Page 15 of Second-Rate Superstar

“Anyway,” I changed the subject. “From my brief conversation with Dakota, I gathered she’s not into athletes.” Pulling on the back of my neck, I confessed, “She couldn’t get away from me fast enough once she learned who I was, actually. What’s her deal?”

Chewing her lip, Bristol mulled over how much to tell me. Guy code was one thing, but what girls shared was stronger. I knew that, especially afterspending time with Natalie and her friends. They protected one another, locking away secrets and going to war when the occasion called.

“I can’t tell you the specifics,” she began. “But just know that it’s personal for her.”

Personal.

My blood ran cold.

“Did someone hurt her?” I gritted out through clenched teeth.

Bristol sighed so heavily her body shook from the force. “Yes, but not in the way you think.”

Still unsure, I hedged, “So, there’s no ex I need to be on the lookout for?”

The snort that Bristol let out echoed through the kitchen. “Definitely not.”

Why had she said it like that?

I was pressing my luck but couldn’t help myself. “Do you think maybe you could give me her number?”

Her mouth dropped open. “You, Braxton Slate, are asking forDakota’snumber?” She let out a peal of laughter, gripping her sides. “This is too freaking good!”

“Why?”

“No reason!” She smirked at me. “As much as I wouldlovefor you and Dakota to connect, she would kill me. But . . . if I happen to pin our address to the fridge when I leave, it can’t be traced back to me. Maybe I left it for Nix. Who knows?” She winked. “Got it?”

Nodding in response, I replied, “Got it.” Then, I paused. “Wait, you live together?”

She took a heaping spoonful of cereal and placed it in her mouth, chewing before saying, “Yup. Best friends and roomies. Two peas in a pod. Ride-or-die for life. Practically sisters.”

Looks like I’ve got my in. Now, I just need to figure out how to play this so she doesn’t slam the door in my face when I show up.

“Did I hear that you’re going after the Ice Queen?” Levi bumped shoulders with me as we stood in line to get our headshots taken for the current season.

“Who?” I cocked my head.

“Danny. Who else?”

Turning toward him, I asked, “Why do you call her that? It didn’t seem like she liked it very much last night.”

He smirked. “Because she hates it. She’s trying to ruin the good thing I have going with Coop. Sure, I can get pussy on demand anywhere we go, but with her, I don’t have to work for it. I snap my fingers, and she comes running, legs open wide.”

“Charming,” I muttered. “I’m sure she’s only looking out for her friend.” My instincts demanded I defend Dakota.

“Yeah, well. Maybe she should mind her own damn business.” There was a hard edge to his voice before he softened. “Actually, this works out great for me. You keep her occupied, and she leaves me and Coop alone.”

If my hands weren’t inside thick hockey gloves, I would have clenched them into fists. I wanted to spend time with Dakota, sure, but because I wanted to find out what made her tick, what made her different from every other girl I’d encountered since high school. Not because I was doing Levi a favor so he could use her friend andget laid.

Irritated, I challenged, “Don’t you think it’s wrong to string the poor girl along?”

Narrowing his brown eyes, he crossed both arms over his gear-clad chest. “I take good care of her. What more could she want?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know . . . Maybe a guy who is actually committed to her? Or one that she doesn’t have to worry about passing along an STD?”

“Hey! I’m clean!” Levi shouted, drawing the attention of some of our teammates gathered in line.

“Look. I can tell the girl really likes you.”

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