Second Chance: A Military Football Romance

I pulled into the parking lot and turned the car off, chuckling at my best friend. "Do they have people who specialize in having fun?"

"Watch it," she said as she popped me in the arm before getting out of the car.

I got out and walked to the back, suddenly feeling overdressed in my jeans and t-shirt. Cindy was still in her beach-dress and Dedra was sporting a pair of tight shorts and a tank top. I was suddenly itching to get into my swimsuit and get out in the sun.

"We'll grab the cold stuff," Cindy slid her arm into Emily's. "You and D get the wine and bread?"

"And the pasta," Emily added before the two of them turned and walked off, chattering about something.

"Are we thinking red wine?" I asked before getting a small shopping cart.

"I think so. Maybe we'll just get both. You know how Cindy gets about pairing up drinks with food." She rolled her eyes playfully and walked beside me. "So, are you open to finding a cute boy to snuggle up with?"

"I don't know yet. Are there a lot of single cute boys that you've seen?" I glanced over at her. Everyone knew my story and that I'd been a loner for a few months on purpose.

"Oh, yeah. We've met quite a few people since getting here. I'm saving myself for that chocolate man that Cindy mentioned," she snorted. "I seriously almost wrecked the damn boat over him."

"Was he that hot?" I lifted my eyebrow and turned down the liquor aisle.

"Let's just say that I had to check to make sure my panties hadn't melted off." She shrugged and lifted her hand to grab a bottle too high for me to reach. I wasn't short by most standards, but up next to Dedra's six foot two frame, I felt like a small fry.

"Wow. Maybe I need to meet this guy." I knelt and picked out a bottle of white wine that looked good. "Dearington Farms. Have you heard of this brand?"

A masculine voice behind us startled me. "It's local. The farm is just down the road, though I have no clue how they grow grapes. It's hot as hell here." I turned to find a lanky guy with dark brown hair and a warm smile. "I'm Clint. My folks own the big house as you first pull into town. We're having a huge party tomorrow night to welcome all the vacationers. The property off the back of the house is huge. You guys are invited."

He handed me a slip of paper and smiled before walking off, not really waiting for a response.

"Cool," I turned back to Dedra and shrugged. "Looks like we're off to a good start. We've been invited to the in-crowd."

She rolled her eyes and took the paper from me. "Everyone is invited, but it's still a party."

Chapter Four

Brody

"Are we going dancing tonight?" I licked at my fingers as we sat out on the patio, wrapping up lunch. There was nothing better than a sausage fold-over slathered in mustard.

"I'm down with whatever, but remember tomorrow is that party up at Clint's place." Derek stretched out on a lawn chair beside the table. "There should be a huge crowd, so maybe you'll find one or two untapped women."

I chuckled and lifted my eyebrow at him. "I'm not looking for a virgin. You know that. I like my women capable and aware of what they want."

"I just meant untapped by you." He winked at me before letting his head drop back.

"I've been here three weeks. That means I might have slept with…”

"Twenty to 30 girls." Daniel gave me a look as he adjusted his glasses.

"Twenty to 30?" Clay laughed and stood up. "He's slowing down, then. I was thinking 20 days times two to three girls a day..."

"Fuck you guys." I picked up my beer and drained it. "You could be cool like me. Just stop being so selective."

"Are you kidding me?" Clay started to pick up plates. "I've not seen you with a woman who wouldn't be perfect for Playboy. None of the girls you're picking up are you just settling. You're an ass for insinuating it."

"I'm gonna be labeled an ass for something, might as well be this." I finished my beer and burped as I got up. "I'm taking the boat out. Anyone wanna go?"

"I'm going to sleep. I got a date tonight with that pretty number you scared with your itsy-bitsy dick earlier." Derek laughed and pulled his cowboy hat over his face.

"Keep it up, big boy." I walked to the house, leaving my trash on the table. Clay cleaned like a little old lady. He'd get it for me.