“Have you ever eaten here before?”

She shakes her head, her gray eyes open wide as she takes in the lively atmosphere of Gino’s.

“It takes a little while to get used to the noise level and all the people. Their pizza is worth the assault on your ears, I promise.” I smile as my eyes sweep around the room. This is one of my favorite places to come for dinner. I end up here at least twice a week, sometimes more.

“Wow, it must be pretty amazing pizza if it’s worth suffering hearing loss.” She smiles.

“I don't want to influence your opinion. I’ll let you be the judge.”

The waitress stops beside our table. Steam rises from the thick layer of mozzarella cheese as she sets the pan down in the middle of the table.

“Can I get you anything else?” she asks.

Harlow smiles and shakes her head.

“We’re all set, thanks.” She walks away and my gaze settles back on the gorgeous girl across from me. “Dig in. I can’t wait to see what you think.” My eyebrows raise as I wait for her to take the first bite.

“I feel like there should be a drum roll or something,” she jokes. Picking up the oversized slice with both of her hands, she raises it to her lips. I watch in envy as she blows on it before the pointed end enters her mouth. I wish she was wrapping her lips around a certain appendage of mine.

Her eyes shut as she bites into the slice. When she begins to chew, a moan escapes her lips. I can’t stop watching. The pizza is all but forgotten as I study her. I want my hands on her to be the reason she moans. I want to be the one who’s repeatedly drawing them out of her.

Her eyes open and she flushes when she notices me taking her in.

“Would you like me to order my own pizza?” I joke.

She giggles, then places the piece down on her plate. Wiping her lips with the white cloth napkin she then answers me. “This is the best I’ve ever had. How is it possible I’ve never heard about this place?”

“A lot of the football team comes here. Which is how I learned of it freshman year.” I bite off a large chunk of crust.

“At least I still have the rest of sophomore year to enjoy it and then two more. I think I’ll be eating here a lot.”

“I’m excited to be a senior next year. Only one more year of having this place easily accessible will suck.” I take a sip of water, studying her over my glass. “I meant to ask you last night, what your major is?”

She finishes chewing, then answers. “I’m getting a psychology degree. I’m not sure what I want to do, but I know I’d like to help people through emotionally hard times.” She takes a sip of her coke and wipes her mouth on her napkin. “What about you?”

“I’m going for communications.” I shove the rest of the crust in my mouth and chew.

She nods. “You want to follow in your father’s footsteps?”

I swallow past the lump in my throat her mentioning my dad brings up. “I want to play football in the NFL and then get into broadcasting like him, but that’s where the similarities will end.” I wipe my mouth with the napkin and throw it down on the table. “I don’t want to be anything like him in any other way.”

“I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject for you,” she says, her expression apologetic.

“No, it’s okay. I don’t want to get into the dysfunction of my family yet. Let’s save that for another time.” I wink hoping to lighten the mood.

Shit. I didn’t mean to reveal anything about my father. I don’t like to talk about what he’s done to our family. When he and my mom were married, he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. She would forgive him every time. It wasn’t until I was three years old that they split for good and only because his mistress was pregnant with my little brother, Trevor.

My dad’s been a better father figure to him than he ever was to me. He and I don’t always see eye to eye. He has his plan for my future and it doesn’t follow the same path mine does.

“So, where are you taking me after this?”

“Who said we’re going anywhere else? Pizza’s not a good enough date for you?”

“I..,” she sputters at a loss for words.

I chuckle. “I’m just kidding. I’m taking you to a party. I want to introduce you to some of my friends.”

She presses her lips together. “What’s wrong?” I ask before grabbing another slice from the tray.

She scrunches her nose up. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

My eyebrow raises and I pause with the slice of pizza halfway to my mouth. “Going to a party?” She nods her head.

“Why not?” I question.

“Because you’re you.” She gestures to me with her hand.

My eyebrows draw together. “What does that mean?” Placing my slice down on the plate, I continue. “Why does who I am matter?”

“You’re the quarterback of the football team. Everyone knows who you are and I’m not comfortable being on display.”

“You didn’t know who I was. Who’s to say you’re the only one?”

A sheepish look passes over her face.

“Wait a minute.” I lean my arms on the table. “Did you know who I was that night at the party?”

Her eyes lower to her plate and when they move up to meet mine they’re filled with humor. “I might’ve known who you were.” She shrugs her shoulders.

I rake my teeth over my bottom lip. “I think there’s a lot more to you than anyone knows.” I study her and slowly nod my head. “Much more than you let everyone see. It’s going to be a lot of fun discovering all those hidden layers.” I flash her a grin.

* * *

Her hand squeezes mine when we enter the frat house the party is being held at. I’m almost positive it was only a reflex on her part, a burst of nervous energy. I tighten my hold and hope it helps to calm her. It’s obvious she’s uncomfortable. Her eyes are cast downward and she’s pulled my arm in front of her like a shield to protect her from all the people she doesn’t know.

I lean down, my lips next to her ear. “Relax. You’re with me,” I reassure her.

She manages a small closed lipped smile in reply.

I know she’s apprehensive about being here. Pulling her to the side of the room, I tuck her in front of me and lean back against the wall. My arms are loose around her narrow waist. Lowering down, I peer into her eyes. “Harlow, I want you to have a good time while we’re here. You need to stop worrying about everyone else and focus on me.” I flash her a quick grin. “You can stay as close to me as you want.” I raise my eyebrows up and down and she giggles. “That’s what I’m talking about. I want to see your beautiful smile.” My hands move up to cup her shoulders. “We can leave any time you want. Just give me the signal.”

“What’s the signal?” she asks a curious expression on her face.

Rubbing my chin, I think of what it can be.

“Just tell me you want some alone time with me. Those words will get me out of here in flash.”

She slaps my chest. “Brady,” she says rolling her eyes.

“Okay, that might not be the best one, but just for the record, I’d love to hear those words come out of your sexy mouth.”

She looks away as a flush of pink washes over her fair skin.

“I’ve got it,” I say.

Her eyes return to me.

“What if you just tell me you’re ready to go? Good communication is important in relationships. We should always be upfront and honest with each other.” Internally I grimace at my words. I’ve no fucking idea about relationships and all I learned from my parents are lies and mistrust. “What do you think?” Can you do that?”

She nods her head. “I can.”

My hand slides from her shoulder, my fingers skimming over the back of her arm to clasp her hand. “Come on. I want to introduce you to some friends.”

We maneuver through the crowded room toward Zeke’s broad back and dark head. As we come upon the group of my friends I pull Harlow into my side, slinging my arm around her shoulders.

“Linc buddy, it’s about time you showed,” Zeke says. He smiles down at Harlow. “Now I see what the holdup was.” He holds his hand out. “I’m Zeke, one of Brady’s roommates.”

Harlow tentatively places her hand in his and he pumps it up and down a few times jerking her around.

He releases his hold. “I’m sorry about that. I get a little carried away sometimes and you’re just a little thing.”

“Zeke, this is Harlow,” I interject.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” she politely replies and then shakes her hand as if she’s in pain.

Zeke’s eyes open wide. “Oh shit, did I hurt you?”

She giggles. “Just messing with you.”

I bark out a laugh. For someone who was worried about meeting my friends she’s jumped right in.

“Zeke is like a bull in a china shop. We call him Hulk because he doesn’t know his own strength. “Hulk smash,” I joke.

Harlow covers her mouth to hide her smile.

“I get no respect. Who protects your ass on the field every week?” He points at himself. “That would be me.”

“Are you planning on introducing me at any point?” Claire, Zeke’s girlfriend asks, placing a hand on his arm. Staring up at him, she pouts her lips. Zeke smiles down at her, falling for her ridiculous need to be the center of attention. She can do no wrong in his eyes and he won’t listen to reason where she’s concerned.

“Of course, babe. I’d never forget you,” he says with a wink, before turning back to Harlow. “This gorgeous angel is my girlfriend Claire.”

Harlow smiles. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

Claire looks her over. “Hi,” she says her tone cool and definitely not angel like.

Harlow reflexively leans into me.

Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I pull her to my side. “Be nice, Claire. Harlow’s important to me.” My tone is light, but the seriousness in my expression gets the point across.

Claire’s eyes flare with surprise before she answers. “I’m always nice, Brady.”

I don’t answer. Leaning down, my lips near Harlow’s ear I say, “let’s go get something to drink.”

She nods her head.

“We’ll be back in a bit. We’re going to grab some drinks and I want to introduce Harlow to some of the other guys.”

Zeke holds his fist out and I bump it with mine. “Later,” I say then usher Harlow along with me toward the kitchen. We’re at my old frat house, the same one I met her at a couple weeks ago. There are so many people here I end up taking Harlow’s hand, keeping her slightly behind me as I shoulder us through the crowd. Nodding my head hello to those I know, I don’t stop moving forward. I need a beer and I want to get a drink in her hand before she decides she’s had enough of this madhouse and wants to leave.

When we reach the kitchen there’s a crowd gathered around the table where Cameron and a few of my teammates are playing a game of strip poker with some of the cheerleaders. Judging by the noise level and the lack of clothes they’ve all started drinking the hard stuff early.

Harlow’s eyes show how surprised she is at what we walked in on. I forget this is all new to her. Hell, this is tame compared to some of the shit that goes on here. There are a few cheerleaders who like to be watched. They’ll suck anyone’s dick on the football team and they don’t care who sees. The larger the audience the better and they’ll act like it’s a fucking honor. Those are the girls I avoid. I might not be the most selective about who I fuck, but I do have some standards.

“What do you want to drink?” I ask, gesturing to the long line of bottles spread out on the granite counter.

I watch her eyes move over all the different kinds of liquor before she glances up at me.

“Do you have any wine coolers? I don’t want anything that strong.” Her teeth bite into her bottom lip with worry. “I don’t usually drink,” she adds.

I squeeze her hand, reassuring her. “No problem. Let me see what I can find.” Releasing my hold on her I open the fridge and move things around until I find a berry wine cooler. I grimace. This bottle’s probably been in here for four years. Does alcohol ever expire?

I search some more, but this is the only thing I come up with. Closing the door, I hand her the bottle.

She smiles. “Thanks. I’ve had this kind before. It’s pretty good.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I’m not sure how long it’s been buried inside our fridge. It could be from my freshman year.”

She giggles and searches the bottle for an expiration date. “I don’t see a date so I guess that means it never expires.” She twists open the top, breaking the paper seal. “Here goes nothing. Cheers,” she toasts before taking a sip. Once she swallows it all down she nods her head, pressing her lips together. “Tastes okay to me.”

“You’re taken care of. Now what am I in the mood for?” I spot a bottle of Captain Morgan spiced rum and add a good dose to some ice in a red cup. A little Coke goes in last and when I realize there’s no straw in sight, I give it a stir with my index finger. I shrug my shoulders. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Harlow giggles as she watches me.

Pulling my finger from the cold beverage I hold it in front of her mouth. A complete look of panic comes over her face before she shakes her head.

Chuckling at her horrified expression, I dry my finger on her jeans. She jumps at my touch. “Calm down, kitten. I’m just joking. Believe me, my finger is not the body part I want you to suck.”

She gasps, then covers her eyes with her hand.

I lean down, my lips close to her ear. “You do know I can still see you, right?” She shivers when she feels the heat of my breath fanning her skin with each word I say. I press a gentle kiss below her ear and run my nose along the graceful line of her neck. Her scent reminds me of a combination of strawberries and vanilla. “You smell delicious; good enough to eat. I can’t wait to find out what you taste like,” I growl.

She gasps again, lowering her hand down enough to reveal her large gray eyes. “Brady, you can’t say things like that to me,” she says, her voice so low it’s barely audible.

Lifting my head, I peer in her eyes. “I just did.” I wink, then continue in a more serious tone. “Harlow, I’m not saying anything I don’t mean. I’ve been pretty clear on how I feel about you from the start.” I take her hand from her face and place my cup down on the counter. Cradling her cheeks in my palms, I tell her, “I want you, plain and simple. I’m not going to pressure you into doing something you’re not ready for, but I’m also going to be open about my feelings for you.” I rub my nose against hers and then draw back. “I like you and I want to spend more time with you.”