Monday is one of my busier days. My first class is at seven in the morning, my last is at four in the afternoon. I carry a full load of classes and try to give myself study time. I didn't block in time for entertainment and I tend to forget meals. Keeping granola bars, a piece of fruit or a candy bar in my bag for those moments.

My schedule is a bit more crazy today since I'm squeezing in my meeting with my professors TA. Since my early class is a power yoga class, it helps me to wake up and get focused. Sitting in my communications class I'm watching the clock. My meeting is right after this class and as long as it doesn't run over, I'll be able to run upstairs and meet my TA.

Five minutes

He drones on monotonously. It's not a boring class, I actually enjoy this one. It's the teacher that is killing it for me. His voice nasally and monotone in the large auditorium. If I hadn't gotten a good night's sleep last night, I would be asleep in my chair. I'm glad I took a yoga class early. The extra endorphins are keeping me awake. Twirling my pencil in my fingers, I look at the clock again.

Three minutes

The class is as antsy as I am. I see people around me stretch out like they're just waking up. Others are packing up their things to get moving. One guy is slapping his cheeks, another is wiping drool off his mouth. A girl is doing her makeup and there's a redhead giggling softly with her friend as she scrolls on her phone.

One minute

As I hear the familiar run down of the assignment details, I start packing up my things. Shoving my laptop in my bag, my pencil and notebook follows. Standing up as soon as we are dismissed, I pick up my bag and the redhead knocks into me, pushing my bag off my arm and sending it crashing to the concrete floor.

"Oops." She giggles giving me the impression that it wasn't an accident.

I hear the shattering of my laptop and close my eyes. It's an expense I don't need right now. I don't have time to freak out. Grabbing my bag from the floor and pushing my way around the giggling redhead, brushing her aside and effectively knocking her on her ass as she trips over her friend's foot and falls backwards with a high pitched scream. Glancing back at her, my eyes widen not meaning to hurt her but between the angry embarrassment on her face and the people laughing at her around us I can't help but smirk. It's not often karma is so quickly given.

Nerd 1 Bimbo 1

Rushing out, I head upstairs to the faculty offices to meet the TA. Hurrying down the hall to the door and pausing I take a deep breath and hope I don't look too frazzled from that run in and up the stairs. Yanking my hair back into a long curling tail, I tie it back and settle down. I've asked for tutoring before and have been a tutor, it's not a big deal. Reaching up and with a quick knock, I tell myself there's no reason to be nervous.

So why am I?

"It's open!" I heard a voice call out.

Pushing the door open, I see a guy sitting at the desk. His back to me as he hunches over the desk working on his computer. A baseball hat is turned backwards on his head, his broad muscular shoulders flex and move as he types. Ripped jeans cover thick thighs and old beat up dirt covered tennis shoes on his bouncing feet.

"One second and I'll be with you. Gotta finish this last paragraph." He holds up a finger as I wait quietly for him to be done. "And done! So you need some tutoring in business law..."

His chair spins around and those bright green eyes grow big as they make contact with mine. Recognition in his eyes as a slow smile comes to his lips. Heat rolls through my belly and I feel the rush of red color on my cheeks. "Curls? I mean Riley." He stands up as I take a step back.

"Aiden?" Oh God, this day just got so much worse. "I'm supposed to be meeting my TA for tutoring here." Looking up at the clock on the wall I wonder if I got the wrong time.

"Yeah?" He gives me this really goofy but sexy lopsided grin. "That's pretty handy, cause I'm the TA."

My eyebrows raised. I don't remember seeing him in my class. I would have remembered seeing him, I'm sure. If not him, at least the entourage that follows him around. Like the redhead that knocked into me. Shit!

"I think there's been a mistake." Turning around and starting to rush out, I don't move quick enough.

Aiden has a hold on my arm and pushes the door closed before I can move. He moves faster than I expected but my back is against the door and he's standing in front of me, his hand on the door by my head and the other holding my waist. I can feel his fingers stroke along my waist, a tingle along my skin, a tightening coil in my stomach, a flutter in my chest.

"Don't run! Please... you need help with your law class and I'm the TA. Let me help you. If you don't want to talk about the other night, that's okay but I want to help you with the class. I'm getting extra credit for this, so we both can benefit from the situation." He explains looking into my eyes.

God those green eyes are stunning. Beautiful eyes that are searching my plain brown ones for an answer. I take in every bit of his handsome face. From the little white scar over his left dark eyebrow, to the way his teeth are scraping across his bottom lip.

His features are the kind that makes women weak at the knees, fight for a word from those luscious lips and believe in the handsome prince that saves the day. He is a God around here and I am a mouse.

"I won't hurt you." The whisper comes out as a plea. "I think you know that."

"I do. I just... I'm sorry, I didn't thank you." I'm shaken down to my toes. I wasn't expecting to see him again. Not like this, not now. "I wanted to leave you a note but the door locked. Thank you for helping me." The embarrassment of what I don't remember from that night floods me. My cheeks I'm sure are a bright red from the heat on skin.

His brows draw together as if he doesn't know why I'm thanking him. Has no one thanked him for doing the right thing before?

"You don't have to thank me." His fingers slide off my waist as he pulls back from me as if the building tension is too much for him. "Sit down, please. Let's just find out what you need help with and how we can do it." Aiden guides me over to the couch and motions for me to sit.

He waits for me to move. Slowly, I shrug off my bag and as it hits the floor I can hear what sounds like loose metal clanking together. Cringing at the sound, I sit just on the edge of the couch. Aiden sits quietly watching me as if he's afraid I'll break.

"Okay?" He asks me before I let out a breath and nod. "Okay then. Tell me where you're having problems and I'll see what I can do."

"Everything." I shrug and my back slumps. "I'm on scholarship, full ride."

"Good for you! Those aren't easy to get." Aiden looks like he's impressed by this.

"Thanks." Taking a deep breath I explain my situation. "I took the first two levels of this course at my community college but now I'm lost. Nothing I learned there is crossing over to this course. I can't drop the class and I can't fail. I'd lose my scholarship. I have to make it work."

Aiden nods, pulling off his hat, he runs his fingers through his black waves then settles his hat back on his head. "No pressure for either of us. Okay look, I aced this class and I can get you through this. Let's take a look at your notes and see what you've got." Twisting my mouth into a frustrated frown, I know that will be a whole other issue. "You've got notes, right?"

Nodding, I can't even look up at his face."Tons but when I was leaving my class before I came here, that stupid redheaded cheerleader pushed me and my bag fell... my laptop was in it. I think it's toast."

"Shit!" Aiden curses rubbing his face. "I know her. She's a .... yeah." He looks annoyed over this information. "Okay, I think I've still got my notes so I can send them to you. That will help. I've got an extra laptop you can use too."

Shaking my head, I'm about to protest against this as Aiden takes my hand. There's a sizzle of heat where his skin is against mine. Looking down at our joined hands, I'm not sure what is going on. He pulls his shaky hand back and rubs it down his thigh.

Did he feel that too?

"I can't take your computer." Hesitating, I look up and his eyes, a darker green now, just stare into mine. "It's too much. You didn't sign up to..."

"I want to. Let's just say I've got an ulterior motive." He smirks, lifting one side of his lips up in a smile and shrugging his shoulders.

What does he want from me? I can't pay him, I'm sure there's plenty of students out there willing to pay for help in their classes but I don't have that ability. I'm tight on funds as it is and now I've got to buy a new computer. I'll be maneuvering some money around to accommodate that tonight.

"I can't pay you! I'm on scholarship because I don't have the money for tuition." I shake my head and Aiden just smiles, shaking his head right back, telling me he doesn't want money. It's then I realize what he wants in return. Of course, he's a jock who only thinks with his cock. "I'm not having sex with you!" I informed him with indignation in my voice.

"You make that sound like it would be a bad thing." Aiden frowns at me and I see just a glimpse of hurt in his eyes. "I'm actually a pretty nice guy, and I've never had a complaint about my performance in bed."

"Be careful there, I don't know if you'll make it through the doorway with your head so big." My back stiffens with temper. I don't want to fight with him, I just want help with the class.

"Relax...I'm not asking you for that." He smiles softly and my God, is he handsome. Those sexy dimples winking at me, and those eyes are mesmerizing. He gets the women falling at his feet with that look. He knows it too. "That's not what I meant. I'm getting help with my grade in my advanced communication class if I help you." He tilts his head waiting for that to sink in.

"Oh... Okay." I feel like an idiot. Of course he'd never be interested in anything like that with me. Him wanting sex with me, that's a laugh. "I'll replace my computer. I can try tomorrow to find a refurbished one probably..."

"Use mine. I'm not using it, I just got a new one. It'll save time." Aiden offers again, cutting me off, then goes to the desk. "I've got to get to practice now but let's get together again later on, say seven?"

"Tonight?" I'm surprised he's wanting to meet again. I figured he would have a date or something.

"Yeah. Is that a problem?" He leans over grabbing his duffel bag and slips his laptop into his bag. Packing up his things then grabbing his water bottle, he looks over his shoulder at me and catches me looking right at his very nice rear end. "Riley?"

Busted!

Looking away from him my eyes wander nervously around the room. "No, it's not a problem. I can meet you. Here or the library?"

He shrugs his bag over his shoulder. "Or your place... here..." pulling out his phone and holding it out to me all I can do is stare down at it. "Put in your information for me. I'll text you when I'm done with my workout."

Taking his phone I enter in my number to his contact list. Handing it back he looks down with a small smile on his face. Then starts texting. "I just sent you a text. Now you've got my number."

"Not my place." I finally spoke up. "I have roommates and I don't want to disturb them."

"Okay, can you meet me at the house where the party was? We can study there. I tutor the team a lot, they're used to it." He offers and I wonder if Mattox will be there. My face must show my apprehension. "Mattox won't be there. He doesn't live there and we kicked his ass out immediately for what he did to you."

Dropping the bag in the chair, Aiden walks back to me with concern on his face. His hands cup my face, so big and strong but so tender and gentle. The tremble that suddenly rushes through my body surprises both of us.

Tentatively his thumbs brush over my cheeks. "No one will hurt you. I won't let them."

"Why?" It feels so hard to breathe with him looking at me like this. The fierce power in his eyes, the confident tremor of his voice, the tender touch of his hands is stammering.

His eyes roam over my face then look me in the eyes and drop to my lips. Licking his lips he looks back up to my eyes. "My aunt was attacked in college, my cousin was attacked last year. Believe me, the guy's in the house know that shit doesn't fly. I promise you, if I even see Mattox looking at you, I'll..."

"No!" I gripped tight onto his wrists. "I don't want you to get in a fight for me. He isn't worth it."

"No, he's not but you are." At his words I pull back. The only person who ever thought I was worth anything is my father. "I'll text you when I'm home, come over and we can get started getting you set with the class."

I nod because I can't speak. There's a lump so big in my throat I can't swallow. Aiden let's go of me and heads to the door. Opening it up he steps back tilting his head towards the door. "Come on, Curls."

We walk together out of the office and start down the stairs. "Aiden, thank you for staying with me the other night. And for helping me with this class."

"You said you don't like being alone when you're sick. I couldn't leave you like that." Giving me that lopsided smile again it broadens over his face. "And I'm glad you need me. I've been thinking about you since that night, now I can call you whenever I want." He smiles, taking my hand as we continue out of the building. "I have to run, but I'll see you tonight." Giving my hand a gentle squeeze he turns and steps away holding my hand until the last second before he lets go. Watching him head off towards the parking lot, I'm still struck by what he said.

Rushing across campus to get to practice my phone starts ringing. I know that ring and I really don't want to deal with this anymore. Pulling my phone out of my pocket I look at the display. Leighton. She only wants to talk when it's convenient for her. Of course, my schedule (which I've sent her) she ignores.

"I'm on my way to practice, Leighton. I can't really talk right now." I'm abrupt and I don't really care.

"Oh." I can hear her pouting. "Well I'll just talk fast then. There's a red carpet premiere this weekend. We've been invited to it and I've already RSVP'd that we'd be there. I need you to fly out on Friday for it."

What? I hate those things!

"I can't, I've got a game on Saturday. I'm sorry but I'm not coming." I'm not sorry but I can already hear her sighing, annoyed that my career path is getting in her way to flashing cameras and rubbing elbows with the elite of New York. "You know I can't miss games. This is my future, Leighton. Look, I meant to call you the other night. We need to talk about this long distance..."

"I know, of course you're right. I wasn't thinking. You have to play to make it big. Those bright lights will just wait until we get to the pros. Good luck then and I'll talk to you later. Bye!" She cuts me off, not letting me finish my sentence and hangs up.

I'm getting really tired of this. Pushing through the door to the locker room, I storm over to my spot and get changed. I can't think about her right now. I've got to focus on the game. Distractions right now will only screw with my head.

This fucking bites!

Fucking Leighton not letting me get a word in and planning on me to escort her to some snobby bullshit party. She didn't ask if I wanted to go, just expected me to fall in line. Like this red carpet was in LA or around the corner. It's across the country! I'm not some escort service for her. Shit, it's the only time she actually calls me. When she wants something from me. And doesn't that make me a fool.

Shit!

I was in a great mood too. The girl I haven't been able to get out of my mind just falls in my lap again. I didn't think I'd see or hear from Riley and bam! There she is! Now, I've got her number and I get to spend some time with her tonight, maybe more if I offer regular tutoring. That way she can get to know me better.

Just thinking about Riley calms me down. I'm still preoccupied but in a much better way now. After practice, I'll run out and get her a new laptop then Riley has one for tonight. I'll make sure it's got all the bells and whistles too. She'll need it.

My mind stays on her, what she'll need, how I can help her, probably best if she doesn't know I'm doing it. I saw how uncomfortable she was thinking I was giving her my laptop. Maybe I can work something out through her scholarship to get her some extras. I'm sure Grandma would be happy to help out. I can go through the Foundation with anything else.

Happy with my plan. I walk out of the locker room with Harper and Sawyer and right into the redhead from the party. She purposely steps in my way and won't move.

"I have to get to practice." I tell her not even remembering her name now.

"Aiden, I'm hurt." Her arms wrap around my waist as she looks up pouting at me. "You teased me the other night and I want you to make it up to me soon."

Nope, not even a twitch from down low. Prying her hands off me, I set her aside. "I said it wasn't going to happen then and I'm saying it now. I'm not interested."

Turning back to the guys we continued out of the hall. I didn't get far when I spotted Mattox. Leaning against the wall with his stooges and few girls stupid enough to think about him. My pace slows down and my eyes narrow in on the prick.

"Don't go there." Sawyer nudges me along. "He's not worth it."

Very true. We start moving out and the redhead turns the corner and heads straight to Mattox. Turning my head I watch the two talk. Her little hair flip thing as she flirts, the way Mattox leans closer to her as if he might kiss her. There's no anger in me but annoyance with both of them. Did she plan that picture she posted with him? Are they trying to screw with me?

We keep watching as Mattox looks over with a smirk, the asshole wants me to watch. What's the deal? One of the rookies runs over, trying to get in the group. Casey Warner, good player a little green but he works hard and isn't afraid of the ball or contact. Essential for any defensive end.

"Seriously, you aren't going to get some of that? She's ripe for the taking, Dude?" Casey asks as we head down the tunnel.

"Seriously. I've got no interest, she's all yours." Sawyer cuffs me on the shoulder and we move into a jog. Time to get warmed up.

Heading out to the field, I start warming up, running my laps, stretching out my arms, torso and legs. I've been training with Uncle Blake all summer. I'm in the best condition of my life right now. Nothing and no one is going to stop me from making the NFL.

Pushing twice as hard to keep my focus clear, I work my ass off. The burn in my quads, heats up my legs. The pulse in my bicep and shoulders as I throw bomb after bomb down the field just pushes me harder but I'm not getting the ball where it needs to be.

I won't fail.

"Bradford! Focus!" The coach yells across the field as I let a spiral soar out to Sawyer, past him and it bounces out of bounds. "What was that? Run it again!"