Climbing out of bed, I wanted nothing more than to stay there, all day if I could. His bed was so comfy.

Hearing my phone vibrate, I quickly grabbed it out of my bag, cringing at how loud it was.

“Hello?” I hated answering calls off private numbers.

“Hey, chicka!” Bex replied, sounding way too loud and cheery. “Want to have brekkie before class?”

We had a free lesson on Fridays, so our classes didn’t usually start until 10:30am.

I nodded before replying. “Sure. Just let me go home and get changed.” I cringed at my reply. I didn’t want her knowing I had spent the night at Johnny’s. She could be like a dog with a bone.

“Go home?” she asked, sounding confused. “Go home. Tillie, where the fuck are you?” She gasped before continuing. “You slept with Johnny!” she screeched, sounding like a wound-up toy.

I cringed, pulling the phone away from my ear. “Calm down. I only fell asleep,” I defended. Her comments had me blushing like a stupid little girl that had gotten caught stealing cookies or something.

“Okay.” She didn’t believe me. “Carter’s at nine.” She hung up.

Breakfast now sounded like the worst idea ever. I grabbed my bag, pulling my hoodie on and left the house, locking up with the key left on the shelf. Walking in to Joy’s, I smiled when I saw her going through a gardening catalogue.

“Hi sweetie,” she smiled up at me.

“Thank you for last night.” I bent and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I fell asleep and was too comfy to move.”

She laughed, making me grin. Joy had gotten to know me well enough to know how much I loved a comfy bed. I stood, waiting for her to ask me the awkward questions that I knew Bex was gearing up to ask in just under an hour.

“Everything okay?” she asked, smiling up at me. There was a cheeky sparkle in her eye, but she never asked or hinted at anything. “Are you going to the game tonight?”

“Yes, Chunk got me a ticket.”

She frowned at my response.

“Is that okay?”

“Of course. I forgot to tell you that I’m away this weekend. A few of us ladies had booked tickets to go and see a play.” She looked worried at the thought of leaving me on my own.

“Oh, that’s cool,” I enthused, trying to make her feel better. “Have a good time!”

She relaxed at my words, going back to browsing through her catalogue.

Jogging upstairs, I took a quick shower and changed, throwing my hair up in a bun.

After wishing Joy safe travels, I left the house, making sure to grab the keys. Making my way to Carter’s Café, I resolved to be honest with Bex. Sex was obviously a touchy subject for me and it wasn’t like I could talk to Joy about it. I wondered if Bex might be able to offer some good advice.

Walking in, I grinned at Bex, who sat in a booth at the back, waving enthusiastically at me. There couldn’t have been more than ten people inside. I grinned, sitting across from her, smiling at the waitress coming to our table with a latte for Bex and a steaming hot chocolate with extra chocolate sprinkles for me.

“I ordered the pancakes with extra bacon for you.” She grinned at me, knowing me all too well.

“Thanks, Bex.” I smiled at her, laughing when I saw a blush steal over her cheeks. She blushed over the craziest things. “So,” she said, shaking her head. “Give me the details.”

I cocked an eyebrow at her, trying to act clueless. “I only slept.”

She rolled her eyes at me. “Seriously? You had that piece of fine ass in a bed, all to yourself, and you’re trying to tell me you only slept? What the fuck? You should have been climbing him like a pole.”

I laughed, loving her enthusiasm. The more I hung out with Bex, the more I was convinced that she would be perfect for Logan. Shame she was into girls.

“So,” she said quietly. “What’s the problem?” She smiled at me, trying to make me comfortable I think.

“I don’t know.” I shrugged my shoulders, not knowing how to explain it. “I just… I don’t think I’m ready for it.”

She looked confused.

“He’s been with so many and what if I’m not enough?” It was a simple question and one I felt comfortable enough with Bex to ask. What if I wasn’t enough? What if, by morning, I was another notch on his belt? It would kill me. I’d become the laughing stock of the entire college. What if, deep down, he realized he would prefer someone like Lucy?

“Tillie.” She reached over, taking my hand in hers. “That boy is in love with you.”

Was she high? I shook my head, disagreeing with her. It was just a crush, that’s all.

“I’m serious,” she continued. “I’ve seen the way he watches you. Not only has he stopped sleeping around, he doesn’t even look at another girl. I bent over in front of him to pick up a pencil—just to test him—and he just freaking looked around me to watch the door. He’s like a little puppy waiting for the next treat.”

I laughed at her choice of words. Was she serious? Could he be as crazy about me as I was about him? I couldn’t lie. I had created a wall to protect myself, but I wanted to trust him.

“You have a good heart, Till. Don’t lock it away. Open it up and let him in.”

I looked at her, trying to believe her words.

“If he screws up, I promise to personally whip his ass.” She gave me a cheeky wink, making me giggle.

Breakfast quickly arrived, and it was delicious. I could have lived off pancakes and bacon, especially if the bacon was crispy. It was the food of the gods.

“That reminds me. I have a ticket for you.” I took it out of my purse, sliding it across the table to her. “Please say you’ll come with me. I don’t want to go alone.”

“I suppose I can be seen with you.” She rolled her eyes before grinning at me. “We can meet there around six?”

I nodded, agreeing with the plan.

Hours later, I was rushing from classes, my mind turning over my last subject. I cringed at how the professor favored life drawings over landscapes. Apparently, landscapes were not suited to today’s environment. We now lived in the digital age and sitting in front of landscapes capturing the detail was to be considered a thing of the past, especially since we had such advanced software like Photoshop.

What a twit! How did he not realize that using digital software to create landscape drawings was sick. That should be a thing of the past. I would choose sitting in front of lush green fields capturing the beauty of a windmill turning in the wind any day of the week. It relaxed me—made me feel at ease. It was one of the many things I used to do with my mother. No matter how many times I would drag her somewhere to draw, she would never complain. She would always just sit patiently and wait until I was done. She was where my love of drawing came from and I was never going to give that part of my skill up.

Walking inside, I dropped my bag on the armchair and ran upstairs to my room. I had just enough time for a quick shower and change before meeting Bex. Stripping in the bathroom, I jumped in the shower doing a quick soap up and jumping back out. Wrapping a towel around my body, I froze when I got to my doorway.

On my bed, was a blue box with a white bow on top. Tucked beneath the ribbon was a note written in Johnny’s handwriting.

Please wear me

I grinned, pulling the lid off and gasped at what was inside. It was an exact replica of Johnny’s jersey except the front had his jersey number, number ten, and ‘#1’ on the back. I loved it! I knew Lucy and her minions would hate it and it would probably send me to the top of their most hated list, but it would be worth it. Johnny obviously put enough thought into it for me to wear it.

After a quick change, I grabbed my cream cardigan and left the house, locking up and making my way toward the sports arena. Standing outside, I looked around, trying to spot Bex. The place was packed with crowds of people. I was surprised that so many were there but then remembered this was a town that loved their football players.

I spotted Lucy up ahead, cringing at the smirk she sent my way. I really didn’t want any contact with her that night. Confrontation and I did not get along. My gawking was quickly interrupted when Bex appeared in my view. I laughed at how her face was painted with the school colors on her cheeks.

“Problem?” She cocked an eyebrow at me. “We turned lesbian all of a sudden?”

“What?” I looked at her confused.

“You and Lucy having a stare down. Wasn’t sure if you wanted to rip each other’s clothes off or pounce on each other.”

I rolled my eyes at her lame joke. “Ha ha. Very funny.”

She laughed, looping her arm with mine and pulling me toward the entrance. Taking our seats, I laughed at her. She was looking so cocky with the team’s logos painted on her cheeks.

“I look fabulous, right?” She grinned at me, showing off her pearly whites.

The stands started filling up. A few people stared at us, but most of them were chatting amongst themselves. Some had their faces painted, but mostly everyone just looked excited.

“So, do you know the rules of football?” I hoped she did because I had no clue.

She shook her head before her eyes moved past me. She widened her eyes, nodding her head forward for me to look.

I turned my head and froze when I saw Johnny climbing the steps. He was dressed in his football jersey and tight trousers. He even had his shoulder pads on and was carrying his helmet.

Fuck, he was sexy.

He high-fived a few members of the crowd before his eyes landed on me. He gave me a sexy wink before continuing in our direction. What the hell was he doing? He should be in the changing rooms or something.

He stopped next to me, going down on one knee and placing his helmet on my lap.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, quietly.

I noticed people beginning to gawk at Johnny in the crowds. I guess he did not do this all the time. Even people a few blocks down were turning to look. Some were even standing. They were acting like he was an NFL player already or something.

“You ready for your first game?” He grinned at me, looking every inch the professional football player.

I’d never seen the attraction with footballers before but looking at Johnny, I had been converted.

“I think so.” I grinned at him, trying to ignore the stares from around us, including from Bex.

“Take your cardigan off,” he said, reaching for my hand.

“What?” I chuckled, feeling very confused.

“It’s not too cold,” he reasoned. “Plus, nobody is going to see how fucking amazing you look in your jersey.” He emphasized the word ‘your’. “It’s yours and no one else’s.” His eyes bored into mine, making me swoon.

I reached up, slipping my cardigan off. The second my back became exposed, the whispers started up. I guess the ‘#1’ said a lot.

“That’s better.” He grinned up at me, entwining his fingers with mine. “Kiss me.”

I laughed at him, thinking he was joking. When he only continued to look at me with that carefree smile on his face, I cringed.

Seriously? He expected me to kiss him in front of the entire freaking arena?!

“Ooh, look, look!” Bex said, taking my attention from Johnny. She was pointing at the big massive screen at the top of the field.

Kill me now.

I was on the screen with Johnny. A live fucking camera feed.

I looked back to him, expecting to see a cocky smirk on his face, but I didn’t. He was looking at me like I was his whole world. It was the same look every Disney prince wore when looking at their princess. I sighed, wanting to believe Bex’s words from earlier but it was hard when you go from being a loner to the centre of someone’s world as Bex would put it.

“Kiss your fella!” Bex demanded, bumping me with her elbow. She widened her eyes at me, trying to convince me to take the bait.

Looking back to Johnny, I was resolved to do just that. It wasn’t like I hated kissing Johnny. Honestly, I could die a happy death doing that all day. Before I could make a move, he took my chin in between his forefinger and thumb. He pulled my face closer to his, fusing our lips together. He kept it sweet and short, thankfully, before pulling away from me. One last wink and he was jogging back down the stairs to a roaring applause.

The live camera screen followed him, leaving me and my embarrassment behind.

Bex was staring at me with her mouth wide open. “So fucking hot,” she whispered, dramatically fanning herself.

“Shut up,” I chuckled, focusing back on the field.

I cringed when my eyes settled on Lucy. Even from this far away, the girl did not look happy. Downright pissed would have been a good way to describe her.

The music started up, blasting through the speakers and the players slowly filtered on to the field. Individual announcements were done for all the main players, where the back-up players just ran to the bench and sat down. The crowd went wild for most of them, but it was deafening when Johnny was introduced. It was clear who the main attraction was there.

An hour later, we were nearly at the end of the game. To me it was already over. The score was 73-30, but my boys were well in the lead.

“So,” Bex started. “Are you going to be at the party later?”

“Party?” I hadn’t heard anything about a party.

“Seriously?” She rolled her eyes at my naivety. “Every game comes with a party.”

I shrugged my shoulders dismissively. “I hadn’t really thought about it.” I couldn’t remember Johnny saying anything about a party.

Thirty minutes later, he had scored twelve more points with a touchdown, ending the game on 85-39. The crowd were straight on their feet, cheering and clapping for their winning team. I smiled when I saw Johnny and the boys line up and shake the other team’s hands. They may have been competitive, but they seemed to be good boys as well.

Bex and I remained in our seats, deciding to wait for Johnny. I had no clue what the plan was for after so waiting for him seemed like the best plan. Half an hour later we were still sitting there, wrapped in our cardigans.

“What the hell is taking so long?” Bex complained, her hands shaking from the cold. “They having pedicures or some shit?”

I laughed, leaving my seat and beginning the walk down. Maybe it’d be warmer down by the changing rooms. Walking on to the field, I cringed when I heard female voices coming from the side of the changing room block. I turned around, trying to avoid bumping into the snotty cheerleaders when Bex forced my arm through hers, stopping me from escaping.

Lucy walked around the side of the block with a few of her cheerleaders on either side of her. They were all still dressed in their slutty outfits. Lucy opened her mouth to say something—probably an insult—when Logan and Sammy jogged out of the building, mock-punching each other in the arm. I grinned at their antics before Logan saw me.

“There she is.” He grinned over at me before jogging toward us.

I held my arms out for him, expecting him to want a hug when he went straight past me, instead hugging Bex and swinging her around in a circle. I laughed at them. They were perfect for each other. They just didn’t know it. Instead I took the hug off Sammy. He was acting like a champ. He may not have gotten to play that night, but he wasn’t letting it get him down.

“The team played well tonight.” I smiled at him, letting him rest his arm across my shoulders.

“They did.” He grinned down at me. “He’ll be out in a few.”

I opened my mouth to reply when a high-pitched nasal voice sounded from behind us.

“Aren’t you with the wrong brother, Tillie?” She smirked at me. “Or do they share you around?” Lucy’s friend giggled at the jab.

Sammy immediately dropped his arm, positioning himself in front of me. I put my arm on his, not wanting him to say anything to make it worse. Before he could, Johnny walked out of the door, walking straight past Lucy and her snobby friends. Sammy relaxed immediately, causing me to relax.

“Don’t worry, ladies.” He grinned, walking straight to me. “She knows which brother she belongs to.” He didn’t hesitate in placing his hands at the back of my thighs and hoisting me up.

I was not a massive fan of public displays of affection, but I was finding it easier with Johnny every time he kissed me. I leaned my head down, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and pressing my lips to his. He hummed against my lips, pressing his tongue against mine before ending the kiss.

“Congrats, Mr. Line-Backer.” I grinned down at him, feeling very proud of him. He’d played like a pro.

“Thank you.” He smiled up at me, his hands firmly holding my thighs. “Do I get a reward?” His eyes smouldered with lust.

I say lust because I could feel something firm press against me. I brazenly rubbed myself against him, gasping at the feel of him.

Opening my eyes, I looked down at him. “I’m sure we can think of something,” I whispered, brushing the hair away from his face. It was a flirtatious response which was very unlike me, but it was the truth. Since breakfast with Bex this morning, I had thought of nothing else but trying to open myself up to Johnny.

“Let’s get this show on the road!” Logan cheered from behind Johnny.

Johnny slowly put me down, taking my hand in his and began leading the way home.

“So, where are we going now?” I asked.

“I thought we could go to the party and hang out with the team a little.” He cocked an eyebrow at me, waiting for my response.

I nodded, tightening my grasp on Johnny’s hand.

He and I told Bex, Sammy and Logan that we’d see them at the party.

As we walked inside Johnny’s house, he pulled me toward the stairs. “Let me get changed quickly and we can go,” he said, placing his foot on the first step.

“I’ll wait here.” I pulled my hand from his, refusing to be pulled up those stairs. I went weak at the knees whenever I saw that man topless.

He grinned, jogging up the stairs and disappearing into his room. Half a minute later, he was back out, pulling a black tee down over his abs.

I spun around, rolling my eyes at myself. He obviously knew my secret.

He took my hand and we left the house, making our way down the street. At the end was a fraternity house that some of the team lived at. Walking in, Johnny was greeted by several party-goers with pats on the back and hand-shakes. He tightened his grip on mine, pulling me closer.

Looking around, I didn’t recognize a single person. They were obviously mostly college students but there were no art students in sight. Walking into the kitchen, I grinned at Sammy. He was filling drinks for him and Logan who currently had his tongue half way down some random girl’s throat. Bex sat on the worktop, knocking back drink after drink. I noticed she had her hand tucked into Sammy’s jean pocket on his ass.

I cocked my eyebrow at Johnny, making him laugh. “I thought she was a lesbian,” I whispered quietly.

He took a gulp of his beer bottle that Sammy had passed him. “News to me.” He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. “Maybe she’s experimenting.”

Sammy turned to pass me the drink. Taking a sniff, I smiled when a strawberry scent hit me. I hummed at the taste. There was a slight taste of vodka, but it was mostly fruity. I followed Johnny into the lounge where he led me to the snooker table located to the right. He put his bottle on the oak ledge and turned, placing his hands on my hips and lifted me until I was sitting on the table.

I grinned up at him, appreciating the gesture. I was too short to have been able to jump up there myself. He placed his hand on my thigh, taking another gulp of his drink, and I placed my hand on his, trying to stop the tingles from traveling up my leg. With one touch, he had turned me into a quivering mess.

Johnny’s attention was quickly pulled from mine when Bex waved him over to her. He frowned, passing me his bottle and walking over to her. She gave me a small smile before turning her back to talk to Johnny.

It was rude to stare but I couldn’t turn away. Bex’s head was nodding up and down before Johnny’s eyes shot over her head to look at me. I was expecting a smile, but he looked back at Bex too quickly. He nodded, gave her a small smile and walked back over to me.

What was that about?

I held his bottle out to him, smiling when he took it. “Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Of course.” He put his hand back on my leg, holding it out for mine. Entwining our fingers together, the tingle quickly returned.

A few minutes later, he drained the rest of his bottle, tossing it in the bin just in front of us. “Do you want to leave?” he asked, turning to me. He looked so open and honest.

My eyes went to the door where Bex still stood. I smiled when she held her hands up giving me the thumbs up symbol. I took a deep breath, feeling the nerves settle in my stomach. “Okay.” I nodded at him, letting him help me down.

Leaving the house together, I felt nervous to be alone with Johnny.

Just the two of us.

Alone.