Page 42 of King of Pain

“Oh God, what are you talking about, woman?” I asked, laughing.

“It’s simple. I’ll go first,” she said with a smirk. “Truth. I mostly get with men, but I’ve been known to dabble with a hot woman from time to time. Okay, your turn.”

“Well, that’s a creative way of asking a guy his sexuality,” I said, laughing as I played along. “But okay, I’ll play. Truth. Strictly dickly.”

Lexi grinned, shaking her head. “Damn it! That explains the tragic lack of interest in my magnificent breasts. I mean, I kinda figured you liked cock, but was holding out on the chance you were bi. Oh well, probably for the better. I would’ve notched you in my bed post and never called you again.”

Just like that, I had come out to another person, and it was exactly the reaction I expected from her—light, funny, and perfectly Lexi. We spent the rest of the night talking about hot actors, musicians, and, of course, a certain sexy as fuck Italian.

Since then, she’s been my sounding board for all the messy thoughts swirling in my head about Ant. At first, she laughed,reminding me she’d seen it from a mile away. She teases me relentlessly now, but I don’t mind.

I know she’ll love going to the game, but more importantly, I know she’ll make it her mission to keep me distracted if Ant dominates my thoughts the entire time. But let’s be honest, he absolutely will be. He’ll be out on the field. In tight football pants. Not that I haven’t already scoured the internet for photos of him in said pants. There are a few, but the angles aren’t great. Let’s just say I’m ready for the live show.

By the time Saturday rolls around, I’m buzzing with a mix of nerves and excitement. Ant mentioned the game in passing during a shift earlier in the week, and I’d played it cool, nodding and wishing him luck. Now, standing in my bedroom with the box Jen gave me, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. I’m honestly impressed with myself for waiting to open it. Who am I kidding? Jen scares me. I wasn’t going to touch it until today.

I peel the tape off carefully, lifting the lid to reveal a pristine jersey. It’s maroon and gold, the school colors, withASU on the front, and PACINIprinted in bold letters across the back above the number 22.

My chest thumps, a strange mix of pride and something deeper settling over me: possession. The thought of wearing his name, his number. It makes me stand a little taller.

I pull the jersey on, smoothing it over my torso. It fits perfectly. I take a moment to stare at my reflection in the mirror, feeling like I was always meant to be branded with his name.

A knock at my door pulls me out of that little daydream.

When I open it, Lexi is standing there, her sharp eyes immediately locking onto the jersey I’m wearing. She already pried it out of me earlier this week where we were going.

“Turn around,” she demands.

“Nope.”

“Turn around right now, Chance,” she repeats, more forceful this time.

I sigh, blowing out a breath, then reluctantly comply.

“Oh, holy shit,” she says, and I can hear the smirk in her voice. “Look at you, superfan. I didn’t think you were the type to wear someone’s name on your back.”

“Don’t start,” I warn, but there’s a small smile tugging at my lips.

Lexi steps inside, giving Guinness a quick pat on the head before turning back to me. “Does he know you’re going?”

“No,” I admit, clipping a leash on Little G. “And don’t start, Lex. It wasn’t my idea.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything,” she says, miming a zipper across her mouth. “But for the record? You look hot in that jersey. Just saying.”

“Thanks, Lex,” I say, rolling my eyes.

We take Little G out, tuck him in his crate, and head off to the game in her car.

The energy at the stadium is palpable, buzzing with students, faculty, and alumni. Lexi and I weave through the crowd, our tickets guiding us to a prime section near midfield.

“Chance!” Jen’s voice rings out before we enter the section to locate our seats. She appears out of nowhere, practically bouncing with excitement, then screeches to a stop.

“Holy fucking shit!” she screams, earning a few disapproving looks from nearby parents. “Who is this beautiful creature?” she clarifies, gesturing to Lexi. “Chance, introduce me. Immediately.”

I chuckle, gesturing between them. “Lexi, this is Jen. Jen, Lexi.”

“Nice to meet you,” Lexi says, laughing and extending a hand.

Jen shakes it enthusiastically. “Oh, the pleasure is all mine. My god, look at you. You’re stunning,” she gushes.