Page 10 of Changing the Play

“Not a problem at all.” He gives me a little wave and heads out of the library. I watch him the entire time he walks away, an odd fluttering sensation in my chest. I have no idea why I’m so shocked by him, but for the first time, maybe ever, I’m actually excited about the prospect of studying history.

Ben slams the locker shut, then sits down to pull his shoes on. “Hey, wanna grab pizza after practice?”

“Nah, man. Can’t.” I sit down beside him to put my own shoes on.

He nudges my side, laughing softly. “Hot date or something?”

My chest goes a little tight. Strange. “Or something.”

It’s not that I don’t trust the guys on the team, and as far as friendships go, I’d say Ben is probably the closest thing I have to one, but I’m just not sure I’m ready to share Darcy. Not only that, but I’m certainly not ready to share how badly I’m fucking up in history.

“That’s pretty vague.”

I laugh. It was intentionally vague. “I’m aware.”

Ben scoffs. “Am I to assume that it’s vague because it’s none of my business?”

I finish tying my shoes and turn to him. “That would be a good assumption.”

He rolls his eyes. “Fine. You can keep your secrets… for now. But next time you’re free? Pizza, yes?”

“Definitely.” I like Benson. He’s a good player. A good guy to have in your corner. Hell, he’s really just a good guy in general.

Ben grabs his helmet from the bench beside him, resting it on his knee as he turns to face me. “I’m not ready to be out in this heat.”

Thankful for the subject change, I stand, grabbing my helmet as well. “God, me neither. Hopefully practice goes quickly, though.” Partly because the heat sucks ass, and partly because I’m some strange mix of excited and nervous as hell for Darcy to come over.

I’ve read his message to me confirming the time no less than seven times this morning. He’s… intriguing. And I definitely want to get to know him better. It’s really quite novel that he’s coming over to learn football for the sole purpose of being able to help me understand history. His dad did say he had a way of making things understandable to others. Maybe it’s just that he learns what makes people tick and uses that to their advantage.

Ben stands. “Well, we better get out there so Coach doesn’t get his panties in a twist about us being late.”

I give him a fist bump and we head out of the locker room and onto the field. The heat is immediately sweltering. It’s the type of heat that makes your clothes stick to you without you even having to move. “Fuck,” I mumble. “I hope it’s not a conditioning day.”

Ben groans from beside me. “Don’t even speak that into existence, man.”

Chapter 4

Darcy

I’m staring at my phone, willing time to move faster. I’ve never once even thought about football. Not once. Now, though? I’m curious. Interested, even. I’m telling myself that it’s not because of West. Or at least not because ofhim, but how I can make thisworkfor him. I’m not sure that I’ve quite convinced myself.

It’s one thing to see him around, passing him on campus, or across the room, or even at the coffee shop. It’s something else entirely to be a foot away from him, watching the excitement building in his eyes as he elaborates on plays and snaps and whatever else he was going on about. I didn’t understand a single word, and yet he had me captivated.

I’ve spent the better part of an hour watching a video on YouTube to try to understand football. It’s not working. I’m not used to not understanding something I’m trying to learn about. I’mhopeful that West will explain it better. Or at least well enough for me to make comparisons for him. This is uncharted territory for me.

I glance at the clock again. It’s only a few minutes until five. I’m full of anxious energy, and sitting around here isn’t going to help me at all. Mind made up, I shut down the YouTube video on my laptop and slide it into its case.

By the time I’m walking up the stairs to Weston’s apartment, pizza in one hand, my bag slung over my shoulder, it’s only 5:15. I couldn’t wait anymore, though. I’m… excited about this, I think.

I love being able to help people connect the dots. West, though? He’s so wildly different from what I thought he would be that I have to admit, I’m curious about him.

When I make it to his door, I knock. I’m not sure if he’s even back yet, but if he’s not, it’s not a big deal. I can wait.

For a minute, there’s no answer, and I start to take a step back so I can sit on the floor outside the door when it swings open. I almost swallow my tongue. West’s standing in the doorway, a towel wrapped around his waist. My eyes start at his feet and follow the lines of his body. From his muscular calves, to the swell of his cock under the towel, up to his wide chest. There are droplets of water clinging to his skin and… justand… I don’t even have words. “Hey,” he says, interrupting my objectifying. “You’re early. Sorry I’m not ready yet.”

I force my eyes up, my face on fire. “Yeah, I’m sorry.” My mouth feels dry, and it’s not made any better when he flashes me a bright smile.

He points at the pizza in my hands. “Can I take that for you?”

---