Page 2 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
For once in my life, I’m at a loss for words.
If there’s one ingredient missing from our relationship, it’s this—it wouldn’t hurt if he was as enthusiastic about us as a couple as he is about sex.
Not that I have anything against sex, but I’m starting to worry that’s all this is for him.
Then why would he say he wanted me by his side at the draft? That’s a whole year away. Why would he drive me to the airport? Why would he ask if our lunch breaks align in the fall when school starts up? Guys don’t do that kind of stuff when they don’t care.
A throat clears behind us, and to my great mortification, my neighbor Ben is standing there. Judging by the look on his face, he heard what Cal said.
I must’ve been an asshole in a prior life because karma is a mean bitch, and clearly she has it out for me. Because the only other guy I’ve ever had a hardcore crush on in my entire life is Ben Rodriguez, my former roommate’s brother. Of course, I didn’t know Ben was Gabby’s brother when I signed the lease last August.
For the record, Ben’s now firmly in the “don’t drool over” category. Because friends don’t check out friends’ brothers.
Plus, I’m dating his teammate.
Even if those two things weren’t true, Ben has a neon sign over his head that says ‘No Trespassing.’ He’s one of the most emotionally unavailable men I’ve ever met.
Three very good reasons to stay far, far away from my torturously sexy neighbor who lives across the street.
Ben is basically the opposite of Cal. Where Cal has surfer-boy good looks with blond hair and blue eyes, which are underscored with an easygoing party vibe, Ben has dazzling dark brown eyes, thick black hair, and is broody as fuck.
I pull Cal’s hand out of my shirt where he’s toying with my nipple and laugh awkwardly. “Hey, Ben. Are you here to get the rest of Gabby’s stuff? Rider already sent a mover to pick up the last of it.”
The responding frown on his face isn’t surprising. Ben’s a frowner. But when he scowls at Cal, I tense.
Cal waves toward me. “Haven’t had a chance to tell her yet. Don’t get your panties in a twist.”
I look back and forth between the guys. “Tell me what?”
Cal’s sheepish expression makes me tense. “Babe, I need more time to pack, so I can’t drive you to the airport. Plus, you know how much I hate traffic.”
I stand there silent for a moment. “But you’re the one who offered to take me.” I didn’t ask him. I didn’t so much as suggest it. He’s not even leaving for the coast for another two days, so I don’t know why packing takes precedence.
“I know, but the last few weeks were balls-out. We conditioned at sun-up. Summer school just ended, and I had finals, and I was helping my new roommates move their shit. Besides, Ben said he’d take you.”
My face heats, the rejection scalding me from head to toe. I’m a low-drama girl by nature, so I do my best to shrug it off. I’ve endured enough therapy sessions to know why this is making me emotional.
You’re transferring your emotions to your boyfriend. Stop it.
I turn completely away from Cal to focus on Ben and blink back the sting in my eyes. “Thanks for offering to give me a ride.”
I wish my voice were stronger—it’s barely a croaked whisper—but that’s the best I can do.
The two vertical lines between Ben’s brows deepen.
Cal tosses an arm around me and nods at Ben. “Don’t be a little bitch. Tell her you don’t mind taking her.”
I cringe, hating how Cal talks to Ben. Here’s another pet peeve of mine—I hate how Cal talks to his football buddies. It’s a side of him I never saw the first few months when only the two of us hung out.
Ben’s jaw tightens. “I told you I don’t mind. Go pack... or whatever you’re going to do.” If looks could kill... The one he gives Cal sends shivers down my spine.
Cal kisses my cheek, smacks me on the ass, and saunters down the sidewalk. “See ya next week, babe.”
And then he’s gone.
The ride is quiet,mostly because I’m too embarrassed to talk. Since Ben’s not a big talker, that leaves a lot of silence.
I shove all thoughts of what happened on my front porch out of my head. I’ll obsess over Cal when I’m safely ensconced in my room back in Cali with some weed and a deep-cleansing face mask. I’ll relax and put everything into perspective.
