Agony (Entangled Hearts Duet 1)

“I love it. I watched it with my dad growing up, even before we moved next door to Cooper and his parents. It was kind of our thing. When Cooper came into my life and I found out he played, I was excited. My dad taught me about the game, so it was something we had in common.”

“Did you ever play?” he asks.

“No. No way. I’m not that brave. Have you seen the size of those guys? Nope. I want no part of that. I was never a cheerleader either. Well, at least not on the sidelines. I prefer to watch and cheer from the stands.”

“You know, I’d never been to a football game until college.”

“Really? Did your high school not have football?”

“Nope. We were a big basketball school.”

“Did you play?”

“Nah, I did go to the games, though.” He pops a few pieces of popcorn into his mouth as the lights go down, and the movie starts.

For the next two hours, we sit side by side, sharing a tub of popcorn with our eyes riveted to the big screen. It’s not uncomfortable. There are no awkward moments when we both reach for a handful of buttery goodness at the same time. But there’s also no spark, and I blame myself for that. Hunter is a great guy, but I’m still healing. The broken pieces of my heart are going to take some time to mend back together.

“Well, what did you think?” Hunter asks once we’re outside the theatre.

“It was really good. I thought for sure it was her dad who was the killer.”

“Really? I was thinking the brother,” he volleys back.

“We were both wrong.” I laugh.

He holds his arm out for me, and I slide mine into his as we walk to his car. It’s late February, and the weather is still cold out. Hunter walks me to the passenger door and opens it for me. Like the gentleman that he is, he waits for me to put on my seat belt before closing the door and rushing to the driver’s side.

“I’m ready for warm weather,” he says, rubbing his hands together once he’s in the car.

“I don’t know… I’ll miss my sweaters and boots.”

“There’s that.” He laughs.

Hunter is different from the group of guys I’m used to hanging out with. No doubt, any one of my friends would have made a comment about my ass in my jeans or leggings that I pair with my boots and sweaters. Not Hunter. No, instead, he gives me a kind smile.

“Where to next?”

“I should really get home. I have to pack as we leave early in the morning.” Cooper’s parents rented us an Expedition to drive to the Combine. It’s about a three-hour drive from where we are in Ohio to Indianapolis. Hank, Nixon, Cooper, Trey, Tessa, and I are driving down. Dustin has to work and made us promise that we would keep him updated. He’s currently working at a local physical therapy office doing an internship and is hoping to get hired full-time once we graduate.

“Let’s get you home then.” He backs out of the parking space, and we’re on the road. It doesn’t take long to reach my apartment, and the conversation is easy as we chat about graduation.

“Thanks for tonight. I had a good time.” We had pizza before the movie. It was simple and perfect. I’m not one for all the frills.

He reaches over and laces his fingers through mine. This is a first for us. He’s led me into rooms with his hand on the small of my back, we’ve hugged a few times after dates, and of course, we’ve danced, but hand-holding, that’s new. “You’re welcome, Reese.” He traces his thumb softly over mine. I can’t help but think of the contrast of his soft hands to Cooper’s rough and calloused ones. “Am I allowed to say that I’m going to miss you?” he asks.

“It’s only a week. Well, nine days. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Nine days is a long time.”

I laugh. It’s part nerves and part disbelief because this is all new to me. “I’ll text you while I’m gone. I promise.”

“What about all of your classes? Work?” he asks.

“Classes… all my professors know we’re going to be gone, and I’ve turned in most of my work early. Work knows too. It’s no different than a vacation. I mean, my family is going to be there.” My parents wouldn’t miss this for anything. They’re riding to Indy with Cooper’s parents.

“Drive safe.”

“Oh, I’m not driving. The guys are doing all of that. It’s just a three-hour trip, so Tessa and I have already declared that we’re just the passengers.”

My phone buzzes. “Sorry, that might be my parents.” Glancing at the screen, I see Cooper’s name. I know if I don’t answer, he’ll worry. “Hey, Coop.” I mouth “Sorry” to Hunter.