Chapter 6 Dinner - Monet

James waves at me from his table, and I smile as I make my way over.

"Hey." That dazzling smile almost has my knees buckling, and I hug him back when he comes in for a hug.

I may hate certain football players, but there are definitely great perks with the defined bodies.

"What's up? Is school kicking your ass like it's kicking mine?" I take a seat, but I feel eyes burning on the back of my neck, so I take a look around and squint when I find the offending gaze.

"School is okay, I'm doing a general education degree right now, but training is definitely kicking my ass." He sits down next to me and runs his hand through his blonde hair. "I crash at like eight at night."

I check the time on my fitness watch. "Luckily it's only past six, so you still have some time."

"Yes, time to spend with you." He beams, his hand stroking my fingers on the table, making my ears burn. "Your brother gave me a lecture the other day."

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. "He did? What did he say?"

"He just asked what my intentions were with you." James' eyes get serious. "I said we're just getting to know each other, hanging out and stuff. What did you want me to tell him?"

"No, that's perfect. He can just be an ass sometimes, that's why I'm asking."

"He did say he will break my legs if I hurt you, and then I will never be able to play ball again." James chuckles.

"At least he didn't say you shouldn't be talking to me at all, that's a win." I get up. "Do you want anything to drink? A protein smoothie or something?"

"I'm good, thanks."

I get up, texting Amy that my guy is still cute as fuck, and that I'm definitely seeing where things are headed with him. She sends me throwing up emojis back, making me laugh. That girl is one of the best things that have happened to me this week. Why didn't we have girls like her in my high school?

"Kamila said I have to make sure you're eating something nutritious and not some sugary crap all the time."

I almost jump out of my skin at Cole talking in my ear. I have to be more self-aware, I didn't even hear him come up to me.

"Well, I would like to let you know I actually joined the gym, and I started on an anti-inflammatory diet." I turn around and look him up in down. He's in his usual athletic wear, his almost black curls hanging in his eyes. "You need a haircut."

"You need to start wearing more clothes."

I roll my eyes, deciding to just ignore the comment as I get myself a protein smoothie from the fridge.

"I'm serious, Monet." The asshole is behind me again as I start scouring the salad selection. "Everyone is talking about you on campus, and that's not the kind of attention you should be getting."

I almost smash the smoothie in his face. Almost.

"I can't even believe you said that." I make my way to the cashier with him right on my heels. "That is the most sexist thing to ever come out of your mouth and FIY, I'm more covered than half the girls you hang out with."

"That's different."

I look incredulously at the guy I once had the utmost respect for. Everything he's been saying and doing is in total contrast from the countless conversations we've had.

"Who are you? And what did you do with my brother?"

He clenches his jaw hard, his blue eyes flashing an emotion I can't quite decipher.

"I'm just saying, you're smarter than those girls."

"Cole, please stop, because you're turning into a first-class asshole right in front of my own two eyes."

He doesn't follow me as I pay for my smoothie and salad. A good thing too, because I might have stomped on his feet with the bullshit he's spewing.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the way I'm dressing, and maybe I should be the one to call Kamila on him and tell her the boy she raised is becoming a certified bastard.

"Is everything good?" James' eyes go nervously from me to Cole who went back to his table of players and girls with practically their tits hanging out. "He didn't tell you I'm not worth your time, right?"

I smile, but it even feels fake to myself. "He doesn't dictate who I speak to and what I do."

"Good to know." James smirks with more confidence. "So, there's this party Friday night at a frat house that always invites football players over. I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?"

"Oh." I take a sip of my smoothie. "I actually already am invited to a party with my friend. Raincheck?"

I also don't want to be at a party where Cole is inevitably going to be.

"What kind of party?" James wants to know nonchalantly, but I don't miss the way he slightly stiffens.

"I honestly don't know. I don't really care for parties, but I promised her I would go with her if the people behave appropriately." I open my salad container, studying him through my eyelashes. "Are you a party person?"

"I always get invited." He shrugs. "I like hanging out with my teammates, and that's just something we normally do after a game."

"Are you excited for the season?" I want to know. "I know a lot of players don't like to be red shirted."

"Coach believes red shirting makes for a stronger team at the end of the day. Your brother red shirted."

"He did, and he said it was the best decision for him."

"You do know that means you'll be graduating before me." He smiles again, igniting those butterflies in my stomach. "You shouldn't move too far away then, I will miss you."

That makes my ears burn, because this guy is talking about a future.

And I'm not mad about it.