Page 37 of Drew
Instead of waiting for a response, I quickly shove my phone into my pocket. Looking to DeShawn, who’s adjusting his tie in my mirror, I ask, “Ready to go?”
“Sure thing, man. Let’s go kick some ass.” He fist-bumps me, and we head out to find Grey. Of course, the sports fanatic he is, we find him in his usual spot on the couch, dressed and ready to go, watching highlights on SportsCenter. He immediately stands, and we leave for the arena.
It isn’tuntil after the National Anthem has been sung that I notice Abby in the stands. It’s almost as if my body sensed her before my eyes can. She’s flanked by Chloe and Sydney on both sides as she shimmies her way to a seat in the student section. She’s not as close to the court as the last game, but she’s easy to spot. They’re decked out in CRU gear and appear eager to watch the game. I can’t help the smile that forms when Sydney spots me staring and bumps Abby in the shoulder to point me out. Not wanting to make a scene, I nod and wink in her direction, letting her know that I did indeed find Waldo in this sea of red and black.
Abby rolls her eyes and shrugs, sending the message ofyes, you found me,from across the arena.
What is it about this girl that makes her so special?It’s not like me to be this distracted before a game. But the moment I find her, I feel the calm I need wash over me.
I don’t have time to consider this because Coach calls us into a huddle. After giving a team cheer, the game begins, and my focus switches entirely to the court. There’s no way I’m going to let Colorado win, if I can help it.
By the time the buzzer for halftime sounds, CRU’s in the lead by ten points. As we make our way off the court to the locker room, I spot Abby still watching my every move. I raise an eyebrow and shrug in her direction, “Having fun?”
Somehow, she reads my lips through the crowd, and she smiles and nods, making my heart rate soar. DeShawn slaps me on the back as he joins me, switching my focus back to the team. We jog off the court to the locker room, and I take my usual place for Coach’s words of wisdom.
CRU’s pumped when we hit the floor to warm up again. As much as I want to glance at Abby, I keep my head in the game and my thoughts controlled. We practice a few drills and before I know it, the game has resumed. We keep our lead through the second half, thanks to DeShawn’s jump shot from the back court, and my stats stay consistent. The rest of the team is on fire, and Colorado just can’t catch a break.
When the final buzzer sounds, the crowd is on its feet, showing their appreciation. I finally let myself glance to Abby. Even from across the room, her infectious smile lights me up from the inside. I can’t wait to celebrate with her this evening. I have something planned, but it’s been so long since I’ve tried anything like this with a girl. I’m afraid to admit, I’m a bit out of practice, and just pray it won’t be a flop.
Unfortunately, by the time I get to Abby’s, it’s been well over an hour since the game ended. I was pulled into the conference room to conduct a live interview and couldn’t leave the arena as soon as I’d hoped.
God, I hope she’ll understand; some things are beyond my control when it comes to my time after a game.
I knock on her door and wait hesitantly.
I’m still riding the high from our win. But the longer I wait, an unusual feeling settles over me. A tingle races up my spine, and my palms sweat as I wonder if she’s still willing to help me celebrate.
I grip the necessary supplies loaded in my arms tighter, as I take in a deep breath to calm myself.
God, I freaking hope I didn’t read her wrong.
When the door opens, Abby takes my breath away. Her long brown hair flows over her shoulders in waves. Her oversized CRU basketball jersey somehow looks sexy, and her dark skinny jeans make her legs look as if they go on for miles. But that’s not what does it for me. Nope—it’s the way she slowly peruses me up and down—almost subconsciously. Hmmm. Maybe I have a similar effect on her.
When I went home to pick up everything for tonight, I changed into a pair of jeans and dark-fitted henley. Showing up to her place in a suit would’ve been a bit much for what I have planned.
When her eyes finally drag up my body to meet mine, she pulls in her lower lip and chews it nervously.
Fuck, if that doesn’t make my cock stir.
Ignoring my body’s natural reaction, I force myself to string coherent thoughts together. “Hey.”
Yeah. I’m rockin’ this.
Shit, Jacobs, pull your head out of your ass and speak in full sentences. “Sorry I’m late. There was a press conference after the game.”
“I know. Sydney made us watch as soon as we got home. I figured you’d be later than expected.” She suddenly notices the bag in my hand and opens the door wider. “Wanna come in?”
“Sure. Thanks.” I step through the door, and she shuts it behind us. Instead of stopping in the living room, I walk directly to her kitchen and pull out items from my bag.
“Do you like cinnamon rolls?” I ask innocently.
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Um, yeah. How’d you know?”
I know I’ve hit my mark when she eagerly looks to the bag in my hands. I may have done some social media stalking—but I won’t confirm or deny it, if ever asked.
“Just a guess. I picked up Cinnabon from the mall after class. I even managed to snag some extra frosting.” I attempt to sound as if this is something I’d ordinarily do. “Mind if I warm this up in the microwave?”
“No, I most certainly don’t mind.” She sounds almost giddy, and I know I hit the mark. But then her eyes narrow, and she pointedly asks, “Did Sydney tell you cinnamon rolls are my kryptonite?” She looks down the hall to where I assume Sydney is.
