Heated Rivalry, page 8
To get to Devon. But hurting Carter wasn’t part of the deal. It felt like trying to untangle a web of thoughts, each knot more infuriating than the last. I wanted Devon to pay, but who knew Karma would clap back like a bitch. I stared down at my dick and cursed, striding out the front door. Fuck it. Frustration bubbled up within me, threatening to spill over and scorch everything in its path.
***
I ignored Carter’s probing look and found a seat near the back of the lecture hall, not in the mood to sit beside him and Devon. Guilt clawed at my chest, and I realized Devon was right. I was taking advantage of Carter, and I hated feeling like that. It was supposed to be fun, but things were getting out of hand. I was losing track of my goal. I wanted to destroy Devon, and no one else should be collateral. Carter was a good guy, and whoever he chose to be with would be on his terms, not because I was manipulating the situation in my favour.
I sank low in my seat, throwing my hoodie over my head and staring at the front. The professor walked in, doing a double take when she noticed I was at the back. She didn’t comment and resumed class like normal. This time, Devon took the lead, while I hung back.
“All right class, midterms are coming up, and I’d like everyone to work on an assignment for Sports Nutrition,” the professor announced. “For this assignment, I want everyone to create a 50 page athletic nutritional diet plan, based on the sports that I will outline in the assignment. It will be worth 50% of your grade, and I will pair people up myself to avoid working with your friends.”
A groan rippled through the room, and the professor chuckled. “Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to submit the assignment. Trust me. okay.”
She started rifling through her papers and continued, “First up, let’s start with my two best students, Skylar Mitchell and Devon Black. Come and get your assignments.”
My heart lurched, and I stared at her in shock. Was this some form of torture for answering all the questions correctly? What was she thinking? Pairing us together? I clearly wanted to strangle him every time I saw him. Devon stood and said nothing as he went to the front to get the assignment. I followed, not wanting to dally any further. What is this? Was the universe working with me or against me? Damian's eyes met mine and I saw a familiar blush creep up his neck. Nevermind. This would be great. I bit back a chuckle, feeling like everything was falling into place.
The lecture ended several hours later, and I stayed in my seat, confident that Devon would come to me. Sure enough, Devon’s bright red varsity jacket came into view as he climbed the stairs to where I was seated. My mouth curved into a smile, and I stood.
“I don’t like this any more than you do,” Devon started, not giving me a chance to speak. “But let’s just get this done and go back to hating each other.”
“You hate me? That’s pretty harsh since you hardly know me.”
“What I know I don’t like,” Devon responded. “Besides, you don’t like me either.”
“I do.”
Devon kinked a brow at me.
“What’s not to like? You’re warm and fuzzy. I especially like the way you take every opportunity to insult me.”
“I don’t have to work that hard, trust me. Insulting you is a breeze,” Devon replied smoothly causing me to laugh. “How do you want to get the project done?”
“We can do it after practice. I can come over to your house—”
“No,” he said hurriedly. “I mean, let’s just do it at yours. I don’t want a pervert like you knowing where I live.”
I chuckled but my gaze hardened. “Pervert, eh? Is that what you thought when I had my tongue in your mouth?”
“Yup. I regretted every moment,” Devon lied, and I could see the flush crawling up his neck. Sure. Whatever. I can play that game too.
“Okay. Give me your phone number,” I said, and Devon was about to protest but I interrupted him. “For the assignment. Or did you want me to contact you through a pigeon carrier?”
“You better not harass me for anything else,” Devon said through clenched teeth.
“When have I ever?” I smirked. Handing out my phone, I watched him put his number in there before walking away.
***
The sun dipped below the horizon, turning the sky into a blaze of fire. Light snow flittered across the parking lot as I hitched my knapsack higher. School had just ended, and I was looking forward to getting some much-needed rest after spending most of the day running around with the kids. My mouth twitched when my Python Runner came into view, standing stark and bright red in the fading light.
I was just about to walk towards it when I heard the crunch of snow beneath boots behind me. Turning around, I saw Marcy sitting on a low brick wall, playing with the snow, picking it up in her tiny mitten-covered hands and crunching it in a fist.
“Marcy?” I said, walking over, and pulling my winter coat tighter. “What are you doing here? All the other hobbits have left already.”
Her face was lightly pink from the cold. “Waiting for Daddy, he should be here soon.” Marcy shivered slightly, and I frowned, then sat beside her. “Why don’t we wait inside? That way you won’t be cold.”
Marcy shook her little head. “No. I like the cold. Mama says I shouldn’t, but I like the snow. I like to play, because snow means h-hockey season,” she said, stumbling over the pronunciation of hockey. I laughed and patted the hat on her head. “Does your dad like hockey?”
Marcy nodded. “He lets me watch his games. There’s one coming up next week! I can’t wait. Mama and I made him matching hats!”
Nice. “Well, that’s great. I’m sure he’ll be happy with that.”
Marcy’s face dimmed a little. “Yeah, Mama says Daddy might go away for a while to play hockey and that we can visit anytime, but I don’t want him to leave me.”
My brows knitted as I thought about what she was trying to say. “Oh, well, I’m sure it won’t be for long.”
“I’m small now,” Marcy continued. “So, I can’t follow him. I can’t help much, but I will when I’m bigger!” she said with conviction.
My mouth tugged into a smile as I thought about a familiar Lord of the Rings quote. “Do you know a seed is small too? But it has even the biggest impact on our world and the environment.” Marcy gave me a puzzled look, and I smiled down at her. “What I mean is, even the smallest things can have the biggest changes.”
Marcy’s face lightened and the rumble of a car caught our attention. A Honda minivan came racing down the street at a breakneck speed, and I hoped her father wasn’t a jerk and would obey the rules of the road when Marcy was in the car. It pulled up to a curb, and a dark-skinned woman came flying out of the vehicle, breathless.
“Oh, my God! I’m so sorry I’m late!” the woman said, and Marcy flew into her arms.
“Mama!” she said, hugging the woman around the waist.
“Thank you so much for staying with her,” the woman said.
“No problem,” I said, flashing her a bright smile. “I’m Skylar Mitchell, by the way—”
“Mr. Mittens!” Marcy cried, and I laughed at the nickname.
“Or Mr. Mittens. Whichever one is easier.”
The woman laughed. “I’m Amhara, Marcy’s mom. Nice to meet you.” We shook hands, but Marcy shivered, so I took my leave’ “I’ll see you guys around. Be good,” I said to Marcy and then walked away.
Amhara herded Marcy into her car seat, and I watched from a safe distance, making sure they were okay, then peeled out of the parking lot. I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed; today had been a long day. My phone buzzed from where it was on the hands-free console. Let’s meet tomorrow in the library @ 5 p.m. to get the project finished. I don’t want to be spending any more time than necessary with you. Devon texted.
I barked a bitter laugh. Don’t worry, Devon, once I’m done with you, you’ll be begging to spend more time with me, I thought, then revved the engine, speeding off into the horizon.
9
The Coach’s Dilemma
Devon Black
“Thanks,” I said as Amhara dropped my car keys into my open palm. Marcy ran right past me and straight into my mom’s awaiting arms and I tried not to roll my eyes at that. Amhara stood near the entrance, her nose a little red from the cold. “How did it go?”
“Good, very good. Marcy’s new teacher is a total hottie,” Amhara said. “But other than that, next time tell me in advance that you can’t pick her up, I would have just taken my own car instead of coming here first and then taking your car.”
“Yeah,” I responded, rubbing the back of my neck. “Something came up last minute with an assignment, but don’t worry it won’t happen again.”
Amhara nodded and peeked around me. “Okay, honey! Time to go. Mamas got to work tomorrow. Pack your stuff so we can get going.”
“All right!” Marcy said while my mother was busy giving her pepper kisses all over her face. Marcy grabbed a few of her toys and then ran to hug me. I picked her up in my arms, inhaling her clean scent of soap and kid’s shampoo.
“All right, be good. I’ll come get you on Monday.” I pressed a kiss to her hair, and she squirmed in my arms, and I let her go. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. By the way, your car is making a weird noise, you should have that checked out as soon as possible,” Amhara said and then took Marcy’s hand, together they walked out the front door.
A weird noise? That’s the last thing I needed. I went back upstairs and flopped onto my bed, rolling my shoulders as I went back to studying for an upcoming midterm. Going to that party a few days ago had been a mistake. A big fucking mistake. I closed my eyes against the sharp needles stinging my temple. The memory of Skylar’s large hands resting on Carter’s waist while they grinded on the dance floor was seared into my retina. Skylar’s tongue darted out to taste the sweat on Carter’s neck, how his gaze never left mine. Fuck my cock had been rock hard in seconds.
And then they left, sending a blast of rage through me. Skylar knew exactly what he was doing. The bastard was fucking with me, and I hated it. I was never one to hide my emotions. I knew I was attracted to him, but I also knew he was bad news. Besides something about him seemed off to me. Who switched schools in their senior year and so close to graduation? Wouldn’t his team miss him? Then again, Skylar seemed like the loner type. He never once tried to talk to anyone besides Carter, but he was just trying to fuck him. Didn’t Skylar miss his old school? His old friends?
It was fucking bizarre.
An uneasy tension simmered in the air whenever Skylar was near, accompanied by a magnetic force that, despite my reservations, drew me closer.
“Fuck,” I hissed, running a hand through my thick dark hair. It was growing longer at the sides and soon I’d need a cut. “Whatever.” Taking out my phone, my breath hitched when I saw his response.
Sure. Skylar texted. Cya then.
Simple. To the point. Which is exactly what I said I wanted. Right? I tossed the phone on the bedside and forced myself to go back to studying. After the project, it didn’t matter anymore. I had too much going on with Nationals coming up and graduation. The last thing I fucking needed was a fuckboy with too much drama. Yet, those sepia eyes danced before my vision. Bleak and alluring, like an autumn leaf twirling in the wind. Skylar was dangerous.
However, it only made my heart throb more with need.
***
Why was it so damn cold? I grumbled beneath my breath, holding my winter coat tighter as an icy wind nipped at my cheeks. I didn’t mind the cold on the ice, everywhere else not so much. A blast of heat hit my face when I strode into the school building. I went to the lecture hall and grabbed a seat near the front, making myself comfortable. Carter plopped down beside me a second later, stretching out his snow-covered boots as they clunked on the floor.
“Sup?” He nodded to me, but I could tell he was biting back a smile. My jaw clenched, and I looked away from him. We hadn’t spoken since the party and he left with Skylar. Carter didn’t know why I hated Skylar, and I didn’t have the heart to tell him we hooked up first.
“How was your night?”
Carter moistened his lips. “Good. Very good actually.”
I kinked a brow at him.
“I-I got my first blow job,” Carter muttered, keeping his eyes downcast, but a flush crept up his neck. Judging by his blissed-out expression it must have been good.
“I’d assume so. Skylar does have unusually large lips. I’m sure if he wanted to, he could swallow pies whole.”
Carter barked a startled laugh. “Don’t be an ass.”
I shrugged. It was true. “I’m sure if you tossed him some quarters, he would have done more than just sucked you off.”
Carter rolled his eyes. “He’s not that bad. I don’t know what your deal is, every time he comes around you always look like you want to kill him.”
“That’s because I do.”
“I’m serious,” Carter said, turning to face me. “What’s with you? You’ve been off since he got here and he’s not even playing for your position. He’s the goalie and yet you’re acting like he’s going to steal your thunder.”
I scoffed at that. Skylar wasn’t just the damn goalie. He was the best Goddamn goalie I’ve seen in the past five years. The guy could play so well that I’m sure Coach Leroy would have no problem recommending him to scouts and sponsors. It’s unnerving. Skylar came out of nowhere.
“I don’t know, he just reminds me too much of—” I cut myself off, not wanting to think about the last guy I had gotten involved with. That had been a fucking disaster.
Carter fixed me with a stern look. “Skylar’s not like that. Trust me.”
“You don’t know that,” I muttered. “I’m just worried you’ll regret having your first time with him.”
“I won’t,” Carter said quickly. “I want to get it over with. I’m not interested in having a relationship, and I’m sure he isn’t either. I mean, we’re about to graduate soon. Who knows where the future will take us? Especially if we get drafted.”
True. I thought nodding. “Okay. If you say you aren’t interested then, I won’t pry anymore. Just be careful.”
“Dude, contrary to popular belief, just because I’m a virgin it doesn’t mean I can’t think for myself or that I’m stupid. I know what Skylar is after, and I just don’t give a fuck. He’s hot.”
I snorted and rolled my eyes.
“I’m glad you think so,” a voice said, causing me to jerk. Skylar sank into the seat behind us with a loud thud, his mouth pulled into a wiry grin. Those cool eyes landed on mine, then flittered down to Carter. “Please continue your conversation, my ego needs some inflating.”
Carter laughed, and I gritted my teeth. Fucking tool. I jammed my hand into my knapsack and took out my notebook, tossing it onto the table with more force than necessary. Carter’s eyes slanted to mine, but I ignored his gaze, keeping my head straight. The professor entered the room, her heels clicking on the tile floor as she made her way to the front.
“All right class, take out your textbooks to page 34 and we'll review last week's homework…” her voice turned into a low hum in the background. I found it hard to concentrate with Skylar asking questions every five minutes, his deep baritone voice causing the hairs on my arm to bristle. Fuck. The unsettling awareness of Skylar’s presence brushed against the edges of my consciousness, mingling with an undeniable undercurrent of attraction that stirred beneath the surface. I felt unhinged around him. Like every part of me was aware of his movements, the way he curled his tongue around the cap of his pen or the way his brows knitted when he was deep in thought. And those damn eyes.
“Are we still on for tonight?” a voice rumbled in my ear, and I jumped, turning my face into the hot press of his lips. Skylar’s face was a hair’s breadth away, his eyes like sinking pools of murky water.
I jerked back, my heart hammering. “Yes, fuck. Don’t scare me like that.”
He chuckled, and I hated how the sound vibrated through me. “You like it, Black.”
I spun around in my seat, ignoring the heat burning my flesh.
***
Crossing the threshold of the university library, I marvelled at the elevators that stood ready to whisk patrons to different levels, while sprawling staircases beckoned those who preferred a more leisurely ascent through the haven of books. I’d only been here a handful of times, choosing to study at home with Marcy wedged in my lap, but the few times I had come here were enjoyable. I walked to the front and immediately saw Skylar, who stood a head taller than everyone else, gazing up at the ceiling.
The dome architecture gave the library a feel of infinite grandeur and I could tell Skylar must have been impressed by it. Hitching my backpack higher, I walked towards him and nudged his massive shoulder with mine. “Are you finished sky gazing? Why don’t we hurry this up?” I wasn’t really in a rush.
Amhara had Marcy for the weekends, which meant I’d most likely be spending them with my mom or hanging out with Carter playing video games. Skylar turned to look at me then, his brown hair framing his face and falling over his brow. “I’ve never been here before, show me the way.”
I nodded, and we found a seat near the back, enclosed in a row of bookshelves. I took out my Sports Nutrition textbook and watched Skylar do the same as he sat down beside me. “How about we divide and conquer? I can do the first five questions of the assignment and you can do the last, that way we can be finished faster.”
Skylar pinched his lips together, leaning back in his chair. “Nah, let’s do them one by one.”
“Why?”
“How do I know you won’t get one wrong ?” Skylar said, his eyes drilling into mine.
