Page 38 of The Lie
Holy hotness. I nod to him. Britney makes a strange sound, and I smile a little bigger.
“Mila,” a few guys call out and wave at me.
Britney turns to look at me, like she can’t believe they’re even talking to me. I wave back to them, and they reward me with big smiles in return.
Jace is here, and he watches me for a split second before turning back to the weights. I glance next to him and see Emerson with a huge goofy grin, waving at me. I chuckle and wave back. He lifts the bottom of his tee and wipes his face. My mouth drops open at the sight of his toned stomach and the trail of dark curls that leads down into his gray shorts. I stop there because I don’t want to be caught looking at his junk.
Fuck me. Emerson’s fine. I look around for Hunter and Roman, but I can't see either of them.
Emerson comes over and rubs the back of his neck. “Hey, Mila. Hunter and Roman are off with Coach Talon. They'll be back soon.”
“Actually, I’m not here for them.”
Em raises his brows as he leans against some equipment beside me, looking very casual. But I know it’s a strategic move so I can see all of his body and muscles. Not complaining about the view.
“Oh, really? Trouble in paradise already? Do I have to kick Hunter’s butt?”
Oh, protective Emerson…he’s kinda hot. I cock my hip and place my hand there. Looking up at him, I can see the beads of sweat around his hairline. I watch as one rolls down the side of his cheek. God, that should be a turn off, but it’s not.
And that’s a bad thing. A very bad thing.
“Could you actually kick his butt?”
The grin he gives me is wicked, and I lick my lips. Fuck, no. Down, horny body. Emerson is just a friend.
“Hunter, any day. Roman…” He leans in closer, and his eyes dart to a door before he looks back at me and winks. “I don’t want to die. But, for you, I’ll make an exception.”
I chuckle and punch his chest playfully, putting some space between us. “No need to die for me today. I’m here because of my punishment. We get to wash uniforms and towels for you sweaty, gross jocks.Yay.”
I scrunch up my nose and give a half-assed fist pump. Then I cringe at the thought of all these guys and how many towels there will be. Plus, after they've had their showers…rubbing their junk all over the towels.Gross. Am I supposed to just handle them? They better give me gloves.
“Jace,” Britney calls out from beside me.
I look over at Jace, who’s walking past us now. His jaw ticks at the sound of his name coming out of her mouth. He keeps on walking away, but it doesn't deter her as she chases after him.
Grady walks in with a few other guys from the defensive line. He’s drinking a bottle of water, and he makes even that look sexy, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows it down. I seriously need help.
Everyone in the room turns to him, their attention putting me on edge. Are they going to turn into assholes? They might have said they’re okay with a gay player on their team, but maybe they’re not really. I don’t think he has corrected what Britney said about him. I heard the rumors all around school yesterday about Grady being gay.
I'm tense as I wait.
Then I realize what’s really going on—they’re looking at him to see his reaction to Britney being in here. Not only that, but she hasn’t seen him, and neither has Jace, as she follows him around like a puppy.
When Grady notices Britney, he freezes. His eyes quickly dart to mine, and I give him a small smile to let him know this wasn’t my idea. He smiles back at me. An arm drapes over my shoulder, and I look up to see that Emerson has drawn me closer to him and away from Britney, who has given up on Jace and returned to my side.
As soon as Grady continues on the whole room goes back to normal. Like that weird standoff didn’t just happen.
“You smell really nice, Mila.” Emerson sniffs against my neck then chuckles.
I push him away. “And you don't,” I tease back, just as two arms come around my waist and spin me. I let out a squeal as Hunter quickly kisses me then bends down and gently swings me over his shoulder. I let out a squeak as I try to hold on, but I’m hanging upside down. I'm so glad my ribs have been feeling better because that would have really hurt a couple days ago.
“Are you trying to pick up my woman, Emerson?”
I look up at Em, who winks down at me and puts his hands up in mock defense. “No way. She was trying to pick me up.”
My mouth drops open. “Emerson,” I scold, but it comes out breathier than I want due to the fact that I’m upside down and trying to hold on.
“See? She’s not denying it. Don’t leave her unattended in a room full of guys better looking than you.” Em flexes his biceps and makes a growling sound.
