t think she realizes just how ...”

His voice drifts, and I fill in the rest of the sentence for him. “What a big deal that you guys are?”

“I didn’t want to say it.” He shrugs. “I sound like an asshole.”

“You’re an asshole who speaks the truth.” I pat him on the shoulder. Extra hard, like a sister should. “I’ll let her know what she’s dealing with. Give her a warning.”

Coop’s brows shoot up. “What do you mean by that?”

“I have to warn her about all of you. Dollar.” Coop and Nico’s other roommate and teammate is Frank Dollar, and while he’s a sweet guy, he can also be a little pushy. As in, if he zeroes in on a woman who he believes he has a chance with, he won’t let up. He’s rather determined.

Hmm, sounds awfully familiar, but I push that nagging little thought out of my brain.

“Yeah, about Dollar.” Coop grimaces. “He’s already started in with Everleigh.”

“Oh, the poor girl.” I rest my hand against my chest.

“He means well.”

“But he always takes it too far. I wish he could find someone who’s completely into him.” Frank is really a decent guy. He just needs to find someone who loves as hard as he does. Who’ll shower him with all the attention that he deserves. “I’ll talk to her. I’m going to warn her about Nico too.”

“Yeah, you better,” Coop mutters, shaking his head. “They’re sharing a bathroom, by the way. Nico and Everleigh.”

“Seriously? Well, that ought to be interesting.”

We hear the front door open, and a bunch of female voices fill the space, their excitement obvious. I lean back and see who’s entered the house—a group of women that I know, some better than others. All of them are hot for a football player. Any football player. They don’t discriminate.

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