The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“It’s only been a day, Asher. You might need to go see Miss Hampstead about your neediness. It’s getting worse.” My smile grew, but when I peeked over at Jason and saw his indifference my spine stiffened.

Asher glanced between the two of us, frowning. “What’s—”

“So big game Friday?” Hailee cut him off, already tucked into her boyfriend Cameron’s side.

Jason Ford, Cameron Chase, and Asher Bennet. The three of them were Rixon Raider royalty and they were hoping to take our football team all the way to State this year.

It was a big deal for our small town. An even bigger deal for Jason and his plan to go off and dominate college football at UPenn next year, hopefully earning him a place in the NFL draft.

“Really, Hails?” Asher mocked. “You’re a fan now?”

She glared at him, earning her a low rumble of chuckles from him and Cameron. Jason watched on; his expression devoid of emotion. If anything, he looked... bored. My stomach dipped as I looked away.

Jason was complicated. Cold. Callous. And a complete asshole. Even if he was wrapped up in a frustratingly yummy package. Dark unruly hair, even darker eyes. The kind you got lost in, pulled so far under there was no hope of ever crawling back out. Broad shoulders and muscular arms and cut abs that were entirely lickable. I knew first-hand because I’d—

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Don’t go there!

Jason lived and breathed football. His commitment was borderline obsessive. But then, I guess if you wanted to be the best you had to give your all. Soul included.

“It’s kind of hard not to be a fan when your boyfriend is the star wide receiver for the team.” Hailee grinned up at Cameron. My best friend had done a real one-eighty since senior year began a couple months back. She had always hated the game. Hated her step-brother Jason even more. He, along with Asher and Cameron, had made her life hell ever since she moved to Rixon. But something changed this year. Cameron started looking at her with lust in his eyes and although she tried to ignore his charms, it didn’t take long for him to break down her walls.

Our twosome soon became a threesome; a fivesome if you counted Asher and Jason. Although from the scowl Jason wore whenever he was around us, it was no secret he was tolerating his best friend’s and step-sister’s new relationship at best.

“Yeah, well, we need to be getting to practice so...” Jason’s insinuation hung in the air.

“What’s the rush?” Asher said, “We still have—” His mouth snapped shut when his best friend levelled him with an icy stare. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure.” He trailed after Jason who failed to say goodbye, but then, he hadn’t said hello either.

Cameron lingered, crowding Hailee against the locker and kissing her. I glanced away, giving them some privacy. I’d grown used to their PDA’s over the last couple of weeks, but it didn’t make them any easier to stomach.

After a minute or so, I peeked over at them. Faces pressed close together, Cameron whispered something to Hailee that made her giggle. Jealousy clawed its way up my throat, but I stuffed it down. After everything they’d put her through over the last few years, she deserved this. The fairy tale romance. The happily-ever-after.

Cameron and Hailee were couple goals and I was so happy for them.

Not at all green.

Nope.

Not even a little bit.

My day didn’t get much better. Hailee was barely talking to me, and all everyone else was talking about was the Raiders upcoming game against Millington. Which meant all day his name followed me, a whisper on the wind, taunting me.

But it was fine.

I was fine.

I’d wanted to lose my v-card and I had. Okay, so I hadn’t anticipated giving it up to one of the most arrogant and conceited jerks I knew, but what was senior year if not a chance to try new things ... and then quickly regret ever going there.

Images flooded my mind as I pushed the sandwich around my plate. His hurried and needy and oh so hot kisses. His big strong hands splayed around my hip, my throat, possessive and dominant. The sting of him filling me... the almost tears.

“Flick?” Hailee narrowed her eyes at me. “Where’d you go just now?”

“Huh, I...”

“Forget it.” She went back to her fries, and guilt coiled around my heart. I hated that things were awkward between us. But she had walked in on me and Jason doing it, so I knew I had to give her time to come around. My best moment it was not.

“You know, you can go and sit with him.” I flicked my head over to where Cameron sat with the rest of the football team.