Page 14 of Flame After the Fumble

“Springs Valley High.”

“No way! You must know—”

Before he can finish, Emberly cuts him off. “Nope. No. Don’t know anyone.”

Picking up on her discomfort, Hartley shifts the subject away from whatever Emberly is trying to hide. “Sorry. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Thanks.” She tucks a stray piece of her jet-black hair behind her ear. Her eyes bore holes into the table.

“Goldie, what part of the world are you running from?”

Unlike Emberly, I’m an open book. “New Orleans, and before you ask, alligators don’t camp on my front lawn.”

He lets out an uncontrollable laugh. “That’s a good one.”

I take a small bite of the extra cheesy pizza before setting it back down on the paper plate. “We’re trying to become familiar with the area. Any good spots?”

“Tons.” He leans back against the booth and places both hands behind his head, putting his corded muscles on full display. “According to the guys on the team, this is the best pizza in town. If you’re looking for a home cooked meal, Pat’s Diner is the best. I’ll take you.”

“Watch it, Hotshot. We’re friends. Remember?”

He shakes his head and runs his hands through his hair. His face reads that he loves a challenge. “Yeah, Goldie. Friends.”

10

Liza

“Hmmm.” I tap my bare feet to the music blasting through my phone against the cool tile floor of our joined bathroom. “I love this song.”

Emberly opens the door to her bedroom to peek at what I’m up to. “Almost ready?”

I pucker my lips and apply a light pink gloss before rubbing them together and checking the finished product. “Very close.”

“You look amazing!” She walks beside me and leans her head against my shoulder. “I couldn’t pull this off.”

“You absolutely can,” I huff. “You need to believe it.”

She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “Yeah. Yeah. Self-confidence and all that jazz.”

“It’s a thing.” I run my fingers through the loose curls of my hair once more to create a relaxed look. Turning around, I check out the outfit I chose for tonight’s party in the mirror. I went with an edgier look, opting for my black leather zip-up corset top that makes my chest look phenomenal paired with my light washed jeans that hug my curves in the best places. “I wish you were coming, though. Are you sure? I can whip up a look foryou in no time.” Clutching my hands together, I playfully beg Emberly to join me at the house party we heard rumbling about from some girls down the hall. Apparently it’s at Springs U’s quarterback, Mason Miller’s, house. The girls said his parties are always the top ones of the year, so of course, I need to make an appearance.

“I’m positively partied out for at least a few weeks.” She plays with the loose bun thrown on top of her head. “I’ll be more than occupied working on my blog.”

“I get it, but I’ll miss you.” Reaching around her waist, I squeeze tight before stepping toward the door to stuff my keys into my back pocket.

“Call me if you need a ride.” She waves goodbye before scooting into her solar system lit room.

“Will do!” I throw back before shutting the door and jogging downstairs to the rideshare I ordered.

Hartley

Thumping music from the DJ rattles through Mason’s house. House would be modest. He lives in a mansion fit for a king. People crowd the winding staircase, hanging all over each other, leading up to the empty bedrooms. Mason’s dad is a retired NFL player with loads of cash, hence the over the top college living arrangement. His parties are fully staffed with bartenders and a clean-up crew to follow behind the sloppy drunks spilling alcohol on the expensive marble floors. Nursing my beer, I take in the sights of the party. Of all the parties I’ve been to, this one takes the cake.

Mason catches my eyes from across the room, nuzzled with girls under each arm. “Dude.” He parts the crowd and makes a beeline straight for me. “What’s up?” He reaches out to shake my hand.

“Taking it all in.” Gulping down the rest of my beer, I continue, “This is insane, man.”

He laughs and instinctively wraps his arm around a third girl that knocks her hips against his. “A party fit for legends. We’re going to kill it this season. Your routes are looking strong.”

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