Page 33 of Game Misconduct

He shook with a short laugh. “What?”

I bit my lip. “That’s what I thought the first time I saw you. You look like a Scottish man that should be out throwing logs and lifting boulders.”

He snorted and twisted to look at me. “Thank you, Vivi. You just made my day.”

Twelve

Parker

Since I knew Vivian was home, I decided to head over to her place after I finished cleaning up following an extra training session with Brandon and Jason. We worked on a few passing drills after the team’s normal practice and then headed into the weight room for another hour. It had been brutal, but if they were willing to go the extra mile, then I was determined to meet them step for step. Well, not literally. The last thing I wanted to do was run, but neither did they.

I knocked on her door and waited, only second-guessing my impromptu drop-by for a second. If she was busy, that was fine. I’d just head home. Stopping by unannounced was what friends did, hopefully. I was still learning the rules.

Finally, it swung open, and she looked surprised for a moment before catching herself. “Parker, hi.”

She was talking louder than necessary, and I realized I might be interrupting something. She glanced toward the living room, and I followed the movement before freezing.

Mitch?

What was he doing here?

I looked between them. Was I walking in on something? Were they . . .? Her and Mitch? I never would have guessed . . . I couldn’t even think clearly.

“Hey, Parker,” Mitch called out, which seemed to break whatever spell Vivi had been under.

“Sorry, come in. We were just chatting.” She seemed nervous. Were they doing more than talking? I mean, I shouldn’t have been that surprised, if so. They had a connection the first night they met. I witnessed it happen. I just didn’t realize they were more than friends.

I’d been an idiot. She was beautiful. Stunning, actually, with a personality to match. She could be sweet or sassy. Not knowing when the switch would flip was half the appeal of being around her. How could I have thought I was the only one to realize that? I was a fool. I’d been texting her, trying to hang out with her, I even sent her my jersey, and she’d been dating Mitch this whole time.

We were friends, only. She was free to date whomever she wanted.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to just barge in. I should have called.” I ran my palms over my jeans. The confidence I felt on the way over vanished.

“It’s cool, man. I need to head out anyway.” Mitch stood and gave Vivi a hug before passing me with a slap on my shoulder. “I’ll see you later.”

When the door shut behind him, I felt like I was finally able to take a full breath. “I didn’t mean for him to leave.”

She waved me off. “We really were done, and he mentioned having dinner plans.”

It was strange for her to know more about my roommate than I did. “Oh.”

She studied me. “Why are you acting so weird?”

“I’m not,” I lied.

“You are.” She narrowed her eyes. “Did you think you were my only friend?”

I ignored her and sat down on the far side of the couch.

“You know, you’re allowed to have more than one friend, Parker.” Viv put her hands on her hips. “I have enough room in my heart for you and Mitch. Plus, Jess and Kerry and the other girls from the Pride.”

“Ha ha.” How did she know I was feeling insecure about this?

She grinned and dropped onto the couch. “Thanks again for the jersey. I can’t wait to wear it.”

I appreciated her topic change. “I’m excited to know that there’s at least one person wearing it in the crowd.” But if she and Mitch were an item, would she even wear it?

She laughed. “If there aren’t more people this week, then it’s just a matter of time if you keep playing like you did.”