Chapter 10

10

Grace

I'd been studying all day and had no intention of falling asleep on my brother's bed. He woke me up around midnight and told me the plan he'd discussed with his housemates. I couldn't believe everyone was on board with me moving into the football house.

I hear rumblings around campus that the football house is known for the parties and the girls, but with football season just a few weeks away, I'm sure the boys must be on their best behavior. Besides the practices, the games, and the workouts, they also have to keep up their grades to participate on game days.

Miles let me sleep in his room and he either slept on the living room couch or on that nasty pull-out sleeper in their game room— which will soon become my bedroom. I had a great night's sleep and woke up this morning refreshed and ready for my day.

On my way through campus, my cell phone rings. I check the screen. Lucy.

"Lucy! Hey."

"What're you doing? I hope I'm not calling too early. I totally meant to get you called this weekend, but I've been studying for a big test."

"No, it's not too early," I insist. "I'm on my way to class."

She groans. "Who goes to an early class on a Monday morning?"

"It's the only time it's offered." I pause. "And… besides… you probably wouldn't have been able to get ahold of me this weekend."

"Oh?"

"I was…"

"You were what?" I can hear the excitement in her voice.

I walk into Calvin Hall and step into an alcove by the drinking fountains.

"I was occupied." I pause. "With a football player who lives with my brother." I whisper the last sentence.

Lucy's squeal practically shatters my eardrum. "Are you kidding ?"

I glance around to make sure no one is listening. "I'm still having problems with Devyn, and I was so frustrated, I went to my brother's house Friday night. Turns out he was gone for the weekend, but his hot football buddy was at home."

"Who is it?" I can picture Lucy bouncing in her chair. "Tell me," She screeches.

"Do you know Oliver Benjamin?"

"Oliver Benjamin? No way!" She lets out a groan. "Number eighty-six on defense. Who doesn't know him?"

I laugh. "You really do watch the games, don't you?"

"Of course. I wouldn't miss watching Miles play."

Lucy has always loved football and has been a big fan of my brother since he was in high school.

"Hey, I have to get to class."

"Wait… don't hang up yet… Did you?" She pauses. "You know… Lose it?"

"Not yet, but he's really special… I really like him."

"I'm so happy for you, Grace. We'll talk soon."

The week goes by quickly. I'm busy with homework and studying for tests. I have a full class load but thankfully so far, I've been able to handle everything. I make time for myself every day to run at least a mile. Either before classes or when I get home.

They're strict on the rule of freshman only living in the college dorm or with family, but I've spoken with my advisor, and they've approved of me living with my brother. I stopped at my dorm room one afternoon and packed up some boxes. I'll move everything out this weekend.

I walk into my dorm room and Devyn has company. A male friend. She introduces him as a friend anyway, but I feel like I walked in on something that was far more than just a meeting between friends.

I grab a small box and put my houseplants in it. Devyn raises a perfectly manicured brow. "What're you doing?"

"I'm moving out."

"Where are you going?" She puts her hands on her hips. "You're a freshman. You're not allowed to live off campus!"

Why does she even care?

I turn to her and scowl. "It's been approved. What'd you care? You get the room to yourself."

"Well, I'm sure you went around like a little tattletale— complaining about me. I know you ran your mouth to the RA."

I plop my laundry basket down on the bed and start emptying out my dresser drawer. I sigh. "No. I didn't go around like a little tattletale."

"Well, just so you know— you're no fun, Grace."

Her guest chuckles. "Geez, girl," he says to Devyn and shakes his head.

I point to Devyn. "Well, just so you know— you're a horrible roommate."

I point to her companion. "And just so you know— she's got a boyfriend from Franklin who comes here every weekend."

"Shut up, Grace. No one asked?—"

"What boyfriend?"

"Jason, I already told you I broke up with him."

"Not this past weekend," I sing-song quietly as I empty the second drawer into my laundry basket.

"Past weekend? Is that true?" Jason stands to his full height.

"Listen, Jason. Are you really going to listen to her? You can see she clearly hates me."

I grin to myself as they continue to argue, and I fill my laundry basket with clothes. I'll come back this weekend when the boys go to get the furniture and finish getting my stuff.

Benji

I can't believe I not only agreed to have Grace live here, but I agreed that they should all travel to Kade's hometown to pick up furniture, which leaves Grace and I alone at the house all weekend. Again. Apparently, Rush also agrees to let Grace live with us. He's even traveling with them to Alabama to get the furniture. His girlfriend, Adison is flying home to see her parents for the weekend.

Maybe it's not too late for me to tag along to Alabama.

It is too late for me to tag along because Kade's pickup couldn't hold one more passenger.

After practice, Miles approaches me in the locker room. "Hey, I meant to ask you." He's fresh from his shower. "Would you mind driving Grace over to her dorm and helping her load the rest of her stuff? I'd do it, but since we're on the road trip to pick up the furniture, I won't have time."

I shrug. "No problem. I don't mind."

Miles' eyebrows draw together. "You sure, man? You sure you're cool with Grace moving in with us? I know it kinda came out of nowhere."

"I told you it's fine." I slam my locker. "Besides, I'm barely there. I won't even notice."

Lies. Total lies. Like hell I won't notice.

"One more thing, man," Miles says as he punches my shoulder. "I know you and I know you're going to bring your…" he chuckles. "Your "girlfriends." He puts "girlfriends" in air quotes and laughs. He shrugs with a grin. "I guess I'm just trying to say that when you bring girls home, could you be a little discreet about it? You know… in front of Grace."

I get a quick picture in my mind of me ravishing Grace in every room of our house.

"I'm just saying to try and keep it in your bedroom. Not the living room, not the kitchen, and definitely not the hot tub."

I stroke my throat and grimace. "The hot tub? What? The? Fuck?"

"Oh, I guess that was Pipe."

"I must not have been home." I scowl. "Thanks for a nasty picture I'll never get out of mind." I rub the back of my neck. "I hope he cleaned out the tub. Shit."

"Anyway, I'm just asking for you to be a little discreet around my baby sister."

I clear my throat. "I know you love Grace and all, but don't you think?—"

Miles puffs up. "Don't I think what ?"

"I'm just saying… she's a grown ass woman."

"How would you know?"

"I don't."

"Okay." Miles lets out a breath. "Okay." He pokes me in the back. "Well, you better not know." He stuffs the rest of his clothing into the duffle bag. "Grown woman, my ass," he mumbles as he slings the bag over his shoulder. "See you at home."

"See you."

Little does my friend know, but Grace is a grown ass woman with a mind of her own. She's been sheltered her entire life and she's just starting to enjoy her freedom. I could definitely teach her a thing or two.