Page 15

Story: Counter Play

I drop my hand from my forehead and explain, “Can you tell me where Dell Hall is?”

He smiles. It’s a sweet smile. The kind that makes you want to trust him.

“You must be headed to Robertson’s lecture on Human Sexuality and Religion,” he surmises.

I lift a brow. “How did you know?”

“Only beautiful, smart, and absolutely awesome women take that class,” he quips.

I roll my eyes even though I’m totally flattered by his compliment. “That was cheesy.”

“Cheesy usually gets me laid.”

I let out a bark-like laugh. “Yeah, I don’t think it’s the lines.”

He is drop-dead gorgeous. He wouldn’t need lines like that.

“Didn’t work on you?”

“Not one bit.”

He laughs as he nods his head. “Figures. For the record, my lines never get me anywhere. I need to work on my game.” He holds out a hand. “I’m Bo Callaway. I had that class but had to drop it because of football practice.”

I take his hand with a smile. “That’s how I know you. You’re the rookie on the team. Heard you’re gonna give Pitz a run for his money as QB.”

“I’m flattered you’ve heard of me.”

“Only because I’m Casey King’s sister, Charlie.”

“Ahh. Your brother’s a cool guy. I’m sure he wouldn’t like me too much if I left you here, stranded. Here, I’ll show you where your class is.”

Bo and I start walking. There’s a path between the two buildings I was standing in front of. He leads me down to a third building situated behind them. I never would have noticed this path if Bo hadn’t shown me.

“Where you from, Bo?”

“California. Pretty crazy, being so far away from home.”

“You homesick?”

“Not yet. Coach keeps me busy, and I get to meet pretty little ladies like you.” He shoots me a wink and a smile.

I laugh at his comment. He’s a cutie.

“Trust me, Bo, I’m not your type.”

“Guess I shouldn’t be hitting on my teammate’s sister. He’d kick my ass, I’m sure.”

I give him a smile as he grabs the door handle and pulls it open. “Flirt away, friend. It’s good for the ego.”

“In that case, are you free this weekend? There’s a party after the game. I’d love to hang out for a bit.”

Just as the words are out of his mouth, Beck comes walking out the door. Yes, Beck, the man who left me a flower and a sweet note on my bed yet acts completely indifferent to my existence. And he’s looking at Bo like he’s going to tear his head off.

“Hey, Beck!” Bo says as he steps back, not reading the room. “This is Charlie, Casey’s sister.”

“I know Charlene—well,” Beck drawls, and I narrow my eyes at him.

Bo smirks and nods his head. “Ah, okay. Well, I was just showing her to her class. She has Robertson’s?—”