“Oh, I’m sorry.” With a giggle, she covered her mouth with her fingers. “I might have you confused with someone else.” She tilted her head. “Doesn’t matter. I’m Audrey. It’s nice to meet you.” She held her hand out.
Shaking her hand, I said, “I’m Colton, and this is Evan.” I pointed my thumb at Evan.
“Hi.” He gave her a quick wave. “Are you here with friends?” He looked behind her.
“I am. I’m here with one of my friends.” She gave Evan a coy grin. “You look fit. Do you play on a team for ASU?”
“No…” He sniggered. “I am an athlete, though. I play hockey for the Phoenix Firebirds.”
Her eyes lit. “Oh, really.” Her attention returned to me. “And you don’t play sports?”
“Nope. I just watch them.” I drank some beer. She was probably more interested in Evan than in me. Who wouldn’t be? I peeked at the television, the screen showing ASU as they walked off the field, and sawRowlingswritten across the back of a jersey. There was Travis. And here I was, maybe being hit on by a girl. I tensed my mouth. We were only hooking up, but it still felt wrong.
“Hey, I asked if you’d like to meet my friend.” Audrey tapped my forearm, resting next to my glass. “She’s right over there.” She pointed to a woman with dark hair and eyes, seated on the other side of the bar.
I twisted my lips and snuck a glance at Evan, who lifted his brows.
“It’s up to you, man.” He sipped his beer and then ticked his head. “You’re the one with…you know.”
It wouldn’t hurt to talk with her. I peeked at the woman again, my heart protesting. As I focused on Audrey, I said, “Uh, actually, I’m sort of seeing someone right now. I mean, we can chat, but I’m not looking to date anyone else.” Holy hell, had that really come out of my mouth? Did I mean it? Yes, yes, I did. As my attention drew to the television, I whispered, “See? I’m all yours.”
“Okay, well she’ll understand.” Audrey pranced to her friend and chatted with her.
Evan edged closer. “Look, man, if you don’t want to watch the game with these girls, it’s cool. I don’t need a hookup. I’d rather just hang out with you.”
“Why didn’t you say something when she was here?” I gave him a pointed look. I didn’t care to hang out with them either. I was doing it for him.
He lifted his palms. “I don’t know.” With a hurried laugh, he said, “Guess it’s too late now. Here they come.”
I rolled my eyes. It was halftime. We could chat with themuntil the game came back on and then ignore them. Maybe some other guys would catch their eye. The bar was full of them.
NINE
TEX (TRAVIS)
“Ican’t believe we fucking lost that game and by one field goal.” With a scoff, I trudged into the hotel with Malik and Grey. I’d played my best, but Iowa had gotten lucky. The bastards.
“Yeah, I know. It sucks.” Malik glanced at Grey. “It’s too bad you didn’t get to play today.”
“Next time.” Grey slapped Malik’s ass. “We can console ourselves in our hotel room.” He waggled his brows at Malik.
“Oh, brother.” Rolling my eyes, I walked across the marble floor, past the lobby bar in modern black leather and rich wood. Several people occupied lounge chairs, holding drinks. At least we’d gotten a nicer hotel for this trip.
Rick Masters jogged to my side as we stood at the elevator. “Hey, mind if I share this elevator with you guys?”
“No, we’re going to the same room.” I snickered. I really should devote more time to him, since he was on my line, instead of hanging out with Malik and Grey.
“Thanks, man.” He gave me a warm grin. “Coach wasn’t happy about that loss.”
The elevator dinged, and we entered it.
“Nope. I have a feeling practice will be extra hard onMonday.” Malik pushed the button for our floor, and the elevator rose.
“Anyone down to sneak a beer? I heard Coley and Bailey are doing it.” Masters’s grin widened.
“Coach didn’t say we could, and I don’t want to get in trouble. But you do you.” I huffed a long exhale. I should call Colton and ask about his night at the bar. I tensed my lips. Would he have met anyone there? The place had to be packed.
“Yeah, maybe it’s a bad idea.” Twisting his lips, he hung his head.