Page 16

Story: Counter Play

“Go to practice, Bo.” Beck’s words are a command. “I got her from here.”

Bo laughs and clasps a hand on Beck’s shoulder as he walks away. “See you on the field, Linson.” He looks at me with a smile. “Charlie, it was nice meeting you.”

“See you around, Bo.”

Turning to face Beck, he holds the door with his back as I walk through. My side brushes up against him as I do, and I notice the hardened muscle beneath his shirt.

Okay, fine, I might have purposely shifted my weight into him because, honestly, I’ve been dying to run my hand down his chest. And then down his abs and into his?—

Focus, Charlie.

I saunter past him and stop because I don’t know if I’m supposed to go right or left.

Beck places a hand on my forearm and pulls me to the left. “You’re over here.”

I follow him down the hall and to a stairwell at the end.

“I can find it from here. You can go to practice.”

“I’m fine.”

“Won’t Coach be upset if you’re late?”

“I said, I’m fine. I’ll walk you up.”

We take one step at a time. Beck is clearly not in a rush.

“It’s quiet in here compared to other buildings.”

“This is the only class in here right now. It’s crowded before three.”

“You have class in here a lot?”

“I have, uh, class on the second floor.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were taking any psychology classes. Do you have to take that for your engineering degree? Or are you taking it for funsies?” I laugh to try to lighten the mood and catch his gaze.

His eyes are locked straight ahead, but I see a smirk on the side of his mouth.

“No, not any classes toward my degree, but I took a class last year and hit it off with my professor. I go in to help him from time to time between classes and practice.”

“Ah, that makes sense. Do you know anything about Robertson? Is he good, or will the next hour drag on?” I grimace.

“Which class is it?”

“Human Sexuality and Religion.”

“Interesting. I have only heard good things about Robertson, so I’m sure it’ll be good. Is that something you’re interested in studying, or is it a requisite for your major?” he asks.

“Yeah, it’s in my field of study, so I need to take it in order to get into Women’s Sexuality in Modern Culture next year.” I blush a little, not because I’m embarrassed, but because I know that particular class is whispered about around campus. It’s pretty graphic from what I hear.

“So, you definitely decided on a psych degree? You’ll be great, no matter what you do, but this fits you. You have great intuition, compassion, and curiosity about people.” He mumbles a little at the last part as we reach the top of the staircase.

I look at the number next to the nearest door and see it’s the room I need to be in. “Well, this is me.” I turn to Beck and see he’s already looking at me.

“Have fun, Charlene. I’ll come get you after practice.” He smirks.

“Oh, no, you don’t have to do that. I can find my way back to the house now. I just couldn’t find the building and happened to run into Bo.” I don’t know why I felt the need to add that.