Romance: New Adult: One Game at a Time - A College Football Romance (Bad Boy Romance) (Sports Contemporary Short Stories) Read Online Free Page B

the truth out of him yourself.  In the meantime, you should get back to work.  You have a mock trial in just two days, and you need to be prepared for it,” he said, “I gotta get back to my own homework, Holly.”
    He leaned in and gave me a hug before taking his leave. 
    I needed to know what was going on more than I needed to work on my homework.  I knew where Jeff would be, and that was exactly where I needed to go.
     
    6.
    I called him, but he didn’t pick up, which would only really mean one thing, he was probably working out in the gym.  It wasn’t far, and it was a sunny day, so I walked that direction.
    Then I spotted him talking with Matt in the distance.  I wondered why Matt would be talking to him right now of all times.  I thought he said he had some homework that he needed to finish.
    The two of them were just barely in earshot.
    “Why do you guys keep thinking that I somehow did something wrong to become a starter,” Jeff asked, somewhat furiously.
    “You’re the one that dated the coach’s niece for a month to get your position.  Now you’re dating my best friend so you can be team captain,” Matt added.
    Jeff looked frustrated, and I was glad that neither of them noticed me, it gave me the chance to get a little closer to hear.
    “I may have dated the coach’s niece but it wasn’t to become a starter,” Jeff said, “The coach gave me an ultimatum.  Either I quit the team, or I break up with her.  Sure, I cared about her, but I didn’t think our relationship was anything special.”
    “Is that the same way you feel about Holly?” Matt asked.
    “Holly is a wonderful girl,” Jeff said simply .
    “Well then, I’ll give you the chance .  If you break up with Holly you can be team captain, and I won’t say a word to Holly about any of this,” Matt said.
    I wanted to jump out and yell at Matt about how absurd his idea was.  I wanted to tackle Jeff for even considering the option.  I wanted to do a lot of things, but none of them came to me.  I just left.
    I ran, like I always used to do to clear my head.  Except this time, I ran because I couldn’t clear my head at all.  There was too much to think about, and I was starting to regret the freedom I had given myself just the other day.
    Jeff really was a creep.  I knew it in the back of my head all along, but I didn’t say anything.  He seemed so genuine.
    Then my phone started ringing.  I checked the caller ID, and it said that it was Jeff.  I didn’t want to answer, but I had a feeling he was just returning my call from before. 
    I dabbed the tears that were forming at the edge of my eyes and wiped my nose.
    “Hello?” I said.
    “Hey, you called?” Jeff wondered.
    “Yeah, I was just wondering if you wanted to get together for lunch,” I lied.
    “Aww man, I would, but I’m a bit busy today.  I have some good news,” he started.
    “Yeah?” I replied.
    “It sounds like I’m going to be team captain, isn’t that great?” he said.
    “That’s great,” I said, gulping down my sadness.
    “So, maybe I’ll see you later, and we can talk; maybe get some food?” he said.
    “Yeah, sure,” I replied then clicked off the phone. 
    He had taken the deal.  He really was just using me as leverage to get what he wanted.  I didn’t want to tip him off, and I didn’t want to answer any more of his calls. 
    I returned to my dorm room and buried myself in my books.
     
    7.
    It had been a couple of days.  Jeff continued to call, but I didn’t have any interest in talking.  Today was the day of my mock trial, and I had to be alert and prepared.  I spent most of the afternoon with my classmates getting ready. 
    No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get Jeff out of my head.  It was an odd thing too because I really hadn’t had this feeling with any of my previous ex-boyfriends in the past.  Breaking up in the past was easy; like changing out the ice in the freezer. 
    I was surprised at how attached