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I turn to look at him. “Are you close with your brother?”
“Cal and I? We get along. Sometimes I think he gets tired of being compared to me, and I don’t blame him. That’s why he’s not a quarterback. He’s trying to stand out on his own. He’s really good.”
I can tell by the tone of Rhett’s voice that he likes his brother, and that makes me like him even more, though I shouldn’t.
I’m supposed to stay far away from him.
“I know nothing about football, remember?”
“Oh yeah, that’s right. I said I’d teach you.”
“Which isn’t necessary,” I’m quick to add, but he ignores me.
“You ever watch a game before?”
“No.” I thought I told him that already.
“Your dad not into football?”
“He would watch it when I was younger and I was at home all the time, but I wasn’t paying attention.”
“Who’s his favorite team?”
“I’m not sure.”
“College or professional?”
“There’s a difference?” I’m teasing him, and after a second of letting my words sink in, he smiles, realizing it.
“You think you’re pretty funny, huh, Will?”
“Not particularly.” I shrug.
We go quiet again, but it’s not uncomfortable. He’s standing close enough to me that I can feel the warmth from his body radiating toward me, and when he shifts, his arm brushes against mine. When there’s no one else around and we’re just focused on each other, I can almost believe we could have something special.
“You are, you know,” he finally says.
“I’m what?”
“Funny. Interesting. You’re not boring.”
He probably remembers when I told him I was boring, and how mortifying is that?
“And I don’t know what happened to change your mind from last night to this morning, but something did, and if you’re feeling brave enough to tell me about it, maybe I could fix it.” He turns to face me, but I remain in the same position, staring up at poor, old, unappreciated Ezekiel.
I can relate to him. Even though I’m the oldest, there are so many Lancasters that are part of my generation, and I feel outshined by every one of them. Or maybe I’m just having a complete pity party and feeling sorry for myself.
“Nothing happened,” I murmur. “I just had a realization, which I already told you.”
I can feel him staring at my profile and I finally give in, facing him head on, standing up straighter like perfect posture is the proper defense against the powers that make up Rhett Bennett.
“I call bullshit on your realization, Willow, but okay. Whatever. You really believe we’re not compatible?”
My nod is as stiff as my posture.
He blows out a harsh breath, resting his hands on his hips. As usual, he’s discarded his uniform jacket and I can’t help but note the way his shirt sleeves strain against the muscles in his arms. I wonder what he looks like shirtless.
I wonder what he looks like naked.
