Second Chance: A Military Football Romance

"What are you thinking about?" Dedra dropped down next to me as she worked to get her sandals on.

"That yesterday was a waste because of all that liquor I drank." I curled up on my side, pulling my feet away to give her more room. "Are you really going to find a church?"

"I think laying around yesterday was good for us, and yeah...my grandmother would roll over in her grave if I missed church. You should come with me." She popped my thigh and smiled. "You could ask for forgiveness for all those naughty thoughts you've been having about Brody."

"I have not." I pulled my blanket up to just under my chin. "He's a man whore."

"Yep, and like any other woman in this place, I'd pay for him for a night." She laughed and got up.

"Now who needs to ask for forgiveness?" I pushed at her with my foot as I smiled.

"I'm not denying it." She shrugged and grabbed the keys to my BMW. "Can I?"

"Of course." I glanced over toward the kitchen as Cindy walked out.

"When will you be back from church? I was hoping we could go do some shopping today. We could eat at that bistro that we went to the first day we got in. Cora and Emily would love it."

Dedra nodded before walking toward the door. "I'll be back around twelve. Be ready to go, and we'll eat and shop our afternoon away. Sounds like fun."

Cindy tugged at my foot as the front door closed behind Dedra. "You want some bacon and eggs?"

"I do, but I hate the idea of you cooking." I sat up and stretched. "Where is Emily?"

"She stayed the night with Clay last night. You passed out early." Cindy shrugged and sat down beside me.

"What?" I grabbed my phone and called her. "Is she okay?"

"Yes. What's up with you?" Cindy laughed and got up. "Come in the kitchen for breakfast after you're done playing mother to your fully grown best friend."

Emily's voice filled the line. "Hey. I'm coming home soon. Just making breakfast for the boys."

"You hate to cook." I couldn't keep the jealousy out of my voice. Watching Brody leave with the dark-haired supermodel on Friday night had me in knots. I didn't even know the guy, but the fact that he was going to be part of my life for the next few months thanks to our friends hooking up left me confused and pissy.

"I don't mind so much. None of them were cooking." She yawned and giggled. "Stop it, Clay."

"Hey, I'm on the phone still. No grossing me out." I got up and walked to the kitchen, hating how badly I wanted to ask her if Brody was there.

"Sorry. What are we doing today? The guys want to get together tonight, I think."

"We're going to lunch and shopping. We'll talk about all that jazz when we see you. Be here by noon." I got a glass from the counter and turned to find Cindy watching me.

"Alright. See you soon."

I dropped the call and sat the phone down. "What?"

"You know what?" She put her hands on her hips. "You like him."

"Daniel? He's alright, but I'm not attracted to him. He's too studious." I shrugged and walked to the fridge, pulling out a gallon of orange juice and pouring a glass.

"Okay. We've been friends for forever and you're going to stand here and lie to my face?" I could hear the hurt in her voice. She was my most sensitive friend by far.

"Fine. I don't like him at all, but I'm insanely attracted to him. Okay?" I turned to face her and lifted my juice to my lips. "The fact that he took his cousin ho

me on Friday is still bothering me. But..." I shook my head to stop her from getting excited, which was exactly where she was headed. "He's a user. I'm not getting involved."

"Not even for a night?" She leaned against the kitchen counter.

"What? No. Who would survive that? He would be that dude." I took another drink of my orange juice and staved off the images that continued to push through my mind's eye. I couldn't stop myself from seeing the way he looked on the dock a few mornings before. I'd licked water from his abs ten times in my mind over the last day.