Chapter 18
It’s later in the evening, and things have progressed to the local bar, a popular post-dining hall watering hole known for live music and cheap drinks.
That’s when I notice a man standing at the bar.
Fuck. It’s him.
I hadn’t thought about him in ages, but I’d recognize those tattoos anywhere.
I’d shoved him out of my mind, because I’m not a one-night stand type of girl. Whatever that means. No shame in anyone who enjoys the thrill of finding a cute guy at the club, taking him home and fucking his brains out, and then sending them on their merry way. It’s just not my usual style.
But there was something about the night we met. The intoxicating beat of the bass in the club, and the way the drinks went down easily, leaving me in a state of comfort and lowered inhibitions. I felt sexy and free, extra empowered by it being my visit to check out whether the rugby program was right for me. And, given the city’s population, I thought there’d be no way I’d ever see him again.
Yet, here he is in all his muscly glory. And he’s wearing tight shorts and a shirt that leave his muscles bulging in all the right places. Good god, he’s looking even better than the first time I met him. His thighs are enormous, bulging so firmly they threaten to tear his shorts. And I know from experience his thighs aren’t the only thing bulging in his pants.
I freeze in place, my heart pounding. Do I say something? Act like I don’t recognize him?
Before I can decide, his gaze slides over me. And there’s not even a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Like I’m just another stranger in the crowd.
Anger and embarrassment flare in my chest. How dare he not remember me? I may not make a habit of one-off encounters, but I’m memorable, damn it.
He sure seemed to be having a good time when he was plowing me in every sex position we could think of, and some that I think we just made up on the spot.
I lift my chin and stride forward, determined to make my presence known. “Kai, isn’t it?” My tone is deceptively light and casual.
A frown creases his forehead. “Sorry, do I know you?”
The words are a slap in the face. I plaster on a smile, all teeth. “Don’t worry about it. My mistake.”
Without another word, I turn on my heel and stalk away, my fists clenched at my sides. So much for proving my worth. I’m just another faceless woman to add to his list of conquests. How humiliating.
“Dylan, wait up!”
Noah jogs up beside me, brow furrowed with concern. “What was that all about? I saw you talking to our teammate Kai and then you just took off. Did he say something to upset you?”
I give a jerky shrug. “Nothing. It’s fine.”
“It didn’t look fine.” Noah folds his arms, leveling me with a piercing look. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say this wasn’t the first time you two had met.” He pauses, and recognition dawns in his eyes. “Did you hook up with him or something?”
My face flames. Am I that obvious? Trust Noah to cut right to the heart of things.
I can’t bring myself to admit the truth, so I stare down at my shoes and mumble, “It was just a one-night stand. A while ago. No big deal.”
Noah’s eyes widen. “Seriously? With Kai?” He gives a low whistle. “No wonder you’re acting so weird around him.”
I glare and punch his arm. “Shut up! It’s embarrassing enough as it is.”
“Sorry, sorry.” He rubs his arm, though my punch couldn’t have hurt. The jerk is just trying to get a rise out of me. “So he didn’t recognize you then?” His gaze trails over me and he shakes his head. “What an idiot.”
The anger and hurt rise up again, and I have to fight to keep my voice steady. “Nope. Just another notch on his bedpost, I imagine.”
Noah’s expression softens with sympathy. “His loss. You deserve better than that, Dylan.”
I give him a weak smile. “Thanks, Noah. I know it’s stupid, getting worked up over a guy like him. He’s not worth it.”
Noah slings an arm around my shoulders. “Exactly. Now come on, let’s go get a drink. Forget all about him.”
I nod, straightening my spine. Noah’s right. Kai isn’t worth another second of my time. I’m going to walk away from this with my head held high—and find someone who will actually remember my name.
After about half an hour, and emboldened by another drink, I decide to give it one more try. I plaster on a smile and walk over to where Kai stands with a few of his teammates. “Hey guys, just wanted to say congratulations on the win the other day.”
Kai turns, and for a moment his gaze brightens in what appears to be recognition. My stupid heart leaps in response.
But then his eyes shutter, and the easy grin he offers feels impersonal. Polite. “Thanks. We appreciate the support.”
His teammates chime in with similar platitudes, but I keep my focus on Kai, searching for any flicker of our connection.
There’s nothing.
I was a fool to think a single night together meant anything to him.
Anger and hurt curdle in my gut, and I have to fight to keep my tone light. “Well, I should get going. Early practice tomorrow.” I nod to the group. “I’m Dylan by the way, from the women’s team. Have a good night, all.”
Kai lifts a hand in farewell. “You too. Thanks for coming out, Daria.”
“Dylan. My name is Dylan,” I say, my mouth involuntarily contorting itself as if I just chugged a gallon of sour grapes.
I turn on my heel and stalk away before I do something I’ll regret, like throw my drink in his stupid, forgetful face. How dare he act like I’m just another ditzy fan!
Like I didn’t rock his world that night, and he didn’t promise we’d do it again. Promises, promises. What a joke.
Based on what I’ve seen so far, I reckon the club would do better if it just threw the whole men’s team away.
Noah is waiting by the exit, his expression grim. “That bad, huh?” God, how embarrassing. He must have seen the entire awkward thing. And how desperate must I look, going back over to him only to be unrecognized a second time. My cheeks flame at the thought.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I march past him toward the door. “Let’s just go.”
Noah falls into step beside me. “Should I kick his ass for you?”
I huff out a bitter laugh. “I’m not worth the trouble, remember?” Although, his offer makes me think about what it would look like, the two giant men with their enormous muscles bulging and rippling as they fought over me.
Despite my humiliation at Kai’s dismissal of me, my pussy still clenches as the fantasy plays out in my mind.
“Hey.” Noah grabs my arm, forcing me to stop and face him. “Don’t you dare let that arrogant jerk make you feel worthless. You’re amazing, Dylan, and any guy would be lucky to have you. If Kai is too stupid to see that, it’s most definitely his loss and not yours. You really do deserve way better.”
His fierce loyalty makes my throat tighten.
I pull him into a hug. “Thanks, Noah. I know we haven’t known each other for long, but at the moment, I really don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He hugs me back, hard. I stifle a moan as his hard chest presses into my neck. “Now come on, let’s go drown your sorrows in ice cream.”
I smile against his shoulder. “You always know just what to say.”
Noah presses a kiss to the top of my head, a friendly gesture that leaves my head spinning slightly all the same. “That’s what I’m here for.”
Maybe Kai turning out to be a waste of time is a blessing in disguise.
Because maybe I have everything I need right here.