Page 4 of Playing to Win
We both turn to watch her go, eventually facing each other once more, and he scrubs a hand along his jaw, contemplating me. “Guess it’s just you and me now.”
I look over my shoulder to see that he’s right. Everyone has abandoned us. Cam and Blair are leaning against the wall once again, completely wrapped up in each other, Cam’s hand on her waist and their gazes locked. Natalie is nowhere to be found.
“I guess so,” I say when I meet his gaze once more.
Ace settles his big body on the couch, his arms stretched out across the back of it, his legs spread wide. The man sprawl is strong with this one. “You should join me.” He taps his fingers against the back of the couch.
“It’s probably safer if I stand,” I say. I get the feeling if I snuggled up close to him on the couch, I might end up doing something I’ll regret.
Oh, who am I kidding? I wouldn’t regret spending a little time with this man.
“For who? Me or you?” He seems amused, but not at my expense. I think he’s just happy to be talking to me and not afraid to show it? Hmm.
How refreshing.
TWO
ACE
Ruby Maguire isa hot piece of ass.
That sounds shitty as hell, even in my thoughts, but it’s true. She’s got on a pale blue, tight in all the right places dress and it shows off her assets to the best of its ability. Meaning, she looks sexy as fuck tonight. Might be the sexiest girl at this party.
And that’s saying something. There are a lot of beautiful girls here—both in this house and on campus in general. I should know since I’ve talked to a bunch of them and the night is still young. But most of them…I’m not really into. They’re either too shallow or too grabby or scarily possessive and/or obsessive.
Some of them are flat out dumb, which is mean of me to think, but damn, it’s true. And then there are others who are way too smart and onto my game so I leave them alone. They know what I’m about.
Which is absolutely nothing. When it comes to women, I’m not serious. Not even fucking close. Coming here to Colorado University after growing up in a super small town with conservative parents who tried their best to shelter me, while attending a tiny high school, I turned into a kid at a candy store. Only my candy of choice is women.
Lots and lots of women.
I know how to have fun and I know when to be serious. School and football? I’m serious as hell. Women and partying? Fun. I work hard and play hard, and so far, it’s working out for me.
But shit is about to get even more serious come next year. I’m a contender for being the starting quarterback, taking Cam’s place. And while I’m positive I can handle it and even more positive I’ll get the coveted position, nothing in life—or football—is guaranteed.
Which means when spring hits—hell, when we return next semester—I’m going into full-blown serious mode. Right now, though?
It’s fun all the damn time. I have a small window and I’m taking advantage of it.
Maybe I can have some fun with Knox’s little sister. I might be an idiot to even consider it, but as I sit here listening to her explain her situation and how she doesn’t even go to this school, she’s sounding more and more…
Perfect.
The ultimate one-night stand. Have a little fun with Ruby, fuck her on the bathroom counter, maybe while we ring in the new year together, and then I’ll never have to see her again. Knox is graduating. Blair should still be around next year, but Ruby won’t be.
Sounds like the ideal way to spend the last night of the year.
“I’m feeling lonely,” I say when Ruby pauses to take a breath. She’s a talkative little thing, which makes me think she’s nervous. I pat the empty spot next to me on the couch. “You should join me.”
A delicate brow lifts and she crosses her arms, plumping up her tits. My gaze drops, lingering. “Does that work on other women?”
“All the time,” I drawl, smoothing my hand over the couch. “Come on, pretty girl. Join me.”
“Pretty girl? What, am I a parrot?” Both brows are practically to her hairline now.
I keep the smile on my face, not deterred by her sassy mouth. Her body leans forward, like she’s subconsciously drawn to me, so I know I’ve got her. I just need to be a bit more persistent. “If you say so. And might I add, you’re the prettiest parrot I’ve ever seen.”
“What’s with the parrot talk anyway? Are you a pirate?”
