Chapter 11

There isan extra pep in my step as I head to the gym, desperately needing to work off the calories I consumed over the weekend. If the team's dietitian got a whiff of how shitty I ate, she'd be reaming me out. I mean, I did, however, partake in a shit ton of cardio, with the way Ian fucked me silly, but that doesn't replace the need to lift weights.

I wiggle my ass a little at the memory of the best weekend I've had in a long fucking time. I'm still a little sore from how well Ian used my body, but I'm not complaining. It's the best kind of sore there is.

Since my brain is now focused on Ian, I text him to let him know I'm thinking about him.

Me: Every time I move, my ass tingles a little. You know how to fuck a boy so good he doesn't forget about you.

I'm totally going to be reprimanded for being a little bratty, but I don't mind. Maybe next time we get together, he'll spank me. A shiver of lust shoots up my spine from the thought, causing me to squirm a little.

Professor Daddy: I'm in class. You shouldn't be texting me things like that.

Me: You shouldn't be texting in class period. Bad Daddy. You should have your phone locked away.

Professor Daddy: Sounds like someone is searching for a punishment.

Me: Personally, I prefer funishments. What do you have in mind?

Professor Daddy: Come over at eight tonight, and I'll show you.

Me: Sounds perfect! Now stop being bad and get back to work.

I chuckle, shoving my phone back into my pocket. I bet he's flustered right now. Is he flushed from dirty thoughts like I am? Obviously, I'm aware I shouldn't be bothering him when he's at work. He was already reluctant to pursue anything with me, and this has the potential to make him reconsider our relationship, but it's too much fun pushing his buttons to stop myself. I'll have to make sure I keep the teasing to a minimum.

Earlier this morning, Ian and I stopped at the administrative office to drop off our paperwork. The receptionist assured us she would forward it to the proper parties who handle such issues. In the meantime, Ian and I need to keep things quiet, which is fine by us. It's not like we are planning on going on dates or anything.

This is a purely physical relationship with the hint of a friendship, nothing more.

"Hey, Coop," Monster says when I enter the locker room to change into my workout gear.

Monster got his nickname from how massive the guy is. He makes me feel tiny, and I'm not a small guy. Honestly, I don't even know the guy's real name. His last name is Williams, and I only have that information because it's printed on his jersey. He's a baseball player and really good despite his gigantic size, but we've never been close friends.

"‘Sup?" I reply with a tilt of my chin.

"Rumor on the street is Stacey's been poking holes in condoms," he informs me.

My brows pull together as I try to figure out who Stacey is and why I'm being told this information. Monster must pick up on my confusion because he throws his head back laughing and gives my shoulder a gentle shove.

"She's the puck bunny who was all over you at Parker's party," he reminds me, and I gasp a little.

"Well, it's a good thing I didn't sleep with her," I murmur.

Monster nods. "I'd steer clear of her and her friends if I were you. They have this weird pregnancy pact going on."

"How do you know this?" I question, leaning against a locker.

"My sister was friends with her but told them they were insane when they came up with the crazy idea that they should all get pregnant at the same time. Apparently, they are crazy enough to think if they're pregnant, they'll be able to lock down the guy who knocked them up. They are mainly targeting guys with professional prospects."

"Why target me then? I have no desire to go pro," I tell him.

"They aren't the brightest crayons in the box. I assume they just see what is written on the websites and go with it. Everyone always talks about how you would be picked up immediately if you applied for the NHL. The girls read what a promising career you could have if you went that route, and the rest is history," he supplies.

"I'm fucking glad I've decided to stop sleeping around," I grumble.

"Oh? Did you get yourself a boyfriend or a girlfriend?" he checks.

"Just a fuck buddy," I correct him. "But we agreed to be exclusive. It kind of works out to be the best thing ever. I don't have to worry about emotions or trying to clear my schedule so my partner feels cared for. I just call my guy up when I'm horny, fuck like bunnies, and go back to my regular life."

"Damn, that sounds awesome. How do I find one of those?" he questions, and I shrug.

"Girls aren't usually into no-strings-attached relationships," I say, since he's straight, at least as far as I know. "But there might be someone out there, and I'm just being a misogynistic asshole."

Monster laughs. "True story."

"Did you just get here, or were you on your way out?" I check.

"Just arrived," he replies. "I was about to head into the gym when I saw you come in and wanted to give you the warning."

"I appreciate that. Want to work out together? I'm doing arms today and need a spotter."

He smiles and nods. "I'm doing arms too. I'll meet you by the water fountain." With those parting words, he heads out, and I change quickly.

I've always been the kind of guy who has a shit ton of friends. I guess I'm just likable, but most of my friendships aren't deep, like the fact I have no clue what Monster's real name is. I only found out Rio's real name, which is Arthur Leon, when we became roommates.

Maybe I need to focus on building better friendships. I don't want to be known as the guy who had a million friends, but no one shows up at my funeral.

I'm pretty sure the reason I've always kept people at a distance is because I grew up in the foster care system. Letting people in was dangerous because you never knew if they were going to stab you in the back. It was best to keep to myself. Also, caring too much for anyone was a bad idea because there was always the possibility they wouldn't be in your life for long.

Clearly, I have kept that same mentality in college. I'm friendly with everyone, and I say I have lots of friends, but in reality, I don't know anyone well, and they don't know me. But that's something I'm able to change.

Once I'm changed, I meet Monster where he told me he would be. "Dude, what's your real name?" I question, and he laughs.

"It's Isaiah," he replies with a cheesy grin, making my brows pull together.

That is the last name I was expecting him to say. "That name doesn't suit you at all," I reply.

"Why do you think I strictly go by my nickname?" he inquires. "I'm named after my grandfather which is cool, but I never truly identified with the name. I considered changing my name when I turned eighteen, but that would have broken my mom's heart, so I kept it."

"So do girls cry out ‘oh, Monster' when you fuck them?" I check, heading to our first machine.

Monster's cheeks turn bright red, his eyes cast downward, and he nibbles on his lower lip, clearly uncomfortable. "I wouldn't know," he whispers.

My brows shoot straight up. "Are you confessing to being a virgin right now?" I question with a voice so low, hopefully only he can hear it.

He dips his chin, and I almost trip over my own feet. Monster has a reputation for being a player like me, so I'm ridiculously confused by what he just confessed.

"But you talk about fucking girls all the time," I state, and he shrugs.

"Because I want everyone off my back. If they knew I was a virgin, everyone would either make fun of me or try to set me up with someone," he mumbles, making my heart ache a little for him. "Sometimes, I think something's wrong with me. I've never really wanted to have sex. I'm attracted to girls, but I've never wanted to fuck anyone. I don't understand the appeal of sex, which isn't how most guys' brains work."

I put my hand on his shoulder, offering him a warm smile. "You should come over to my place sometime this week. My roommate might understand exactly what you're going through. You're not alone," I assure him.

I don't want to out Rio as demisexual, but I'm pretty sure he'd be open to talking with Monster.

Monster dips his chin. "Thanks, man. Would you mind keeping this between us?"

"Of course. Who you decide to tell is your own business. I'm honored you chose to tell me. So, don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Now, let's shred some iron."

Monster laughs, and I let him take the first round.

How does a guy go an entire year faking something like that? The poor guy must have felt beyond lonely. Well, he doesn't have to feel that way anymore. I'm going to be his friend as best I can. Hopefully, meeting Rio will help him realize that he isn't the only one who doesn't experience things the same way as others.