Out in the Field (Out in College 4)

“Why don’t you play professionally?” he asked before sucking a strawberry between his teeth.

I licked my lips. “Chilton is a Division Three college, and the big leagues rarely send scouts to schools like ours. Besides you don’t just say, ‘I’m gonna play professionally.’ It doesn’t work like that. There’s a process, you know? That would be like you showing up for the set of the next Marvel film and telling the director you’re the next Spiderman. Not gonna happen.”

Phoenix sighed sarcastically. “Well, that’s disappointing.”

“Hey, give it a try. It might work for you,” I said with a laugh.

“Hmm. Why did you go to Chilton then? Didn’t you want to go pro?”

“I did, but…”

“But what?”

“I got a full-ride scholarship. I couldn’t say no. My parents own a roofing company and they do okay, but there’s no way they could afford a private school education. And Christian’s dad works for the university. He knew he was playing football at Chilton. I couldn’t wait to be roommates and have a legit reason to be with him. And then I wanted to be with Sky. Sounds lame, doesn’t it? Like I’ve been following guys around. The truth is that it’s been easy to stay under the radar here. I got to play ball at a good school, be near my family, and live with my boyfriend. How’d you put it? I got to have my cake and eat it too,” I said with a self-deprecating huff.

“Lucky you. So, what happens after you graduate?”

I shrugged with faux nonchalance. “No clue. I might get my masters or work for my parents. Thankfully, I have another year to figure it out. What about you?”

“Well, I transferred here because of the film program. If I can’t make it as an actor, I want to do something behind the scenes…like write or direct. Theater preferably. I know there’s more money in movies, but live theater is special. You never see the same performance twice. It’s completely unique.”

“I like your passion. I bet you’ll be a big star someday.”

Phoenix beamed. “Thanks.”

I stood abruptly when his sunny grin set off a fresh wave of butterflies. “Are you done with that?”

Phoenix pulled his cup close and shook his head emphatically. I shrugged then threw my trash in the bin. When I returned, he cocked his head and gave me a curious look. “What’s your secret dream job?”

“I can’t tell you. If I do, it’ll jinx it,” I teased.

“I understand. It’s the same in theater. Actors are a suspicious bunch too. Never wish anyone in the entertainment business good luck. Always say ‘break a leg.’ And never say the name ‘Macbeth’ or quote a line from Macbeth during a production.”

“Why?”

“It’s bad luck.”

I squinted at him suspiciously. “Wait. Didn’t you quote Macbeth last week? Something about the dark.”

“Yes. But that’s because the play was over. It’s my personal last performance tradition,” he replied. “One quote on the final night…in the dark.”

“That’s a little crazy.”

“Yep,” he agreed with a Cheshire cat grin.

“Aren’t you afraid you’re playing with fire and jinxing your chance at getting another role?”

“No.” Phoenix reached behind him to rap his knuckles on the bark of the palm tree. “It’s worked for me every time. Want a bite?”

I glanced down at the spoonful he offered. “You’re not afraid of catching my cooties?”

“My indecent proposal involves sharing all the cooties, so I’ll take a chance.”

I fixed him with a slow-growing smile and held his gaze as I sucked the chocolate deliciousness from his spoon.

“Are we talking about this now?” I asked in a husky tone.

Phoenix parted his lips slightly and nodded. “Yes.”

“Okay, but we have to figure a few things out. How often do you want to meet? My place or yours? Do you want to see other people? How confidential is this and…do you want to get tested?”

He gaped at me for so long I began to think he’d gone into shock. He gave me a wry half smile when I kicked his chair and then cleared his throat. “You’ve thought this through.”

“Are you kidding me? I haven’t thought of anything but this for eight days. I’m gonna be honest, I’ve got sex on the brain twenty-four seven. But it’s never fucked with my game. Until today. I was fucking terrible. I couldn’t concentrate at all. I almost boggled an easy fly ball in foul territory, for fuck’s sake.”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s when—that’s not important.” I swiped my hand over my jaw. “The point is, I think we should agree to some terms, so we can…”

“Get naked,” he deadpanned.

“Fuck, yes.”

Phoenix pursed his lips, his eyes glinting with ready humor. “All right…let’s talk terms. How about three times a week?”

“How about more?”

“That works.” He chuckled. “Where should we meet? My sister is my roommate and she’s the only one I’d ever tell. She’s totally trustworthy. I promise. But she’s home a lot so—”