Campus Player

No shit, Sherlock.

“I’m over it.” I shrug, only wanting to move on with my morning and my life.

You know what the definition of insanity is?

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.

The lesson I’ve learned from this experience is to steer clear of the athletes on campus. Maybe it’s unfair to paint them all with the same broad-brush stroke, but I’ve been burned too many times in the past. The guys around here have too many options available. Every men’s team at Western has their own set of jersey chasers, cleat sniffers, or puck bunnies.

I’m over the womanizing jocks. I’ve dated a couple different athletes throughout the years.

Luke, a hockey goalie.

Logan, a soccer midfielder.

Ashton, a breaststroker.

And Justin...a baseball pitcher.

And they’ve all turned out to be players.

In one regard, it’s nice to be with someone who understands the physical demands of playing a sport at a high level. There’s a dedication that other people can’t comprehend. But the cheating is the ugly side of it.

I’m officially tapping out.

Unaware of the thoughts circling through my head, Justin says, “I wanted to reach out yesterday, but I figured you needed time to cool off.”

Is he actually suggesting thirty-six hours is enough time to put his cheating into perspective and forgive him?

That’s not going to happen. In fact, the more I think about it, the angrier I get.

When I remain silent, lips pressed into a thin line, he continues. “I was hoping we could move past my,” there’s a pause, “lapse in judgement and work this out.”

He’s joking, right?

“I’m sorry?” My gaze jerks from the math building to Justin who remains tenaciously at my side. There’s no way I heard him correctly.

“I want to move forward with our relationship. We were really good together.” He gives me a hopeful smile. “Instead of letting my indiscretion tear us apart, let’s work to overcome it. We’ll be a stronger couple in the long run.”

Holy crap, the guy is serious. Well, color me stunned. I didn’t think it was possible for Justin to shock me anymore than he already has, but I was mistaken. This conversation has totally thrown me for a loop.

“Why would we do that?” My brows beetle together as confusion spirals through me. “It’s not like we were seeing each other for that long.” I wave a hand in his direction. “In fact, you’re the one who said we weren’t serious. And you obviously didn’t like me enough to remain faithful. So...why bother? Why not move on?”

“You’re right, I did say that. I thought I was being considerate by getting my needs taken care of elsewhere.”

A snort of disbelief escapes from me. I just can’t with this guy.

“I like you, Demi. A lot. And I’m human.”

Is he really playing the human card?

I made a mistake,” he continues. “Can’t you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

No, I really can’t. Once trust is broken, it’s almost impossible to earn it back again. Why is he even fighting for this relationship?

“Look,” I huff, only wanting to pull the plug on this conversation. At this point, I regret ever giving Justin a chance. It was a lapse in judgment on my part. Deep down, I suspected it wouldn’t work out in the long run, but even I couldn’t have imagined how it would implode. “I appreciate your apology, but our relationship is over.” Sure, I could tell him that I was planning to end things before I found him with Annica, but what good would that do? He needs to accept that my answer is final and move on.

Relief bursts inside me when I realize we’ve reached Corbin Hall and this conversation, whether he wants it to be or not, is over. Just like our relationship.

My gaze reluctantly flickers to Rowan, who lounges outside the brick building. It’s hardly a surprise to find him swarmed by a group of students vying for his attention. There’s something about the blond football player that attracts both men and women. He’s like the sun, and they want to be in his orbit, even if it’s for a moment. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I feel the same gravitational pull myself. There’s an unrelenting energy that refuses to be subdued. I’ve spent years struggling against the force of it.

Images from Saturday night crash unwantedly through my head. Days later, I can almost feel the warm drift of his breath across my lips, and the hope that had spiraled through me when I’d thought he would kiss me.

Thankfully, that didn’t happen. It would have only complicated matters. Already it feels like we’re walking a fine line.

And yet...it’s not relief that floods through me.

Our gazes collide, and Rowan’s eyes narrow before shifting to Justin who continues doggedly at my side.

“Instead of making a snap decision, one you’ll probably regret, why don’t you take a few days to think it over.”