Page 20 of Her Second Chance

He smiles, returning to the Jason from earlier, and I can tell he prefers I skip congratulating Brock. “Want me to walk you back to the dorms?”

I shake my head no. “I better wait for Grace and my other pledge sister. You go on, and I’ll meet you at the party.”

He leans down and gives me a long kiss, shocking us both. Jason was never one for public displays of affection. I smirk. Maybe letting him think Brock is in the running is a good thing. With some healthy competition, it seems like Jason is willing to fight a little harder. Before I can go home, I have to get things with him in order.

“See you there.” I bite my lip, trying to hide my smile as I watch his retreating form.

I turn around to go find Grace and slam into a brick wall. Firm arms encircle my waist, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around in a circle.

“You were right,” Brock gushes. “I can’t believe I got to lead us to victory tonight. Did you see that pass in the third quarter?”

He’s freshly showered, and his hair drips water onto me, cooling the heat rising from my core. I can’t stop myself from breathing in his soapy smell. My belly flutters as I imagine running my nose up the column of his neck.

He sets me down, and I regain my wits. Brock is my friend. My body is just reacting this way because I know he was People’s Sexiest Man Alive this year. Well, not this year now, but future’s this year. Shit, this is confusing.

I step away. The space helps me switch back to friend mode. “You were amazing. I told you this would happen.”

His grin stretches wide across his face, flashing me his perfect teeth. “You must be my lucky charm.”

I hug him again, even though I know I should maintain the space between us. Before he can pull me tighter, I step back. “There’s no luck to it. You’re talented. They don’t pass out Heisman trophies to just anyone.”

His eyes widen. “Heisman trophy? Damn, you certainly have big dreams for me.”

I tap my head. “Trust me. I know the future.”

He laughs, slinging an arm over my shoulders. “Walk me to my dorm?”

“Aren’t you supposed to walk me?” I elbow him in the ribs, despite enjoying the feel of him holding me. I don’t want someone getting the wrong idea or Jason seeing us and thinking I lied earlier. As soon as he removes his arm, I wish it was back, securely in place around me. What the hell is wrong with me?

“I would if you were my girl, but since we’re just friends, you don’t get the special treatment,” he jokes.

I laugh, ignoring the thrill thinking of being his girlfriend gives me. “Lead the way.”

It’s not until we get to his dorm that I remember Grace. Oh, well. She and Cory are probably off fighting somewhere by now, anyway. She can manage fine without me.

“Do you want to come up and hang out for a bit?” He looks down, toying with the strap of his backpack.

I glance at my watch. “I need to shower and get ready for the FTG party.”

He reaches out and takes my hand, pulling my arm up so he can read my watch. “You’ve got plenty of time. I’m still riding high from our victory. Don’t make me go home all alone.” He gives me a puppy face, making it harder for me to stay strong.

“You can come to the party with me.” What am I thinking? I can’t show up with Brock. Jason will never understand.

“I’m too tired for a party. I just want to order a pizza and veg in front of the TV.” He yawns, as if needing to prove his point.

My stomach rumbles. “Pizza does sound good.”

He takes my hand and tugs me toward the door. “It’s settled. We’ll eat, and then you can go to your party.”

“Since you promised to feed me, I can’t very well say no, now can I?” Plus, I don’t want to leave just yet. He should celebrate tonight, and I love that he wants me to be a part of that. Isn’t this what friends do?

He rewards me with his heart-stopping grin. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

The first thing I notice about Brock’s room is that it’s a single and set up like an apartment. The second is that it’s immaculate. Like, we could eat our pizza off the floors clean.

He drops his bag next to the loveseat he has in front of his TV. “What kind of pizza do you want?”

“Hawaiian with veggies, please.”

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