Page 22 of Nailing Heat

He was talking to Jase last night about it, I think. But it was hard to hear with the loud music in the Backwoods. I make a mental note to ask him about tonight over dinner.

A few hours later, we decide it’s time to hit the boardwalk for smoothies before we head back to the apartments..

Back at the apartments we’re all gathering our beach bags from the back of the Jeep when Mac turns to me. “Just try and be a little more welcoming to him tonight.”

“Yes, Captain,” I tease her.

“Come on, be that nice, sweet sunshine personality that we all know and love.”

Mac fakes shock when I flip her off, making Cassie and Hendrix laugh.

“Come on, you can do it,” she teases in a singsong cheerleader voice.

“You’ve been in the sun too long. It’s cooking your brain. Go hop in Danny’s pool and cool off,” I tease.

“Nope, I’m here tonight,” she tells us.

“Stop over if you want to hang out,” Hendrix says before turning to head to the stairwell that leads to her apartment.

“Yeah, that would be great,” Mac calls back at her. “Cas, what about you?”

“Showering and heading to Jase’s house.”

“See you all tomorrow at practice. I’m going to practice being nice,” I tell them.

“Well, if you need help remembering how, come and hang out with us,” Hendrix calls before disappearing around the corner.

I’m surprised as I enter my empty apartment. It’s after six and I was sure he’d be here. That’s almost a twelve-hour day for him. What could be so important that he’s working so long at the office? I’ve stopped in there before when it’s an off day to grab something from the locker room and it’s always a ghost town. I decide to text him.

Amelia: Football, you good?

I make my way into the bathroom and prepare for a shower. I love the smell of the sea, but I have to get the sand off of me and out of my hair. My phone dings on the bathroom counter.

Dex:You worried about me, peach?

I laugh and shake my head.

Amelia: Just hungry. Someone promised me dinner.

He answers immediately.

Dex: Ah, so that’s what it is. I’m heading out of here soon. I’ll bring you dinner shortly. Try not to starve on me.

His message makes me smile. I’m not sure why, but it does.

Amelia: Yes, without you, how would I get pizza?

I put my phone down and get into the shower.

He’s not back by the time I finish, so I sit on the couch and watch reruns ofThe Big Bang Theorywhile I wait for him to return.

Chapter Eight

~DEX~

Itake the fact that she texted me to find out where I was a good sign. Maybe she’s warming up to me being in her apartment. I hadn’t realized how late it was since I spent so much time pouring over the files of the girls. I had taken a few extra reads of the players that Lucas indicated were those who frequently came into the training room. Amelia’s name is not the list, which makes me happy. I would hate it if I had to be the one who restricted her playing time. Especially since we’re living together, it could get awkward at home.

I turn the key in the lock and find the apartment lightly lit by the TV. There’s a commercial playing when I look at it. On the couch is Amelia, curled up on her side, softly snoring. I smile taking in the image before me. I pick up my phone and take a picture of her. She looks so sweet, peaceful and small lying there on the sofa. I hadn’t realized how short she was until I was standing right in front of her today in the kitchen. She was wearing those small sleep shorts, and small tank top, she looked like an angel standing there. I wanted to devour her.