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“I swear.” My eyes sting with tears, I feel awful. “I’m not normally like this. I don’t know why I keep thinking the worst.”

“Phia.” I glance up at him from across the table, my breath catching at the seriousness of his expression. I’ve hurt him.

“I’m sor—” He holds up his hand to stop me.

“You are an incredibly intelligent woman, Phia. A quick study, a dedicated student. So, listen closely. Take notes if you need to.” Damn. I want to be pissed off at the way he just spoke, but my vagina is currently throbbing between my legs begging for more. Strict Crue Pribula is a different kind of creature. Hawt! His features soften ever so slightly at whatever he sees in my expression.

“I’m from a rural farming town about two hours from here. Family farm was started by my great-grandparents and has beenpassed down through the generations. I’m set to inherit it from my parents, hopefully a long fucking time from now.” Shifting in his seat, my eyes drop to the flexing muscles of his arms, his neck, the breadth of his shoulders. “Pay attention, Miss Kerr.” He winks as he catches me in the act. My face heats, but I force my eyes to meet his and remain locked on them as he continues. “I’m in my last year of undergrad, set to graduate with my Bachelor’s in Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management. I will begin my Master’s in Homeland Security: Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense in the fall online.” I suck in a surprised breath. I underestimated him. Severely. The first tear falls over my lashes and down my cheek.

“Phia, I won’t lie and say I haven’t had my fun over the years. I’ve taken advantage of the opportunities afforded me as an athlete. And God knows there are plenty of college athletes, especially football players who are bedding a new girl every night, taking the easiest and least amount of classes needed to qualify, and banking on an NFL contract after graduation to do it all again but on a grander scale.” He leans forward, pinning me in place with an austere and earnest expression. “I am NOT one of those players. I have fun when time permits, but I am dedicated to my studies. Because I am dedicated to my family. My parents bust their asses every year planting, cultivating, harvesting, always going, going, going. They do that to survive, but they do that for me and my sisters. So that I have something sustainable for the family I hope to have one day. My degrees will only help our farm moving forward and allow me additional income as a consultant for other farmers in the area.”

Wiping under my eyes, I give him a broad smile. “That’s incredible.” I clear my throat of the overwhelming emotion. “You’re incredible.” Glancing around the dining room, I drop mychin when I notice several people staring at us, particularly me. I shake my head with a snicker, “This is a lot for a first date.”

He returns my smile, transforming his entire face, making him appear years younger. “I see it as laying the groundwork.”

My brows slant in confusion. “Groundwork for what?”

“Us.”

“Us?” I squeak.

Crue reaches across the table, grabs my hand and entwines his fingers with mine. “What are you looking for in a partner?”

“Uh…” He just throws it all out there, doesn’t he? “Well, intelligence. Humor. Loyalty. Depth.” His lips twitch as I list my requirements. “Devilishly handsome wouldn’t hurt.” Something in his eyes…the way he looks at me…my body jerks like I’ve been electrocuted as everything snaps into place. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Phia Kerr, I’ve been looking for you too.”

He expertly drives the conversation into a less serious and non-stereotypical direction. I’ve never laughed so hard. It’s been so long since I’ve given myself a moment, let alone an entire meal to just be. We walk out hand in hand and I’ve never felt lighter or more excited about the unknown. A single stack of blueberry pancakes has changed my life.

And I ain’t mad about it.

Halfway home, he drapes his arm over my shoulder and kisses the top of my head without missing a step. Curling into his side feels natural. He smells amazing, masculine and citrus. He walks me up to my apartment. I want to invite him in, but I can’t get the words out. I’m not that type of woman, though he makes me want to be. I unlock my door, turn on my feet to say goodbye, but his mouth fuses to mine, stealing my breath and my balance.His lips are soft but demanding. His tongue is insistent as it traces the seam of my lips. He growls when I open to let him in, the sound turning my nipples to hard peaks and flip-flopping my stomach. His thick muscular arms wind around my thighs and I’m airborne. My hands frantically clamber for purchase on his broad shoulders, while my legs wrap around his waist like they’ve done it a thousand times before. He knocks the air from my lungs when he slams me into the wall next to my door, grinding his pelvis into mine. The hard, unyielding ridge of his erection and the fabric of my panties and jeans rub against my clit. I moan into his mouth, using my hands on his shoulders to pull him closer.

Crue breaks the kiss, and I suck in oxygen, his lips trailing down my arched neck. “Have a good evening, pretty girl. I have practice but can we meet on Tuesday for lunch again? I’m done early Thursday; we can have dinner then.”

“Aren’t you coming in?” I ask breathily, a hand on the back of his head pressing his face into my neck. His chuckles vibrate along the sensitive skin. I want him. Right now. He pats my butt, then lowers me to the ground. Reluctantly, I place my feet on the ground. He holds me steady until I’ve regained my equilibrium. Crue Pribula is…potent.

“Don’t pout.” He rubs the pad of his thumb along the crease between my eyebrows, then steals a quick kiss before backing up a couple steps. “I’ll see you again in less than two days. Call me later after you’re done working on your thesis.”

“Ok.” I sound like a petulant child right now, but I can’t help it. I know I have work to do, but that is the LAST thing I want to do now.

“Babe,” he groans, swoops in and kisses me soundly. “I don’t want to leave you, and I definitely don’t want to wait that long to see you again, but we are responsible young adults.”

“Adulting sucks.” I mutter, though I’m appreciative that he recognizes our obligations and is strong enough to do what needs to be done.

“It does.” He grins, taking a couple more steps back. “I saw some hints of spontaneity at the restaurant…and just now.” He wiggles his eyebrows making me laugh. “Perhaps you’re ready for a little spontaneous sexting later.” My face flames. “An X-rated video call? How does that sound?”

I swallow hard, the idea of him naked, stroking himself while he talks dirty to me over the phone is too much to bear. Fighting to take a little control back, I smirk, “That soundsfine.”

He tosses his head back with uproarious laughter, immediately getting my reference from earlier. Still chuckling, he walks to the staircase and glances back at me. “I may not have known I was looking, but I’m so glad I found you.”

All I can do is nod with a watery grin. My throat tight, my tongue refusing to budge. I was so very wrong about him. I almost talked myself right out of…this. Us.And that would have been a regret that followed me until my last breath.

Prib 6.

“Good practice today!” Beiler yells as we enter the locker room. I breathe deep, inhaling the stale sweat, and body odor, and too much cologne to compensate for both. Smells like home.

“Good practice? Were we watching the same bunch of pussies out there on the field? Might as well trade their pants for rainbow tutus. At least they’ll be dressed properly for the prancing they do out there!”

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