13. Chapter 13

S tepping foot outside the rec center, the hot Texas sun bakes my sweat-soaked body, leaving almost a crust on my skin. An afternoon on the court was exactly what the doctor ordered.

It's been eleven days since I shared the big secret with Crew and we had dinner with his friends. The girls have merged me into their little group, and I'm officially one of them since they added me to the group chat. And that chat is unhinged. One minute, they'll be talking about some reality show, the next, they're sending links for clothes, wondering if they should buy them. But as chaotic as the chat can be, I'm glad to be a part of something.

Don't get me wrong, hanging with the guys at home is great, but a girl needs girlfriends.

Tossing Spalding into the back seat, I climb into my Jeep as Kyrie, one of the guys on my intramural team, pulls in next to me. Rolling down my window, I scroll through the group chat messages while waiting for him to leave his car.

Bestie Babes

Chloe: Cody wants to go to The Eagles Nest.

Brynn: Possibly!

Macy: Can't tonight…boo!

Chloe: Seriously, B?

Brynn: ?????♀? I'm going to FaceTime Q.

Chloe: You can FaceTime him when we get home, and it won't be late because of the time zone.

Brynn: Let me think about it.

Macy: Are you two seriously talking like both of you aren't home?

Chloe: She's in her room, and I'm baking.

Brynn: ^^^ Facts

After catching up on the many more messages that were left waiting for me to open, I quickly type out a reply. I've heard of The Eagles Nest, but I'm not quite sure about its details. An onslaught of messages quickly follows my text.

Me: What's The Eagles Nest and why tonight?

Brynn: OMG hi, new bestie! I thought we were going to have to send out an SOS.

Macy: Hey, girl!

Macy: A silver alert?

Brynn: No, you can send out an SOS for someone who is missing.

Macy: Really?

Brynn: Chlo, back me up.

Chloe: You're both right.

Me: Hello, back to me, please.

Chloe: Sorry…The Eagles Nest is the campus bar. They always have Thirsty Thursday specials typically on beers and seltzers, and there's almost always a live band that plays.

Chloe: I heard Ecstasy is playing!

Brynn: They're my favorite!

Chloe: Which is why you should go!

"S'up, baller." Kyrie's voice startles me as I lock my phone and toss it in my cup holder. I'll no doubt have a million messages waiting for me. As much as I love to be included in the group chat, it's a lot. Like a lot, a lot . And to make matters worse, Brynn types each thought out and sends it in a separate message.

He gives a nod as he hoists his gym bag over his shoulder. "Make any grown men cry today with your jump shot? "

"Nah, not today."

He runs his hand down his tight black beard. "Good, good. Saving it for next week when we have our first game."

"Oh, for sure. I'm itching to play again."

And that isn't a lie. It's been since high school since I played a legit basketball game. As much as I love the game of basketball, playing in college was never an option for me. I knew it'd feel more like a job than being fun, and I really didn't want to risk the chance of losing the love for the game. This is why I still train like I would if I were playing and use it as my favorite form of exercise and therapy.

Kyrie rests his arms on the window frame as a smirk spreads. "Yeah, I totally get that. There's just something about running the paint and making people your bitch as you pound the lane."

"Spoken like a true lover of the game."

"Damn right. What are you up to the rest of the night?"

Tapping my phone screen, I watch as text after text rolls in as I glance at the time. "I think I'm going to The Eagles Nest?"

"Don't sound so sure, Campbell."

Tipping my head to rest on my headrest, I chuckle. "Well, the group chat says that's what we are doing, but I've never been."

"Girl, it's a wild time," he says as he taps the plastic frame. "Ecstasy is going to be there, and they're fucking awesome."

"Yeah, that's what my friend, Brynn, said."

"Well, I'll probably see ya tonight."

"Have a good workout."

And with a salute, he walks away and heads toward the building. Slowly but surely, I'm starting to build a new life here, and it's so much better than I thought it would be.

Before reversing out of my spot, I scan the fifty-seven messages. Jesus . Most of them are between Chloe and Brynn as they debate on if Brynn's going out tonight. At the same time, Macy interjects with the occasional message.

Chloe: Wear something cute and come with the guys. I need a new best friend.

Brynn: Shut up, bitch. You know I'm still your favorite.

Brynn: Bret—don't listen to her.

Brynn: But wear something hot and get you some!

I love their messages and toss my phone aside as I reverse out of my spot.

Guess I'm going out tonight.

It's after ten when we pull up to The Eagles Nest. There's a line of people waiting for their chance to be allowed inside while another smaller line is off to the side where a bouncer checks IDs. Luckily, Olivia knew a guy at her tattoo parlor who hooked us up with some epic fakes.

Tonight, I'm Sarah Swisher, a twenty-one-year-old from Missouri.

Harris holds the door open as music comes pouring outside while JP takes the lead, and I fall in behind him with Crew trailing me. It's like the guys sandwiched me between them so I don't get lost in the crowd, which I could see quickly happening. This place is packed.

The Eagles Nest is nothing spectacular. It's just a dive bar on campus which is everyone's place to go, or so I've been told. Worn, tiled flooring and wood-paneled walls make up the interior. Since TVs hang everywhere you look, I imagine the place is just as packed as it is tonight on game days. High-top tables are scattered about while a small section has black vinyl booths. Straight ahead of the entrance is a large L-shaped bar. Following the long part of the bar is the stage.

Heads turn as they watch the guys stride through the dense crowd. The guys' height and looks definitely draw attention.

Fingers graze against my exposed skin, and I glance over my shoulder. I'm dressed in light-washed denim jeans that hang baggy off my frame, the knees ripped out. A tight black short-sleeve cropped top hugs my chest sans bra. The shirt shows all of my tattoos, and my ears are filled with silver hoops from my cartilage to my lobes, exposing the ink behind my ear thanks to my slicked-back ponytail. A pair of white and green sneakers sit high on my ankles, completing the look. I'm dressed like me but still cute and sexy. Brynn and Chloe should be proud of me.

Crew's dark-chocolate eyes blaze as he gives a subtle wink in my direction. His wink sets butterflies free in my stomach. Someone bumps into my shoulder and rocks me off balance. Crew's hands glide around my waist keeping me from tumbling over as the guy who bumped me apologizes. The guy starts to speak to me, but I don't hear him as Crew's voice fills my ear.

"You look amazing tonight." Warmth spreads through my body. "We have a private room to the right."

Finally, I reach the private room, and shouts ring out as JP enters. The room fills the entire right side of the bar as multiple glass doors, which are propped open, separate the private room from the rest of the bar. Inside are large tables, which are overflowing, a pool table, dart boards, and more high-top tables that people lean against.

Guys from the football team, including my brother, sit at a long table in the middle. High-top tables are spread around the room where others mingle. Girls line the room, some standing next to the guys while others are on their laps. Two women flock to JP as he pours a glass of beer from the pitcher on the table.

"Babes! You made it!" Chloe stumbles over to us with Cody hot on her trail.

"I told you I'd be here." I smile, wrapping my arms around her shoulders. "You look so cute."

After only a few encounters with Chloe, I've noticed our style is completely different. Where I'm a mixture of edgy and casual with an athletic flair, Chloe is soft and feminine with her array of dresses and skirts. She's dressed in a mauve spaghetti-strapped mini dress with tiny white flowers which flow around her waist. Her honey-blonde hair is curled down her back, and a clip secures the sides of her loose waves at the back of her head. While our style might not be the same, we both have a shared love for sneakers. Her white low tops give her a casual vibe.

"She's had a few shots already," Cody tells Crew from where the two are standing next to us.

"Shhh, babe, don't tell my secrets." Chloe wraps her arm around my waist and starts to lead me away. "Let's go find you a drink."

My feet falter as I try to pump the brakes so Chloe can't lead me out toward the bar. "Oh, that's okay. I'm fine for right now."

Uneasiness pricks my skin as the fear of becoming intoxicated and letting my guard down rises. As much as I loved going out and dancing to music, it's something I did in the past. In the before. My eyes find Crew's, and he reads the panic across my face .

Cody must sense the change because he's stepping into Chloe. His arms wrap around her neck as he stands behind her. "Come on, Wildflower. Let them breathe."

"Fine." Her lips stick out in a pout. "It's just Brynn's not here, and I just want to dance with my friends."

He kisses the top of her head, and the gesture is so sweet. "Save me a dance!"

She nods excitedly before Cody pulls her over to a high-top table where other guys are standing.

"You good?" Crew's voice cuts in from beside me where he puts his hands in his dark jeans pockets. He's wearing a solid dark green tee which brings out his deep brown eyes and his sun-kissed tan skin.

My eyes find my brother, who is watching and scrutinizing me. It's suffocating to be under a microscope.

I nod. "Yeah, I-I'm just not sure I want to drink. I don't know if I'm ready to let my guard down."

His shoulders turn rigid as he purses his lips together. "Let me watch over you tonight."

My eyes fly up to his. Is he serious? And why do those words make me want to melt on the spot? I'm not able to reply because, instead, my big brother comes and interrupts us.

"What's up, little sis?" His tone is deep, and he doesn't look at me. No, Grant eyes Crew as if he's reminding him I'm off limits. Which is barbaric.

Rolling my eyes, I brush my shoulders against Grant's. "I'm going to get a drink."

If Crew's going to promise to watch over me tonight, I'm going to have myself a drink. But just a couple. Tonight is about taking baby steps.

Two hours later, sweat pours down my body. The dance floor is packed with people on top of each other. Everyone is moving to the alternative music Ecstasy has been playing for the last few hours.

When everyone was saying Ecstasy was good, they weren't kidding. Their vocals are perfect for the alternative music they cover. They've played popular songs from the '90s, early 2000s, and into today's alt music. Cody and Chloe have been dancing beside me all night while guys from the baseball and football teams filter in around us. I've been nursing a few beers which I've either gotten myself or watched Crew get. Speaking of Crew, he hasn't moved far from my sight all night. Grant has been close by as well, he's been dancing on and off with a brunette, who Chloe told me was their friend, Savannah.

Overall, the night has been good. Except for the fact a raging surge of jealousy courses through my veins and mixes with the alcohol every time I watch a girl approach Crew to dance. It's like a revolving door of women wanting to dance with him, and I can't say I blame them, but for some reason, it makes me feel itchy.

Some girls he dances with, and others he politely declines their offers. I appreciate how kind he is with his rejection, it shows the type of person he is. Glancing over my shoulder, I can't help the red-hot jealousy that pumps through my system. Even though his hands are on someone else, his eyes never stray from mine. But I can't take it any longer.

Excusing myself from the group, I find a long hallway where the bathrooms are located. Should I be going alone? No, but fuck it. I need a minute. There's a glass door at the back of the hallway which I can tell leads to the outside. I'm almost to the door when a hand reaches out and grabs my elbow.

"Where are you running off to, Rebel?" His deep voice is husky, which isn't helping the whole ache between my thighs.

A scream escapes, but a hand is quickly placed over my mouth, silencing me as he shushes me. The panic subsides as I whirl around, and I'm met with my favorite mocha-colored eyes. Crew stands before me, sweat glistening on his skin. His blonde hair is mussed from his fingers running through it while his chest heaves as his gaze trails over my body. Electric shock burns through my system as I fight the ache building between my thighs.

Crew Riggsby looks devilishly handsome tonight. He moves us into a closet across from the bathrooms. Supplies line the shelves as the outside is silenced. The only sound in the room is the click of the lock.

Crew's large frame leans against the door, arms crossed over his chest, allowing his muscles to bulge.

"Needed some air." Crossing my arms over my chest, I try to mock his stance. I fail miserably as Crew tracks the movement.

"And why's that?" He's pushing and waiting.

We both know why I'm running.

"Because I can't take the sight of other girls dancing with you. It's making me unexplainably jealous."

He hums as his eyes never leave mine. "I think I can explain it."

Waving my hands out before me, I beg him to explain. "Please, explain it to me then."

"I think you want me, but you're afraid to want me."

Damn this man.

With a lean and raised eyebrow, I stare back at him, refusing to let him see any more inside of me .

"And so what if I do?"

In slow, calculated steps, Crew starts erasing the space between us. "I think maybe you should start living your life, Rebel."

My heartbeat rapidly increases. My blood pumps in a drumming noise as if I was still standing in front of the band playing in the other room. Each beat and pulse feels like it will bounce right out of my chest as the nerves and excitement of having Crew this close to me escalate. The air becomes thick as tension swirls around us. My breaths become ragged as I watch his warm eyes darken, the rich hue intensifying, almost taking on a black intensity as desire flashes through his irises.

Fuck it.

Reaching out, I grip the cotton material of his moss-green T-shirt and tug him toward me. Stretching on my tiptoes, our lips meet as fireworks explode behind my closed eyes, and I melt into his touch. Without hesitation, our kiss turns heated as our mouths part, and he plunges his tongue into mine. His hands grip onto the back of my legs as he hoists me into the air. Instinctively, my legs wrap around his waist as he shoves me against the wall. Our tongues duel fervently as I grind my center against the denim of his jeans where I feel how affected he is.

Crew's mouth leaves mine as he leaves a trail of nips and open-mouthed kisses along my jaw and down my neck, where he sucks my skin into his mouth. His hands roam over my body as his thumb flicks the metal piercing through my nipple. Tilting my head back, I let out a moan, as I don't bother being quiet as I knew the music from the band would drown out the noise.

Wetness gathers between my legs as I feel my panties dampen. I want more, but realization comes crashing into me. Squeezing my legs around Crew's waist, I push my body away from him. His lips leave my neck as dark, hooded eyes find mine. Our chests heaves, and our lips are swollen from the rough kisses.

"Fuck, Rebel," his voice is husky and raw. "Everything okay?"

I nod. "Everything is perfect."

"Then why'd you stop?"

Tipping my head down, I rest it on his shoulder as my lips find his neck for a peck. "As much as I want to see where this goes, I don't need my brother to come looking for us."

Crew groans as he lowers me. He starts to step away but I reach out and grab his arm, stopping him. "I want to continue this, but we need to be more careful right now. My brother's Bret-senses are at an all-time high, and there's the whole you-play-for-my-dad's-team. But what if we…"

Crew quirks his brow while I pause, mulling over the words. Chewing on my lip, I look up at him through my lashes. "I have a proposition for you."

"I'm listening, Rebel."

That damn nickname. I swear it does something to me every time it leaves his lips. It's like he can see me and while it touches on my rebellious streak, he knows that by me rebelling, I'm trying to find myself.

"Things are a little complicated between us being roommates and you being on the football team, but I can't deny that there's a connection between us. Right?" Crew nods, a mask falling over his face where I can't read him. "Okay, I think we should explore that connection. But there's a catch."

"And what's the catch, Bret." Reaching up, he trails a finger down my cheek eliciting goose bumps to break across my skin.

"The catch is we do it exclusively and…secretively. It has to stay between us. I don't want drama with—"

My words are cut off as his lips crush into mine with a searing kiss. It's short but impactful. "You think we can pull it off?"

"I think if we want this, we have to."

He hums. "If that's what it will take for me to be with you, then let's do it. You, me, us, we're the only ones that have to know."

"Us," I murmur. "I like the sound of that. Now get out of here, and I'll be behind you shortly."

His lips find mine one last time before he sneaks out of the closet door.

A boyfriend wasn't on my plans for this school year, but the heart wants what the heart wants.