Page 46 of Game Changer
“Just because I don’t watch sports doesn’t mean I haven’t attended it.”
My eyes snap to his. “Attended? TheSuper Bowl? When?”
“Arizona versus Baltimore three years ago in Vegas. Sat in the box.”
“What?Did you win a contest or something?” Leo is speaking about this like it’s an afternoon picnic at the park, not the fucking Super Bowl. It’s the one event I’ve always wanted to attend, but I’ve had to accept that I won’t be able to. Not at the price those tickets go for anyway.
“Nah, my dad is . . .” He shrugs, tugging a button-up shirt with planets on it from a hanger. “He’s into tech. He’s one of the main reasons I know so much about it.”
“And by into tech, you mean . . . ?”
“Meaning he may or may not be the CEO of one of the largest tech companies on the East Coast.” I avert my gaze while he puts his clothes on, but he must see the confusion written on my face because he sighs and says, “I didn’t want to tell you when I first got here. I’m used to being treated like royalty or being used because of my family’s wealth. It was nice just to be normal, you know? I’ve been able to be a regular guy here.”
I think Leo and I know each other well enough by now for him to realize I’d never use him for his money. I’m not that kind of person. It’s probably why he’s confiding in me about it now, and I don’t take that kind of trust for granted.
“Well, your secret is safe with me. However, your upturned nose at the menu makes a lot more sense. You’re used to butlers with serving trays, huh?”
“Fuck you.” He laughs. “At least I don’t sound like I’m using a megaphone when I come.”
“At least the woman I slept with came back for seconds. What’s your excuse?” Making fun of each other is our friendship, so we don’t take the insults to heart.
Leo acts as if I shot him by placing a hand on his chest. “Funny, but she knew it was a one-night stand when it happened. I’m playing the field a bit, you know? After I got my braces off, women started flocking to me left and right, and the AV nerd in me who was a wallflower at the prom is eating the attention up. I’m not afraid to admit it.”
“So, you don’t plan on settling down anytime soon?”
He shakes his head. “No way. I’m not ready for that yet. A few girls showed interest in me in high school, but it was for the wrong reasons. Being elusive and enjoying my life as a single man for the next two years sounds like a solid plan. I’m totally supportive of you locking things down with Maya, though. Just buy me a pair of noise-canceling headphones for Christmas.”
I abandon the textbook on my lap and look over at him in exasperation. “You remind mewaytoo much of—”
“Cameron?” he guesses. “How’s he doing, by the way? I miss him.”
“I’m sure you do,” I mutter.
Leo’s brown eyes twinkle with amusement. “I’m going to see what gruel they’re serving us today in the dining hall. Want me to bring you back anything?”
“Nah, I’m good. Trying to finish up this paper. Thanks, though.”
When Leo swings the door open, Maya is holding her fist in the air as if she was about to knock. I inwardly groan at the tight workout set she has on. It’s neon pink, her favorite color, and all I want to know is who I have to thank for creating those shorts. She’s a fucking knockout.
“Hi, guys,” she says cheerily, peeking around Leo’s shoulder to give me a little wave. “Can I steal you for an hour or two, Ethan?”
In that set?
She can have me for more than an hour or two.
“Absolutely. What’s the occasion?”
Leo excuses himself after a quick goodbye, and with him out of the doorway, I can see an exercise mat tucked beneath her arm.
“I thought you might want to join me for yoga today.”
Oh god. I am by no means athletic. I haven’t played football in years, so to say I’m out of shape is an understatement.
“To help your anxiety,” she adds. “You had an attack the other day, and studies have proven that incorporating a morning yoga session can help.”
“You researched this?”
The pink that tinges her cheeks has me falling even harder for her. “Yeah. It’s not a big deal or anything. I just thought it might be worth a try.”
