Chapter 6
Rachel
I barely register a word the professor says in class.
My eyes are fixed on the clock, and with every tick, my nerves twist a little tighter.
I’m not even sure why... Maybe it’s because Randy’s so popular.
Or maybe because I was surprisingly forward the other morning and that’s just not like me.
Not that I regret it. The sex was mind-blowing.
And with how little time I get to meet anyone new, part of me didn’t want to pass up the chance to blow off some long-overdue steam.
It’s just lunch, a quick catch up I remind myself, and if there is something Randy is great at other than hot sex, it’s holding a conversation and making you feel comfortable.
So, I’ll go with no expectations because what would he want with a single mom in the long term.
Nothing. And like I have time for anything more in my life.
I glance at my phone just a few minutes to midday as I step into the café. Randy’s already there, seated at a table, mid-conversation on his phone. I make my way over, and the moment he spots me, he wraps up the call, says goodbye, and greets me with a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey,” I say in greeting.
“Hey yourself,” he says. “What can I get you?”
“Oh…” I go to argue.
But he cuts me off before I can even start. “I asked you to lunch, so that means it’s my treat,” he says with a mischievous glance. “Just tell me what you want, or I’ll order you one of everything.”
“Chai latte and a turkey sandwich,” I reply, scanning behind the glass of the counter.
“Be right back.”
I make myself comfortable, placing my phone upside down on the table and my bag on the bench beside me. Randy is back quickly as I scan the line and wonder how he got served so soon.
“They will bring it over,” he says, sliding in the bench across from me. “You look cute in braids.”
I blink. “Thank you,” I reply, making a mental note to thank Molly for her handiwork this morning.
“How is Sam this morning? Does he go to school?”
“He’s really good, a little difficult to get off to preschool today, but I managed to make class on time. With the help of Molly doing my hair.”
A server places our food and drinks on the table. I reach for my coffee, wondering if he somehow skipped the line.
Here you go,” she says, smiling a little too brightly at Randy. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
Her eyes linger. Like, linger linger.
Randy flashes his usual grin—charming, effortless, borderline illegal. “Thanks. Appreciate it.”
She walks off, but not before sneaking one last look over her shoulder.
I sip my coffee, watching him. “You have a fan.”
He shrugs, stealing a piece of turkey that fell off my sandwich. “I have many.”
“You’re insufferable.”
He watches me over the rim of his cup. “So… you want to see me naked again?”
I cough into my drink, nearly choking, then manage to swallow. “What?”
“Calm down, woman, not like that!” he says, flashing me a cheeky look. “Although, I wouldn’t say no to you,” he adds with a wink. “Our next home game’s just after New Year’s and yep, that’s when I’ll be making my grand entrance… white cheeks and all.”
I laugh, shaking my head, equal parts entertained and secondhand embarrassed. “I can’t believe you’re actually going through with it.”
He shrugs. “A bet’s a bet… and I lost.”
“Guess the whole campus knows. So, it’s not like you could back out of it even if you wanted to. Plus, you gotta give the ladies what they want.”
“Dani has already told all her friends that she will be filming. And I know the cheerleaders will be there with their phones.”
“You will be viral in no time. I think I’ll just enjoy the show and watch the replay later.”
“So, you will be there?” He looks at me, and I can see the hope shining through.
I nod. “Yeah, I’ll be there.”
Satisfied with my answer, he shoves his wrap into his mouth, four bites and it’s gone; lucky he got two.
“Cool, I’ll give you Shelby’s number so you can set up a meeting time and place.
Christian will get you in early for the training session.
But if you’re just looking for an excuse to see me before then… you don’t need one. Just say the word.”
I squeeze my legs because our night together comes rushing back to me, and not one bit of my body wants to reject that offer.
Umm—” I hesitate, fingers gripping my coffee like it’s a lifeline. “I didn’t leave a mark on your shoulder, did I? I’m really sorry if I did… I—I don’t know what I was thinking.”
He glances at me, then rolls his shoulder like he’s checking. “Nope. No mark.” He pauses, a slow grin tugging at his lips as he leans in, voice dropping. “All that biting down did…” Another pause. His eyes flick to my mouth. “…was make me come so much harder. So please—bite me again. I beg you.”
I choke on my coffee. “Oh.”
He laughs, clearly enjoying my flustered state. “You look like you just got hit by a wave of dirty thoughts.”
“I did not!” I protest, wiping my mouth.
“You did. You absolutely did.”
I narrow my eyes. “You’re lucky I’m holding hot liquid.”
He leans closer, eyes gleaming. “You’re lucky I’m not holding you. I couldn’t stop thinking about you last night—your smell was all over my sheets and it was driving me fucking crazy.”
I swallow thickly, my mouth dry.
He casually leans back into his own space. “So again, if you want to see me naked outside the stadium lights, you have my number.”
“I’ll think about it—” is all I get out before someone throws themself down beside Randy.
“My man!” A big guy drops into the seat next to Randy, grinning as he throws out a fist. Randy bumps it without missing a beat, then does the same with another guy who slides into the last spot beside me.
“Rachel, this is Mitch and Devon,” Randy says, nodding toward each of them.
Mitch gives me a confident smile and nod—the kind that says he’s used to being the center of attention. He’s got that easy charm. Another Raptor, he’s in the same class as me and Randy. You can tell he’s comfortable here—and probably everywhere.
Devon’s quieter. He offers a quick smile, more reserved, and hangs back a little. He’s newer, younger, and still figuring out how to fit into the noise.
I offer them both a smile.
I watched their last game with Dad, and he couldn’t stop talking about Devon—his speed, his talent, how quick he was off the mark.
So, I know it’s just a matter of time before he comes out of his shell.
He’s got beautiful dark skin, warm brown eyes, and those kinds of striking features that’ll get noticed.
Once he settles in, I think the women will appreciate him just as much as the coaches do.
“So, you hitting up the party?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Randy answers him, shoving the last of his second wrap in his mouth and dusting off his hands over his plate. “Just lining up a date for it now.” He looks to me, his words lingering in the air.
I look at them in stunned silence, my eyes darting between all three of them…nothing like being put on the spot.
“Ah, shit, man, my bad,” he stands, “I’ll let you get back to your lunch.” He looks to me. “Hope to see you there, Rachel.”
“Umm, yeah, maybe,” is all I can think to say as they stand and leave.
Randy looks to me. “So, what do you think, can you do me the pleasure of coming with me? Because I sure do wanna come with you again.”
I roll my eyes at his double meaning. “Where?” I ask. I haven’t heard of this party that apparently everyone else knows about. No real surprise.
“Frat row, Friday night.”
“I’m not sure. I would need to check with my parents and see if they are okay to watch Sam.”
“That’s fine, I understand. You have my number, so just let me know about that… and other things.” He smirks, leaving both invitations hanging in the air.
Butterflies flutter in my chest because I’ve just been asked out by Mr. QB himself, with the very real possibility of more mind-blowing sex. This man who’s so hot, so stupidly sexy, it should be illegal.
And that thought makes me want to do some very naughty things to him.