Page 2 of Wicked

I glance sidelong at Brett. Beer in hand. Baseball cap sitting backward on his big noggin. Guns for arms, crossed. Brett lives in this house with me, along with four of our teammates.

“You know this how?” I shouldn’t be curious. There’s a reason for the saying, “curiosity killed the cat.”

“Missy Hayes. She keeps tabs on Harper. Doesn’t like her much. They had a row junior year.”

“She’s holding on to shit from last year?”

“Missy doesn’t forgive or forget.”

Brett would know. He and Missy are tight.

I’ve been wanting in Missy’s pants since she caught my attention at a party over summer break. Legs that go on and on, hair the color of honey, big green eyes, huge tits . . . Yeah, she’s my type. Too bad she isn’t giving me the time of day. What will it take to get Missy to give me a chance between the sheets?

As though reading my mind, Brett leans in, and out the side of his mouth, he seals my fate.

“Nail Harper. Get her to tell me you fucked her, and I’ll convince Missy to give you one night with her.”

“You’re serious?”

“As a heart attack, bro.”

Don’t do it.

You’re better than that.

I’m not listening. I’m seeing, visualizing Missy writhing and moaning beneath me as I pound my rod deep inside her.

“How long do I get?”

He laughs. “I’ve been trying to nail Harper for a year. You get two weeks.”

What Brett said would’ve brought my lust-laden brain to a screeching halt, but I don’t hear him. I’m busy formulating and strategizing this bet in my favor. Time is the winning factor.

“Well?”

“Give me a month, and she’ll happily tell you we screwed like rabbits, man.”

We fist bump.

My inner conscience shakes its head.

My heart folds into itself in shame.

I don’t listen or feel.

I visualize.

Missy. Me. Fucking.

2

Ryker

On campus Monday, I see her crossing the parking lot of the quad. For someone with short legs, this girl can beat feet. I hurry after her. Want to call out to her.

But I don’t want anyone to see what I’m about to do—speak with a girl I wouldn’t be caught dead with. My long legs giving me an advantage, I reach her before she can slide into her car.

“Hey, I’d like to apologize for my bad behavior Friday night.”

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