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“No doubt. I’m gunning for rookie of the year.” A leggy blonde finds her spot next to me. Her long nails rake down my back, sending goosebumps across my skin. Mason shoots me a wicked smile and turns back to the crowd with girls firmly placed under his arms. Her scent’s a sweet coconut smell, but her breath is minty as I turn my focus solely on her. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Kali,” she whispers seductively against my ear. As a football player, it’s never been difficult to find girls, but college upped it to a whole new level. “Are you new?”

“New to you,” I growl. Her nails continue to rub my back, slowly making their way up to the base of my neck.

“Where’ve you been hiding?”

“Depends on who you. . .” My focus darts to a flash of blonde across the room. She’s surrounded by girls, tossing her head back and releasing a carefree laugh that sends a smile across my face. She’s torturing me in a tight, black top that accentuates her features in the best way. I know I should tear my eyes away, but it’s hard to pull my focus from the happiness that radiates from her eyes and the sound of her laugh, even from a distance.

“Did you hear me?” Kali taps my chest to regain my focus on her.

“Huh? Yeah, sure. I’ll see you around.” Gently removing her arms from my neck, I pat her shoulder and push through the crowd to talk to Liza.

Pulling off my backwards hat, I comb my hands through my thick hair before tapping her shoulder. “Goldie.” She whips around and plasters that smile across her face at the sight ofme. Her attention alone sends warmth through my body and a nervousness I typically don’t feel.

She crosses her arms across her chest and gives me a mischievous look. “Are you following me, Hotshot?” Alcohol permeates from her breath, clearly having had a few drinks since she’s been here. “Or am I just that irresistible?”

“Just trying to be a good friend and welcome you to the party.”

“Friends do that.” She laughs and cups her hands over her mouth.

“They do.”

“This place is ridiculous.” She waves her hands, gesturing the magnitude of the mansion and party. “I didn’t expect this.”

“Yeah, neither did I. Must be nice to have a full staff clean up after house parties. I’ve always had to do it hungover the next morning.”

“Same! It’s a rite of passage after hosting a party, in my opinion.” She turns her head to look around once more. “I figured you’d have your flavor of the night by now. Need help scoping one out?” Her wink sends a jolt straight through my chest.

“Nah. There’s only one girl I really want to impress, but sadly, she shoved me in the friend zone.”

She taps her chin and puckers those shiny lips to think. “What a shame. She sounds like a real babe. Probably out of your league, though.”

“Definitely out of my league. Doesn’t mean I won’t keep shooting my shot.”

She shakes her head and reaches for my wrist before dragging her eyes to the point where our skin meets. A jolt of electricity ripples through my hand and up my arms where we share contact. Her cheeks instantly flush, and everything around us fades to black. There’s no noise or distractions, just the two of us, alone in our little stolen moment.

Her lustful eyes drift up, connecting with mine. “I. . .”

A broad body shuffles in behind her. “Liza.”

Her eyes flutter, ripping away from mine before I’m met with the back of her head. “Locke!” She throws her arms around his neck as he spins her around twice before dropping her back to the ground. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

Why is she so friendly with Locke?

“Come on, baby. I wouldn’t miss a party.” He catches my attention. “Hey, Knox.” He juts his chin out to acknowledge me.

My jaw clenches tight and my hands white knuckle grip by my side. “Locke.” Of course she’s cuddled up with this stellar guy. “How do you two know each other?” I wince out, pointing to the pair.

“Uhhh. . .” Locke looks up, trying to remember where he met Liza.

How could anyone forget the moment she storms into your life?

“A few weeks ago at a party, right, Liz?”

“Yep,” she responds, popping the ‘p.’ “You cut in at the perfect time.” She twists slightly to catch my eyes again. “I need a drink.” Dropping his hands to the small of her back, he rubs the leather clenching her skin before moving forward.

“Follow me.” He takes off toward the bar and Liza follows behind, passing me with a flip of her hair.