Chapter 5 Reagan
FIVE
REAGAN
We walk into the practice gym together, and the sight never gets old.
Freshly polished floors with the orange and blue CTU Titans logo in the center.
The walls are covered with championship banners.
The last one was well over twenty years ago and came courtesy of my dad.
Walking into this gym always feels like home.
“I love it here,” I say without really thinking. I struggle to filter myself around this guy, and that is dangerous for my awkward self, especially when he avoids getting close to me in any way.
Riggs nods. “I think I’ve spent more time on a court than anywhere else.” Which is probably true. Basketball is a daily, year-round thing, especially if you want to make it to this level.
Nodding, I look at him. “I’m sure. Jordan would probably say the same. So, uh, what drills do you have left? I can rebound for you.”
Running his hand through his dark hair, he says, “I’m actually done with drills. So we can just play PIG. I have a little time for one game.”
I don’t know what it is about Riggs. Physically, he is smoking hot, but after our initial meeting, he has been quite standoffish toward me, which makes this whole interaction strained. My curiosity about him gets the better of me, and I agree. “Sounds good, but I’ll warn you, I’m a great shooter.”
“Is that so?” Riggs looks at me with a wicked grin that I bet gets him whatever he wants with the ladies. Not this lady.
“Well, let’s make it interesting, then.”
“What do you have in mind?” I’m trying to keep cool when my insides are fluttering a little. No, Reagan, you’re just hungry. We don’t flutter for players, remember?
“Hmm…” He looks deep in thought. “How about if I win, you give me your number?” I’m shocked, and he even looks surprised at what just came out of his mouth.
“And what do I get if I win?” I arch one eyebrow and look right at him. Am I flirting?
“Anything you want,” Riggs says. Completely serious.
My pulse jumps to overdrive, and I’m speechless. What do I want from him? That is a loaded question.
Finally, I say, “If I win, you owe me a Dr Pepper every day for a week.”
“Deal.” He winks. He freaking winks! I don’t know what it is, but a girl could get used to this version of Riggs Hart.
We have been playing for twenty minutes and are tied at P-I. The next missed shot determines the winner. Riggs, showing off, takes a shot from half-court. It banks off the backboard in. He gives me a smile as he passes the ball back to me. “Your turn, Sunshine.”
I glare at him, and he simply smiles back at me. “That shouldn’t even count, Point Guard. You didn’t say bank.”
He tips his head back and laughs. “Sorry. Rules are rules. Just take the shot and then get ready for the sting of defeat.”
Taking the ball, I move back behind the half-court line. Running, I put all my strength behind the shot and let it fly. It looks great with plenty of distance. Oh my gosh, am I going to make it? The ball sails and bounces right off the rim.
I missed.
I lost.
I never lose.
“Son of a biscuit!” flies out of my mouth, and that gets another sexy laugh from Riggs. No, not sexy, annoying.
“Okay, Riggs. You win.” I admit defeat, and he was right, it stings.
Then I get stuck staring at him, yet again. He must hit the weight room hard and add that to playing basketball because the man is stunning.
“See something you like?” I freeze at that moment and blush. My eyes hit my shoes as embarrassment consumes me.
“Sorry. Look, I have to go. I need to get a shower before class.” I can’t look him in the eyes after ogling him like a piece of meat.
“Wait, Reagan. I was just teasing. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, of course.” My eyes slowly meet his, and it’s almost like I’m thrown back in time. I'm standing in front of a gorgeous basketball player, getting my hopes up. I won’t get caught up again.
“Okay…” He says it, but leaves out the rest of what he was going to say.
“Thanks for letting me play,” I say quickly and walk off the court and out the door.
As soon as I get to my car, I take a deep drink of water, realizing a few things. One, I never gave him my number. And two, I kind of wish I had.