Maybe Page 2

  “Interesting.”

  The warning bell goes. We resume walking.

  “Catch you later,” Nia says, motioning to go up the stairs. “We’ll hang out in my room.”

  I nod and tell her, “See you.”

  While hurrying to my class, the party pops into my head again. I wonder if it’s the same one Parker was inviting me to. Weirdly, the look on his face in the hallway rushes my mind. What do wealthy boys at this prestigious academy do to girls who diss them?

  2

  “So, the transfer,” Davidson starts while we’re stretching on the field, “she’s cute, right?”

  The guys agree by passing sly grins with each other.

  Hell no.

  “She is,” I say, and order, “Stay away from her. She’s not gonna be another notch.” Peering around at the rest of my offensive line, I emphasize, “No one goes near Sydney Bell. I’m serious. Spread the word.”

  “Damn. Does that mean you’re claiming the transfer for yourself?” Coleman asks smartly.

  He clamps his mouth when I snap my head to him. “Any of you so much as talk to her will have problems with me.”

  They huff and shake their heads.

  Coach blows the whistle for us to begin practice. Like always, I go hard as if we’re playing an actual game. But in the middle of what should be an easy pass, Sydney’s eyes enter my mind. I overthrow the damn ball. It sails over my wide receiver’s head to the sideline.

  Nunez flails his hands and jokes, “Dude, am I invisible?”

  “Damn it!” I scold myself.

  “It’s called practice, Parker,” Coach Walters yells. “Clear your head and recover, so you don’t do it again.”

  “Yes, sir,” I grumble, walking off the field to grab water. Those unreadable brown eyes won’t leave my mind. Though that pretty mouth spoke graciously, her words sliced into my chest.

  Sydney Bell looked at me with annoyance, at the elite party and today in the hallway. She doesn’t even know me.

  Although I do have a reputation at Spencer. All the rumors that I just let girls run with, so they can gain popularity off my name.

  I don’t care. Phony people can do what they want.

  “Hey, Parker!” Speaking of phony. Aubrey’s sitting in the bleachers with her friends. We’re seniors now, and she’s still doing the same thing from freshman year. “How was your summer? Didn’t see you at all the parties.” She does this ridiculous thing with her voice as if trying to sound flirty, but it comes out annoying instead.

  “We don’t party with the same crowd,” I tell her flatly and refocus on the field.

  Aubrey tries again. “Maybe we can hang out at Kelly’s tomorrow night?”

  Geez. I took the girl on one date last year after she got dumped publicly, and now she won’t leave me alone. We didn’t even kiss.

  “Nah, I’m good,” I toss over my shoulder without looking at her. Didn’t she already get a boost to her popularity? What more does she want?

  “This weekend then?” she persists.

  Desperation is so unsexy, and Aubrey’s drenched in it. Ignoring her, I jog onto the field when the offense resumes practice.

  Surprisingly, Sydney Bell stays on my mind for the rest of the time. I hate the way she looked at me. Hate the things she said. I usually ignore people who judge me unfairly. But why do I care now? Who the hell does Sydney Bell think she is?

  I drive to the pool party with my friends. They’re already drinking. I’m playing it safe. Terrified of a repeat of what happened in sophomore year.

  “Kelly’s wild,” Nunez says from the backseat, nudging Davidson off his phone. “She went down on me Saturday night and let me come in her mouth.”

  “Dude, what the hell?” Davidson scorns. “I was with her right after her seventeenth birthday.”

  Nunez chuckles. “So? She’s moved on to bigger and better.”

  “Shit,” I scoff. “Sometimes I wonder why I hang out with you assholes.”

  “Cause you love us,” Coleman jokes, leaning over from the passenger side to smack my shoulder. “You moving in on Aubrey or what? She wants you bad.”

  All three chuckle.

  “Yeah,” Davidson agrees. “I tried to ask her out, but she says she’s only interested in you.” He mocks her voice.

  “I’m good,” I tell them, slowing down at Kelly’s parents’ house. They’re away. Again.

  “I’ll keep trying,” Davidson says. “Unless you want me to stay away from her, too?”

  “I could care less who Aubrey goes out with. As for the transfer—”

  “Got it,” all three blurt at the same time.

  We pile out of my SUV and walk to the front door, entering the packed house.

  Hip-hop music blasts from the speakers. Voices shout from the living room to the deck, where people are swarming the large pool. Guys nod out of respect. Girls smile and wave cutely.

  “Hey, Parker,” Mallory says in a sultry voice.

  “Hey.” I don’t even make eye contact, too busy scanning the place for Sydney Bell.

  Some of the football players are here. They get louder when they spot me, fist-pumping the air and lifting their beers.

  Hearing the commotion, Kelly sashays inside from the deck, wearing a barely-there bikini. A broad grin stretches her face. Blue eyes drowsy from whatever drug she’s taking these days.

  “Hey, guys!” She winks at Nunez and adds, “Glad you stopped by.”

  “Of course,” Nunez replies and bites his lip with lust. “Wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

  Giggling, Kelly splays her hands and says to the rest of us, “Enjoy the party.” She grabs Nunez and leads him down the passage.

  “Whatever,” Davidson mumbles. He bumps Coleman’s arm. “Let’s get more beer and find some juniors.”

  “Hell yeah,” Coleman approves.

  They mosey off into the crowd. I wander around the living room, still searching.

  Girls flip their hair and perk up their chests, trying to lure my attention with their tight clothes and swimsuits. I’m seriously not interested. Tired of all the pretentious people at the academy, including myself at times.

  I walk outside to the massive deck and grab a beer from one of the guys’ cooler. There’s music on the beach; people playing drinking games and wilding out.

  Kelly’s parents are loaded—not like mine—and are rarely ever home. It’s as if she’s being raised by housekeepers and drugs.

  I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder. Mallory beams at me when I turn. Guess she’s ready to be the next girl to go out with Parker Prescott, exaggerate the details, and increase her social media following.

  “Hey, you. Excited for the new football season?” she asks, voice soft.

  “Yeah. Guess so.” I shrug and drink my beer.

  “Can’t wait to see you play. You’re such an awesome QB. I’m proud to wear your number.” That’s usually what they say.

  Contriving a half-smile, I tell her, “Thanks. I work hard.”

  This makes her giggle for some reason.

  “You were on the volleyball team, right?” I ask.

  “Yeah, but it fizzled for me.” She giggles again.

  Wow. I didn’t know I was that funny.

  Mallory inches closer and touches my t-shirt. “So, wanna hang out sometime?”

  There it is. The yearning to be with me. I observe her plastic smile and pleading blue eyes, sparkling in the outside lights.

  You know, I almost feel like letting her use me like the others. But everything about Mallory’s demeanor irks me. I didn’t care before, but I’m so over it now.

  Why can’t these girls be genuine? Man, I didn’t realize how lonely I was. How much I longed for something real until now. Maybe that’s why I don’t sleep around.

  No, I just don’t want to be like my dad.

  A scream draws our attention to the pool just as Coleman shoves a junior into it. She emerges, laughing, and gives him the middle finger. “Screw you, Penn!�
��

  “Oh yeah?” Coleman hauls his shirt over his head and jumps into the water, pulling her in for a make-out session amid loud cheers and whistling.

  Mallory slants to me, giggling. “Wanna go for a swim?”

  I scoff. “Actually, I’m all set. But have fun.” Her smile falters. I walk away, heading back inside.

  A blonde I recognize from French class sashays up to me. “Parker, hi.”

  “No,” I say flatly, dismissing her.

  My teammates weave me into their drunk conversations. I stand there talking until the girl who’s been on my mind since Monday night walks in the front door. She’s with fellow seniors, Nia and Anjali—the sweet Pakistani girl I went out with shortly after my ex left. Anjali’s father had humiliated her for missing a goal at a deciding soccer match. One week with me redeemed her cool factor, and everyone forgot what happened.

  Anjali and Nia greet friends in the living room. Sydney dawdles behind, waving when they introduce her. She’s cute in her knee-length floral dress and flip-flops, curls piled up on top of her head.

  I drink in her gorgeous, smooth-looking brown skin and her pretty smile. I wonder what it is about this girl that has me so intrigued in such a short time.

  When Sydney glances this way and sees me, a scowl appears immediately, and she cuts her eyes away fast.

  Pfft.

  I get it now. It’s because she’s the only one to look at me like that. The only one who is uninterested in what I can do for her.

  Nia drapes her arm around Sydney’s shoulder, and they continue through the living room, going outside to the deck.

  Sydney peers around as if admiring the place. Perhaps she’s not used to this lifestyle. I know Nia’s parents have a bit of money, but who’s Sydney to her? Why do they move so close?

  Bored with the guys, I amble back to the deck and lean against the railing, drinking and watching an oblivious Sydney as Nia introduces her to more friends. Spencer Academy nerds from the math club Nia’s part of.

  She gestures to the lively pool. Sydney looks apprehensive about the crowd.

  A dark-haired vixen struts over, bleached whites on display. “Hey, Prescott. How’s it going?” She leans into my side after sipping her beer, side boob brushing me. “Wanna go someplace private?”

  So bold.

  “No, thanks. I’m not interested.” I motion for her to leave me alone.

  Her grin vanishes. She walks away.

  “Come on,” I hear Nia implore and steer my gaze back to them. “Let’s have fun.” She hauls her blouse over her head and slides down her shorts, revealing a two-piece swimsuit. She’s cute, but I’m more interested in what Sydney has on underneath her dress.

  Shrugging, she caves at last and pulls the dress over her head. My throat tightens at the blue one-piece that innocently hugs her curves. It’s pervy to stare at her body like this, yet I can’t help but admire the simplicity of her swimsuit and the way it sits perfectly on her round butt.

  Damn, Sydney Bell. You’re hot without trying.

  All these girls in skimpy bikinis with their boobs falling out and thongs that look uncomfortable have nothing on her.

  I finish the beer to cool the heat rising within.

  Sydney slants to place her dress and bag on a chair.

  She catches me. Yet again, she screws up her face, annoyed that I’m watching her. I notice she’s placing a hand at her butt to hide it as she lowers into the pool with Nia. It draws a chuckle out of me.

  The two girls linger in a corner away from the crowded parts of the pool with Nia’s friends.

  Nunez and Kelly show their faces again at last. No doubt, they just had sex.

  “Watch out, suckers!” Kelly screams to draw everyone’s attention, then cannonballs into the pool.

  Nunez quickly takes off his shirt and jumps in as well.

  I steer my eyes back to Sydney. One of Nia’s friends says something funny, and the genuine laugh that bursts out stirs an odd feeling in my stomach. It’s invigorating to hear.

  Twisting my mouth, I contemplate going into the pool to talk to her. Ask her why she’s irritated with me when we’ve barely exchanged words.

  I’m about to take off my shirt, but Sydney utters something to Nia, and climbs out of the pool, grabbing her towel to wrap around her drenched body.

  Nia stays behind in the water, chatting with Anjali, who just joined their group.

  Tossing the empty beer can into the bin nearby, I follow Sydney inside the house once she’s dried herself a bit. Guys check her out but quickly look away when they see me close behind. My warning has reached everyone. Good. Because I don’t want any of them moving in on this girl. I’m too fascinated.

  Sydney turns down the passage. She doesn’t realize I’m following her. I linger in place as she enters the guest bathroom, shutting the door.

  A minute drifts by, and I start to question myself.

  What am I doing? This is borderline creepy. I don’t follow girls around, and I sure as hell don’t wait for them outside of bathrooms. Just what is my objective?

  Snapping to my senses, I spin to leave, but the door opens, and Sydney exits. She stalls in the passage when she sees me. Forehead crumpling. Eyes going wide.

  “What are you doing?” she asks harshly.

  “Sheesh.” Why does she give me the stink face every time she looks at me? It pisses me off.

  I inch closer, causing Sydney to back up. “If you try anything, I’ll kick you where it hurts and scream like a banshee.”

  Well, shit. Forget wanting to know anything.

  “Relax,” I grunt. “I’m obviously waiting for the bathroom.”

  Sydney rolls her eyes and waves to the door. “It’s free. Have a blast.” She stomps on her way.

  Something in me wants to grip her hand and pull her back. Perhaps it’s the same feeling that causes Sydney to slow at the end of the passage and glance at me before turning the corner.

  She did that the other night. It’s a brief moment, but it still leaves me curious. My mind goes back to wanting to know more. That slight soft glint in her eyes gives me the sense, although Sydney acts annoyed, she’s also a little curious, too.

  I walk back into the living room and glance out to the deck as Sydney lowers at the side of the pool, feet dangling in the water while chatting with her friends.

  “Screw it,” I murmur. I’ll make her see me differently one way or another.

  “Parker,” a voice I hoped not to hear tonight says at my back.

  Aubrey touches my arm, making me turn to her. Ji-won lingers behind. Ever a shadow to her friend.

  “So glad you’re here. Didn’t think you’d come.”

  I pull my arm away and yell for Davidson’s attention. “I’m out. You guys good?”

  He raises his Solo cup to me. “We’re cool. Driving back with Hicks.” He resumes talking to the redhead sitting beside him on the sofa.

  Aubrey pouts. “Oh, come on, Parker. Don’t leave.”

  “I’m beat. Long day.” I pat her hand like she’s a puppy, and walk to the front door.

  But before leaving, I look out at the pool again. Sydney drops her head quickly. Was she watching me?

  I get a new boost of determination. Sydney Bell, you will be mine.

  3

  I can’t believe I fantasized about Parker last night. Those brooding gray eyes and his attractive face resonated on my mind so much I carried him into my dreams.

  He startled me when I stepped out of the bathroom and saw him in the passage. What the hell was he doing? And what was that strange pull that caused me to look back? Again.

  It’s the same emotion flowing within now as Parker stops before me on the concrete pathway.

  “You mind?” I ask, shifting to go around.

  He moves over to obstruct me. “Are you always this hard on guys?”

  I snort. “Only you.”

  His friend is off to the side, snickering. Apparently entertained by us.

  Parke
r gestures to him with a blasé wave and introduces without looking away, “That’s Cory. Everyone calls him Davidson, though.”

  Davidson nods to me. “Sup?”

  I look back at Parker. The warmth in his sharp gaze is making me nervous. I need to put space between us.

  “Good to know,” I say, and try to leave.

  He blocks me again. “Why do you look at me like that?”

  I scrunch up my face. “Like what?”

  His jaw clenches in his frustration. “Like you think you’re better than me.”

  Scoffing, I roll my eyes and say evenly, “I don’t think I’m better. I’m just familiar with guys like you, and I’m not into these games.”

  “What games?” he asks, creasing his forehead.

  “This one. Where you pursue the girl and play with her for a while until you’re bored.”

  He’s about to say something, but I cut him off, “I have more important things to do than stand here with you.”

  Exasperation burns in his gaze. I brush him aside and speed-walk down the path.

  Do not look back, I tell myself repeatedly. But my willpower breaks, and I peek behind.

  Parker’s talking with his friend. He seems to have sensed me watching because he looks this way. His expression turns to intrigue, a smirk appears.

  My stomach flaps uncontrollably.

  Uhh.

  I quickly turn and continue walking. I need to seriously strengthen my guard. No way will I fall for a player.

  Anjali told me to stop by during soccer practice and talk to the coach since I’m interested in joining the team.

  Players in training attire are showcasing impressive ball skills. Anjali is among them. She has her dark hair tied in a ponytail and a band around her forehead. The girl is in great shape. Vigorous with her movements.

  I notice a few others at the sideline getting pointers. Maybe they’re new to the team. I wonder if there’s anyone like me, a total beginner.

  “Can I help you?” a tall woman asks, stepping away from a player. She’s pretty, with faint freckles on her tan face. Short brown hair, intimidating blue eyes, and appears fit in her tracksuit.