The Perfect Game (The Perfect Game 1)

“Wait,” I said, putting one hand up in the air. “How do you have a class with a freshman?”

“I still have a couple of lower-level classes to take and he’s in one of them. He’s really sweet. Not like Jack at all,” Melissa added with a smile and a faraway look in her eyes.

“Oh my God, you like him!”

“I do not!” Melissa whispered defensively. “I barely even know him! I’m just saying he’s nothing like his brother, is all. ”

“Okay, calm down. Jeez. It’s okay to like Jack Carter’s little brother. ” I glanced back at Dean, admiring his smile, but noting the lack of dimples his brother wore so well. “He is cute. ” I poked her shoulder.

“He is, right?” She eyed him from a distance.

“At least you like the good one. ” I smiled, turning back to see the brothers throwing their arms around each other’s necks.

“As if I’d like the other one! Jack’s disgusting. ” She pretended to stick a finger down her throat and made gagging noises.

“So you keep saying,” I said, taking another spoonful of yogurt.

“I swear to God, Cassie. If you end up falling for his shit, I don’t want to hear it. I’ve watched him the last two years before you got here. I’m telling you, he’s the ultimate playboy. ” She silenced her rant with a quick chomp at her banana.

“I hear you. Okay? Steer clear of Jack Carter. It shouldn’t be that hard, considering I don’t want to go anywhere near him. ”

We both smiled, momentarily satisfied with my promise.

TWO

The sun warmed my body the moment I stepped out of the three-story Communications & Arts Building. A gentle breeze swept across my face as I observed my fellow students. Some rushed to get to class, while others fought for sunny areas on the lawn. I smiled as I passed a long-haired kid playing the guitar. He played under the same tree every day, and I started to wonder if he was a student at all or if he just liked being on the large, sprawling campus.

I passed by the university bookstore and shops, making a mental note to pick up two scantrons for my upcoming tests. Herds of people milled in and out of the student union entrance as I walked in. My eyes immediately fell on Jack and his harem of fans. I couldn’t get over how I’d never noticed it before, but now it was all I saw. He flexed his muscles for a couple of girls who screamed when they grabbed on to

his bicep. I heard him say, “Hold on,” as he lifted them into the air. I frowned with disgust as he demonstrated his pitching motion in slow speed, much to the delight of the squealing girls.

“He is such an attention whore. ” I slammed my body down in the seat across from Melissa.

“Then stop paying attention to him. ”

“It’s sort of hard not to when he’s always creating a spectacle. ” I waved my arms toward the gaggle of girls following his every move.

“Hi, Melissa. ” A deep voice interrupted my Jack-bashing.

“Oh…hi, Dean,” Melissa responded, her voice all soft and sweet. I shot a quick glance at her under my eyelashes, and smiled to myself.

“Would you mind if I sat with you?” Dean smiled when he asked and kept his hazel eyes locked on Melissa’s.

“No. We’re much better company than your brother’s table anyway,” she teased, poking him in the ribs.

He glanced in Jack’s direction, shaking his head. “It just gets old sometimes, you know?” He placed a slice of pizza on the table and sat down.

“Hi, I’m Dean. ” He stretched his hand across the table.

“I’m Cassie. I’m Melissa’s roommate. ” I grabbed his hand and squeezed.

“It’s nice to—”

“Dean! What are you doing over here?” Jack’s sultry voice echoed throughout the student union, and I felt my stomach lurch. I lifted my gaze to find him staring at me, so I pinched my lips together, hoping my annoyance would be loud and clear.

“Oh, Kitten. I see you’ve met my little brother. ” Jack winked before placing his hand on Dean’s shoulder and squeezing.

“Thank God he seems nothing like you. I might actually be able to tolerate him. ” I tilted my head and smiled sharply before taking a bite of my turkey sandwich. I noticed Melissa and Jack sharing an amused glance, and I wanted to kick Melissa under the table. The last time I did that it left an ugly bruise on her shin and she didn’t speak to me for days, so I restrained myself.