“Reggie knows she has a boyfriend. He saw it on one of those entertainment shows the other night. I told him his mom wants him and Roxy to go live in L.A. with her, and he asked me if he could think about it.”
“Probably not the question you expected.”
“Not in the slightest. That’s why I asked everyone to come to his game. I want him to see he has family here, even without his mom being here.” I motion toward the weather girl. “Who is she?”
Noah clears his throat. “Autumn LaRosa. She’s the new weather personality at MCAX.”
“How does she know Peyton?”
“She doesn’t or didn’t. Aiden Marchetti asked Autumn if she knew Peyton since they both went to Northwestern. It turns out they were in the same sorority, only they never knew each other because of Peyton’s accident and then moving off campus.”
“Do you trust her?” I ask.
Noah laughs or coughs. I’m not sure which. “Yes, why? Do you know something I don’t?”
I shrug and sip on my drink. “Just find it odd that she’s here, new in town, and attaching herself to Peyton almost immediately.”
“Huh,” is all Noah says.
“Where’s your bitchy sister-in-law?” I ask, hoping to lay my eyes on the knock-out. It’s odd how Peyton and her sister are identical yet so far apart in personalities.
“Are you looking to have your balls busted or something?” Noah asks while laughing.
Again, I shrug. “She’s nice to look at.”
“She’s engaged,” he reminds me again.
“Eh, I said look, not fuck. Although . . .” I don’t finish my sentence because I know Noah will punch me if I do. Ever since Elena left, I’ve fantasized about other women. It’s natural, I think. Right after my separation, Elle came to town. A group of us hung out, we started drinking, and my thoughts started wandering right into the gutter where Elle is concerned. I didn’t necessarily see her as the stepmom type, but more so the one I’d go to if I needed to feel pain. Elle comes off as the type of woman who will—as Noah put it—bust your balls, slap you with a whip or paddle, hogtie you, and leave you for dead, all while you’re begging for more. I’m not into role-playing, but if I were, Elle would be in all leather and bossing me around.
Noah groans. “Are you seriously thinking about sleeping with her?”
My eyes widen, and I shake my head slowly. “There is absolutely no sleeping going on in my thoughts.”
Noah rolls his eyes. “I’m glad she stayed home. The last thing I would want to hear from you is how she rejected you.”
“Don’t worry I’m not looking to hook-up with Elle, or anyone for that matter. I’m swearing off women. They’re nothing but trouble, and that’s something I don’t need right now.”
Noah pats me on the back. “Things will work out,” he says to me. I appreciate his optimism, but my future looks bleak.
Peyton comes over to us with the weather girl in tow. I down my drink, preparing for the tongue lashing I’m going to get from Peyton on my mistreatment of her friend. “Julius, I’d like to introduce you to Autumn LaRosa. Autumn, this is Julius Cunningham, wide receiver for the Portland Pioneers.”
In complete shock, Autumn extends her hand to shake mine. I do, and as soon as our skin touches, I recoil. My actions affect her. She’s hurt but masks it quickly by dropping her hand and changing her stance.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she says. I don’t know what game she’s trying to play, but I don’t like it, and I find it odd she’s acting like we haven’t already had a conversation.
“Didn’t we meet on the terrace, Weather Girl?” I raise my eyebrow, sending my jab with emphasis.
She blanches and looks down briefly before saying, “I should really get back to the station.”
“Later,” I say without taking my eyes off her.
Peyton’s not happy. I can tell by the expression on her face and the intense stare she has aimed at her husband. I don’t dare look at him. I’m already in hot water with Peyton, that’s enough.
“I’ll ride down with you, Autumn. Noah, take care of this.” She points at me, and I know I’m going to get shit for my attitude.
As soon as they’re out of earshot, Noah says, “What the fuck?”
“She bothers me.”
“Then let her bother you on your own time, man. Peyton is livid, and she’s going to want some answers. Did you hook up with Autumn or something? Is she a one-night stand?”
I shake my head. “Nope, met her here tonight. I just have a bad feeling about her.”
“Okay, well, tell Peyton in private, not in front of everyone. Jesus, Julius. You don’t want to ruin this woman’s career before it even starts here. That’s the last thing either of you need.”