"22-4, 22-4 hike!" Calling out what I hope is the last play, I catch the hike and step back. Looking around at the guys, I wait just a second before pulling back, faking a throw and passing the ball to Harper. He weaves through bodies, fakes, spins and keeping the ball in bounds, then runs right up the sideline to the end zone.

Glancing down at my watch, I've just got enough time to clean up and get back to the house. I still have my own assignments to work on, but I know that I have time later. I want this little time for Riley, to get to know her, to see if what I felt, if that pull that was there is something she felt too.

"Hit the showers!" I yell out as the guys hoot out laughter at Harper's end zone dance. And I turn chucking to myself as I head off the field. The guy's a nut.

We planned to go to the gym and ended up on the field. It worked out better this way. There were too many of the guys that felt we needed another practice since this morning didn't go as smoothly as we liked. This practice was better. We've been doing private practices since freshman year. We work better, get stronger and bond as a team. Sometimes we just work better without the coach yelling at us.

Coach is good, it's just that not everyone can work the way he does. Our offense and defense coordinators are awesome, our trainers are great but the coach doesn't believe in getting to know our personalities, and how to relate to us best. He treats all of us the same and some guys just don't like it.

I've been working with them all on tutoring and communicating with the coach to understanding plays. We have to play to our strengths. It's important to all of us that we do well this year. It's important we get to play offs. It's important that those of us who are going on to the draft do well. Scouts are already coming out.

Finishing our practice, I rush through a shower and get dressed. I've got a date to get to. For the first time in a long time I'm excited to see a girl. I've sent Riley two texts since I saw her this morning. She hasn't answered either one. It's just after six now, I've got just enough time to get home, straighten up my room and maybe shovel some food in before Riley comes over.

? I send a third text hoping she'll respond. Sure enough she does this time.

Smiling now I feel that flutter in my stomach of nerves. My heart pounds in my chest and the anxiety kicks in. In a very good way.

texting her again I tuck my phone away and pack up, I just want to see her.

Moving faster now, I hurry getting my stuff together and push through the door to the locker room and outside. Waiting for me, sitting on a bench is Hunter reading a book. She looks up when she hears me walk over to her.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" I ask, kissing the top of her head. A habit all of us have done since she was a baby. In fact, we seem to do this to all the girls in the family since there are so few of them.

"I'm here to invite you boys to dinner. I'm in the mood to cook, and I know you guys are always willing to eat." She grins up at me closing her book and tucking it into her bag.

"I'm sure they will. I've got a tutor session tonight, save me some though. I'll stop by tomorrow to pick it up." Checking my phone as it notifies me of another text. Thinking it's Riley and pulling my phone from my pocket quickly, I see it's Leighton, her text only annoys me. She's trying to get me to come to the stupid red carpet event even though I've already said no. All she's doing is trying to get me to feel guilty about not agreeing to come this weekend. She's not changing my mind.

Hunter's eyes narrow in on my phone. "Why aren't you responding to her?"

"She just wants me to miss my game and go to New York for some stupid event. I'm not going. I've told her that now she's pissed." I explain tucking my phone in my pocket again.

Hunter knows how important this year is for me. She understands that I have to play every game and be my best each time. Getting distracted by Leighton and her games don't help me.

"So... Who are you tutoring? And don't bother saying no one. You never turn down a homemade meal. Never! What are you up to?" Her brows rise with her question. She's right I don't turn down her cooking but I made plans with Riley I'm not canceling.

"The girl I helped at the party. The one Mattox drugged, she needs help with a class I took last year. I'm just helping her out." I explain looking at my watch, I need to get moving. "Hunter, if you want to drill me over this fine. But you'll have to do it later. I'm running late."

"You like her!?" She accuses me like it's a bad thing for me to be helping someone. "Aiden!" She gets to her feet and grabs my arm stopping me as I turn to go. "Did you forget you have a girlfriend? Leighton may not be here but I know Dad talked to you about this."

Running my fingers through my hair, I struggle not to lose my temper when Hunter has no idea that Leighton has lied to me. She isn't aware of the fights or bullshit that's happened. I don't share details of my relationship with Leighton. I don't think Hunter would understand. Leighton is her friend. Or was, I'm not sure if that's still true.

"I dont think I'm anything more than an escort service for her anymore. All we did this summer was fight. We don't talk, we don't see each other and she's lying to me, Hunter." She raises that single eyebrow of hers at me then.

"And you aren't? Pot calling kettle, Aiden." Okay, she has a point. But I haven't exactly lied, that would mean I actually told her something that wasn't true. I just haven't said anything because we haven't talked. But Hunter is right, I haven't told her about what I've done. "You guys are still together, right?"

"I guess." Shrugging, I've been wondering the same thing lately. "I don't know anymore."

"Aiden, if you love Leighton then work it out with her and stop cheating on her. If you don't then walk away. It's not fair to anyone involved for you to keep this going." Hunter makes the same plea she's done with me for the last year.

I know she's right and I haven't been serious about any girl I've spent time with besides Leighton. I was serious about her but now, things between us have changed and I don't think she even wants this anymore. I've tried to talk to Leighton several times but either she's not answering her phone or she blows me off. It's not like I haven't tried. If she'd just listen, maybe I could figure this out.

Then I think about Riley and it's all different. The little bit of conversation with her earlier today had me anxious to see her tonight. Leighton is all about the money and fame. The red carpet is her scene. I don't think Riley would ever go to one much less beg me to take her to one. Riley didn't even want my computer today. There's a stark difference between them. Riley actually talked to me today, responded to me, heard me when I spoke.

That's not even taking what I felt with her into consideration.

I thought I'd burn my hands when I touched her. My stomach was doing back flips when I realized it was her I was tutoring. I was actually nervous that she'd walk away when she realized it was me. Shit, I've never been this excited about a girl. I don't know what this means but I want to find out. I need to know if Riley felt that same heat too. For now, I'm playing it down to everyone else until I'm sure there's something more happening.

"I'm just tutoring her. Nothing else. You know, I'm not as big of a dick as you think I am. I can see a girl as more than just a lay." It annoys me, hurts even, that Hunter thinks all I want is sex.

That's not me, or not all I think about. And I think differently about Riley. Something happened between us from the very beginning. I can't explain it, I don't understand it, but I know I want to get to know her. I know there was something that happened, something just... clicked in me. I have to know what it is.

"I don't think you're a dick, Aiden. But you've got a habit of using girls and dumping them. All behind Leighton's back. You haven't exactly proven that you can be different." Hunter rubs her hand up and down my arm. "I love you, Aiden. I know you're a good guy and I know you have a good heart. But you have a girlfriend. A girlfriend that I used to be friends with."

Used to? Key words there. I guess I screwed up that friendship for her too. I've never meant to mess up Hunter's relationships with girls but I seem to do it a lot. It's not on purpose and it's not like those girls are really her friends but it hurts her the same.

"I'm sorry, Hunter. I've tried to talk to Leighton, we're just not communicating anymore. I didn't mean to screw things up with you guys." Pulling her to my chest, I hug her tight. She's the best person I know with the kindest heart.

Her head rests on my chest and her arms wrap tight around my waist. The top of her head barely comes up to my shoulder. She's short, five foot two, just like her mom. We sway for a moment then hear the guys coming out behind me. Turning, I see Sawyer grinning at us.

"Uh oh, what'd you do this time, Aiden?" He teases as I let go of Hunter.

"I gotta go. Sawyer can bring me any leftovers." Kissing her head, I go to walk off but hear Sawyer snort out a laugh.

"There won't be any leftovers, dude. I'm starving." He's right and I know it. The others will eat all of it and I'll get nothing. Pigs!

"I'll make extra. Have fun tutoring." Hunter says quietly and turns away. Sawyer tosses his arm over her shoulder and walks off.

"Meet you at the house. I'm taking Hunter home first." Sawyer yells over his shoulder to me as Landon and Harper come jogging out. They're riding with me. Both of them have assignments to finish up. They're heading over to Hunter's later.

"So Aiden, how come you're blowing off dinner with the girls tonight?" Harper questions as we head off for the house. He pats Landon knowing full well why but pokes at me anyway.

"Yeah, what's her name?" Landon plays along.

"Eat me!" I reply with a smile. She's my little secret for now. I'm not sharing Riley with these guys not yet.

We get home just shy of seven and I rush upstairs in a hurry to get my room set. I'm not a slob, but I do tend to drop my stuff when I'm in a hurry and leave it where it falls. Eventually I always get it cleaned up, sometimes later than planned.

Clothes are quickly tossed into a hamper in the closet. My gear is shoved into a corner out of the way. My desk is the one spot that is actually organized beyond belief. I have to do that so I can function with classes. I even hang up fresh towels and scrub up the sink.

Setting a candle in the bathroom and lighting it then one on my dresser I take a deep breath. I can just smell the soft smell of vanilla. It's not too sweet and reminds me of the smell of cookies at Grandma's house. Man, I miss her cooking.

Once I've done all I can with the short amount of time I've got, I look at the clock. It's ten after seven. Either she's late or not coming. Shit! Thinking she's bailing on me, I kick at my closet door and grimace. I did all this for nothing.

I'm just about to blow out the candle when the doorbell rings. I almost knock the damn thing off my dresser trying to get out of the room. Rushing out the door Harper is standing right in my way, blocking me from getting down the stairs.

"Woah there, romance boy, what's the big hurry?" He grins knowing he's not gonna stop me for long.

"Get out of the way Harper, don't make me kick your ass in front of a girl." I warn him, pushing to get by.

The little fucker is slick as slime and slips out of my grasp and tackles me from behind. Kicking and punching out I wrestle around on the floor until I hear them. My family is checking out Riley.

Damn it!

I'm running so late. Racing around the room I'm collecting my bag, my phone and my books. I tried to fix my laptop but it was a useless cause and wasted an hour of my time. The internal components broke at the connection to the hard drive. There's nothing I can do without completing rebuilding it. I don't have that kind of time. So I guess I'll be buying a new one. And not eating for a while.

"You're in a rush!" Colby comes out of her room leaning against the wall watching me toss stuff in my bag. "You're not sticking around for dinner? Hunter's cooking and the guy's are coming over to eat. You could meet them finally."

Looking up I give her an apologetic smile. "I got some help today for a class that I'm already lost in. I can't cancel. I'm sorry."

Colby has been very sweet making sure I take something with me to nibble on between classes, checking to be sure I'm home at night. She's very nurturing and calming. Both Hunter and Emery lean on her for comfort and that stable ear of reason. I bet she gets it from her mom. From the little she's told me about her, it sounds like Chelsea is the same way.

Sitting on the arm of a chair, Colby chews on her lip thinking about something. It takes a long moment before she speaks up. "Can I ask you something?" Nodding, I stop what I'm doing and wait. "Do you ever relax? You're constantly studying and reading. I haven't seen you take even five minutes to breathe."

Looking down at my bag then around the room I realize I'm nothing like my roommates. They go to class and study just like I do but they cut out time to sit down together. I hear them talking out here sometimes while I'm locked in my room, my nose in my studies. I don't have that connection to anyone here. I'm alone and have only myself to depend on.

My dad is great and our relationship is good. But he's not here. The diner is busy until late evenings and I can only reach him late at night to talk. I understand, he's trying so hard to make ends meet and I'm not there to help him it just means more for him to deal with. As guilty as I feel about not being there for him, I can't let him down either.

"I can't. I'm on a scholarship. My dad works so hard in the diner and he can't afford to pay for me to go here. I have to do this on my own, I can't fail. I don't have a choice but to do well. I can't lose it." Explaining my circumstances is embarrassing to admit just how in the hole we are but I'm willing to do what it takes to do this. No matter how embarrassing it is.

"Then you deserve the scholarship for as hard as you work. I'm sure your dad is proud of you." She reaches over and squeezes my hand. "I'll save you some food."

"Thank you. I've got to go. I'm so late." Grabbing my keys, I rush out and hurry to my car.

Getting in the car and turning the key. Nothing happens. "No." I whisper and try again and again. It just keeps stalling out. "I don't need this right now. Please start." I beg the stupid car. Breathing hard and struggling to not scream in frustration as it fails to start again, I wait a second remembering what my dad told me. If I keep trying to start it I'll flood the engine. Trying one more time it finally roars to life. "Thank you."

Driving around the campus and turning down frat row, I drive up to the big white house. Parking on the street I look at the house. Taking a good look at it now in the sunset light it's more than I remember it was. It's a gorgeous house. A long curved drive with a lighted portico. Double doors at the top of the steps and flowers bursting in fall colors on either side.

Getting out of my beat up old car, and tugging my bag to my shoulder I slam the door once, twice the third time it finally latches. Walking up the drive I look around the neighborhood. Despite it being housing for the college all of the houses are well kept. Yards are mowed, cars are parked in drives, on the street and in lots. And being the beginning of the school week it's quiet. No one is roaming around and there's no parties happening.

As happy I am that I have help, I'm nervous about it being Aiden. The sensations I had this morning when he touched me, just the way he looked at me had the apprehension rippling in my stomach. It could have just been nerves about the other night too. I don't know but I'm scared that it could be something else. I can't get distracted from my studies. I can't fail.

I've wasted enough time sitting here worrying and now I'm fifteen minutes late because of it. He's just a normal guy willing to help. A TA willing to tutor me. In no way would a guy like Aiden be interested in more with someone like me. I'm not a cheerleader or anything special like he would go for. Clearing my head, I go up the steps and ring the bell. The big wood paneled door swings open and I'm taken off guard by the guy who answers.

He's cute, big blue eyes, with light brown hair a little too long like he's in need of a cut. He's dressed in white baseball pants and his shirt is open showing a bare, well chiseled chest. The slow smirk he gives me as one side of his mouth lifts is charming and playful. I recognize him. He's on the baseball team with Mattox. Wyatt Segler, his dad is Dillon Segler. I remember reading about him.

Mattox.

Just thinking about Mattox makes me uncomfortable. My body tenses up remembering what happened that night at the party. He lied to me, put something in my drink and drugged me. He was going to do more than that if Aiden hadn't helped me out. Now I'm worried.

Is Mattox here too?

Wyatt holds onto the door and leans against the jam looking at me head to toe. "Somebody better call God, cuz he's missing an angel."

"Excuse me?" I don't think I understood him correctly. Swallowing hard I try to look around him for Aiden.

"Do you believe in love at first sight or should I open the door again?" He says and I can't help but laugh softly. He's silly and seems harmless. "Tell me your name is Google, cause you are everything I'm looking for."

"Who is it, Wyatt?" And another guy pokes his head around the corner. I recognize him. He was at the party too. He's a friend of Aiden's I think. There's something familiar about him. A slow easy smile comes to his face as his eyes meet mine. "Hello beautiful."

Nudging Wyatt aside he moves in front of him and leans on the opposite door jam. His head tilts slightly to the side and studies me while Wyatt pushes at him to move. Hitting the second guy on the shoulder, Wyatt grimaces trying to get his spot back.

"I call dibs, Landon!" Wyatt tells him just under his breath. "I saw her first."

"Yeah, whatever." Landon grins at me and pushes the door open further before reaching out for my hand. "Come on in, you can choose between us in here."

"I'm here to see Aiden." The words rush out when he takes my hand. I think I'm safe here but I'm not sure. The two guys look at each other then back at me before both of them roll their eyes. "Is he here?"

Another guy comes out drinking a beer. He looks from one of us to the other before saying a word. "And who is this lovely lady?"

"We haven't gotten her name yet." Wyatt informs him.

"She said she's here for Aiden." Landon snickers. "What do you think, Harper? I say we keep her for ourselves. She's too good for him."

"Gotta agree with Landon." Wyatt nods looking at Harper.