37. Felix
FELIX
Our house was too small to host a party Homecoming weekend. A lot of alumni come back, and the parties are huge. I’m standing in the backyard at The White House surrounded by more people than I’ve ever seen at a party.
“Did you see Bethany?” Lucas asks with a chuckle. “Girl is something else.”
I grind my teeth. “Yeah.”
“I wonder if she’s going to wipe off your number before she fucks Armstrong,” Brogan says and turns his head to watch her across the yard. “There is no way I’d hook up with a chick wearing some other guy’s number. No freaking way.”
My ex showed up to the game with my jersey number painted on her face.
She tried to get my attention throughout the game, screaming and cheering for me from the front row, and then again after by showing up in the parking lot wanting to help me celebrate the win (and by celebrate, I mean sex), but when I reiterated that I wasn’t interested, she decided to throw herself at the nearest guy.
She keeps looking over at me like she expects me to stomp over to her all jealous and pissed off. Why can’t she get it through her head that I don’t care anymore?
“Are you going to say something to her?” Archer asks.
I shake my head. I’m annoyed with Bethany, but I’m done putting any energy into thinking about her. Besides, I might be tired of her games, but Armstrong has to know the score by now. If he wants to be her plaything, he can be my guest.
“Is Dahlia coming?” Brogan asks.
“No, she’s still in LA.” She comes back tomorrow, but that feels like an eternity to wait. I fucking miss her. If I had any doubt about my feelings before this week, they’d be gone now. This isn’t some casual hookup that I don’t want to end.
“Too bad. I was hoping to recruit her for flip cup.” Brogan tips back his beer and finishes it. “Anyone wanna play?”
“Why not,” Lucas says.
Archer nods.
“Sure.” I follow my buddies over to a table where a group is already in the middle of a game.
I fill my cup with beer while we wait for them to finish, then we divide up to play with equal teams. It’s just my shitty luck that Bethany and Armstrong have the same idea. Or maybe it isn’t luck at all. Bethany comes to stand next to me. I look across the table to Lucas. “Switch me?”
“Yep.” He comes around without a second thought. I don’t miss the scoff from Bethany.
Archer kicks things off for my team. I’m fourth in line and only half paying attention for my turn.
My phone is burning a hole in my pocket.
I think I feel it vibrate but know it’s my mind playing tricks on me.
Longest week ever. But we won the game today.
I played well and proved to myself that I can keep playing great and care about someone else.
Now I just need my girl to get back in town so I can prove it to her.
Archer goes, then Brogan. A chick I don’t know is between us. As she chugs, I push out all the distractions and get ready.
When she finishes, I bring the cup to my mouth. The beer hits my lips at the same time a soft voice from behind me asks, “Can I play?”
That voice has my heart racing. I spin around, the game completely forgotten.
She smiles at me, and I think I forget to breathe for a few seconds. Fuck, I missed her.
“Dahlia.” It’s the only word I can get out.
“What the hell?” Brogan asks, then his voice lowers. “The ringer is here! Dahlia’s on my team.”
“We’re playing a game here,” Bethany calls from across the table. I’m vaguely aware that everything around us has stopped with Dahlia’s interruption. Like I freaking care.
I ignore everyone and step forward to pull her into my arms. “Fuck. I’m so happy to see you. What are you doing here? I thought you had the concert tonight.”
“I did,” she says against my chest. “We left during the final song.”
“You came back early? Why?” I pull back to look down at her face.
“It was the craziest day. Eddie loved the pants. I met his entire wardrobe team, then I got to work backstage with them during the concert.”
My chest squeezes at the way her face lights up talking about it. “I knew he’d love them.”
“It was all so amazing. I dressed a rock star and hung out with him and a famous actress. I got to see and do so many incredible things. I even flew home in a private jet.” Her expression is one of awe and disbelief.
“Brag much?” Bethany mutters.
Dahlia keeps going, eyes still ablaze. “But I couldn’t wait to get back to see you. Longest week ever.”
“No kidding.” I wrap my arms around her lower back. She hasn’t said if she wants to be with me, but right now, I’m just so fucking glad she’s here. With her here, I can show her just how serious I am about us.
“Congrats on the game. I checked the score so many times, I had Eddie’s entire wardrobe team asking for updates.”
“Oh, for the love of God!” Bethany screeches.
I’m ready to lay into her, but Dahlia steps in front of me. “Do you mind? I’m trying to have a moment here.”
I hear Brogan laugh next to me.
“Yes, I mind,” Bethany spits. “This whole desperate chick thing you have going on is pathetic.”
“Call me whatever you want. I really don’t care what you think of me.”
“Maybe you should.” Bethany props her hands on her hips. “You’re making a fool of yourself. Felix will never end up with a girl like you and everyone here knows it.”
“And let me guess, you’re the kind of girl that he’s going to end up with?” Dahlia asks.
“Someone like me, yeah. Someone who can stand next to him when he goes to the NFL. You aren’t exactly what I would call red carpet ready. Let’s face it, you’ll never look as good with him as I did.”
Dahlia laughs. “I’m not as pretty as you? That’s the best you’ve got, really?”
Bethany’s eyes narrow. Her gaze darts around the table at all the guys holding back laughter at her expense. “Whatever. You’re both pathetic. I don’t know why I ever wasted my time. He’s hot but he’s a total bore during the season. And he’s not even that great in bed.”
Dahlia’s cheeks pinken, but she doesn’t back down.
“You are a vile human. I might not look as good with him, but I know that what he needs isn’t someone who talks shit behind his back and sleeps with his teammates for attention.
You don’t care about him. I don’t even think you ever took the time to get to know him.
You couldn’t have and said the awful things you did.
Felix is kind and funny. He’s considerate and dedicated and loyal.
And he’s the best hype man. I feel sorry for you that all you saw was a hot, successful guy to stand next to, because he’s so much more than that. ”
The table is silent. Bethany looks pissed, but she doesn’t say another word. Instead, she spins on her heel.
Before she can march off, Dahlia stops her. “Oh, and Bethany?”
Reluctantly, my ex turns back around. Her eyes are wild and angry, jaw tight.
Dahlia takes a step closer. Damn she’s sexy standing up for herself and for me. I don’t think anyone has ever fought so hard for me. It’s straight fire. “I think the bad sex thing might be a you problem because he’s great in bed.”
Bethany’s face is bright red as she storms off.
“Holy shit,” Lucas says, admiration clear in his tone.
The table explodes in cheers and laughter.
“I’m sorry,” Dahlia says when she turns back to face me. “I couldn’t listen to her for one more sec?—”
I frame her face and drop my lips to hers. She squeaks her surprise, but then tosses her arms around my neck and kisses me with everything she has.
“Fuck yeah,” Archer says, and then everyone else cheers louder.
Dahlia laughs into my mouth and pulls back. “I take it you aren’t mad I just yelled at your ex and told everyone you were good in bed.”
“Are you kidding? That was awesome.”
Brogan comes over to us and cuffs me on the shoulder. He looks at Dahlia as he says, “I have never seen anyone stand up to Bethany like that. Mad props, D.”
“Thanks,” she tells him. “Sorry about interrupting your game.”
“All will be forgiven if you join my team for the next round.”
“Oh no.” I take Dahlia’s hand and interlace our fingers. “She’s busy.”
“One game?” Brogan yells as I use our joined hands to tug her into me.
“Busy,” I tell him and then lean down to take her mouth.
“Wait,” she says against my lips.
I kiss her again. “Yeah?”
“Yes. My answer is yes. Of course, I want to be your girlfriend. If that’s still what you want.”
The smile on my face couldn’t get any bigger. “I think you made that very clear to everyone at the party with your speech back there, hot stuff.”
She laughs and a faint blush creeps onto her face. “I meant it. All of it. You’re the best person I know.”
I press a kiss to her lips, lingering there to soak up this feeling.
Dahlia sighs. “And wow, can you kiss.”
I bark a laugh and then brush my fingers along her jaw and behind her neck. “Then stop interrupting me, babe. I’m just getting started.”