Make It Last (Friends & Lovers 1)

“What happened? With football?” she asked softly

“It was the last game of the season and I got hit. Hard. I went down wrong and messed up my knee pretty bad again. The doctor said that I have to stop playing, or I’ll have permanent damage. So that’s it. No more ball, well at least no more ball as a player.”

“Does that mean you’re thinking about still being involved with football, but in another capacity?”

“Yeah. Rich and I were just talking about this actually, and I’ve been doing some research online. I was thinking about trying to coach.” Colin’s eyes shone with excitement as he spoke. “I’d have to star

t as an assistant, but it would be great to still have the opportunity to be part of a team.”

Briana couldn’t help but be excited for him, but that also meant that his time here would be short-lived.

“That’s great. Have you said anything to you folks?”

“Nah, not yet. I know Dad will be disappointed. He was pretty happy when I came home, and he loves the idea of me running the store, but I know that ultimately they both want what’s best for me.” Colin brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it gently. “What about you? What happened at A & M?”

Briana felt the familiar regret when she answered.

“You’ve heard the story before: girl goes to college, girl doesn’t go to class as much as she should, and doesn’t do well when she does. Girl doesn’t get good enough grades to keep her financial aid, so girl returns home with her tail between her legs.”

“Hey,” he said, lifting her face so that he could look in her eyes. “Don’t do that. You’re not just any girl. You’re smart, capable, and confident. Sometimes shit happens, but you’re great.”

She smiled at him, then leaned in to kiss him softly on the lips.

“Thanks. I’ve been thinking about going back to school,” she admitted shyly. “Not back to university, but to culinary school.”

“Really? That’s wonderful.”

“Yeah, there’s one in Austin that I’ve been looking at.”

“You should do it, Bree. You’ll be great.”

“I’ve been saving up and my mom said she’d pay half, so I should have the money soon. I’ve been putting together the application.”

“How is your mother?” he asked with a grin. He and her mother had always been very fond of each other.

“She’s great. She moved with Ray, her new husband, out to a farm about thirty miles away. I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like, but I’m planning on heading out there this weekend.”

“I’m glad she’s happy. She deserves it.” Colin and Briana had just started dating when Briana’s father died of a brain aneurysm rupture. He’d passed away in his sleep. It had been a total shock for Briana and her mother. Colin had been a wonderful source of support for them both, and Briana would always love him for that.

Her heart swelled at the memory and her eyes started to fill. She leaned in to kiss him again, with more force and feeling this time. It didn’t take much coaxing before Colin was resting on top of her, the weight of him causing the rest of her body to come alive.

The morning passed too quickly, and before she knew it, Briana had to leave so she could get some errands done before work that night.

Colin walked her to the door, his jeans unbuttoned and slung low on his hips.

She took a moment to appreciate the sight and feel of him before tearing herself away and reaching for the door handle.

“Will you go out with me Friday night?” he asked before she walked out the door.

She turned and looked up at him, “Like on a date?”

“Yes. I’ll pick you up and we can go to dinner, or whatever you’d like.” He looked so unsure of her answer that she couldn’t help the smile that blossomed on her face.

“I’d like that,” she replied. “But I’m leaving early on Saturday to go to my Mom’s house, so it can’t be a really late night.”

“No problem,” Colin said, grinning widely, his eyes sparkling with pleasure. “I’ll pick you up at six.”

“Okay, I’ll see you then.” She leaned in for a quick kiss, but paused before turning to go. “Go easy on Rich, all right? He loves you.”