SCORE (Boston Terriers Book 6) Read online

  Chapter Two

  Nolan

  Mid-November

  Classic rock blares from the large speakers. Thunderous bass vibrates through my chest as I swallow down the final sip of my beer. Setting the empty bottle on a nearby table, I glance around at some of the Halloween costumes worn by the party goers. I’m thankful I went with jeans and my favorite Sony Michel jersey. Technically, being dressed as a Pats fan counts and, at the same time, I get to show support for my team and favorite running back.

  Clancy, the president of our frat and captain of the hockey team, insisted we all costume up. Even though due to time constraints we’re holding our annual Halloween party in mid-November. He’s dressed as one of the Hooters girls in tiny orange shorts and a white belly shirt he drew a brown owl on. He looks ridiculous and completely awesome at the same time. I wish I had one quarter of the confidence he does. He’s fearless.

  Leaning against the living room wall, my toe taps to the pulsing beat as I observe my surroundings. My eyes seek out one person only, and when they land on her, endless legs, golden and lean, capture my attention, making it impossible for me to look away. Slowly, my eyes climb the flawless expanse to the bottom of her short, plaid skirt. My mouth salivates at the thought of what she has on under the red and black material. Is she wearing a pair of tiny panties? What color are they? White and virginal, the perfect contradiction to her sexy schoolgirl costume? Or fire engine red to go along with the Chucks on her feet?

  Continuing my perusal, my gaze moves up, lingering on her flat, bare midriff. A diamond belly button piercing glinting in the light stirs my already active imagination. Does she have any others hidden from plain sight?

  Her white button down shirt is tied in a knot under her full tits, calling attention their way. Not that I could ever miss noticing them on my own. Everything about her is like a flashing neon sign drawing me in. She’s not the kind of girl who goes unnoticed. There hasn’t been a single day that’s gone by that I haven’t thought about her since the night I first saw her at C’s Pub. And now, almost two months later, my heart palpitates with a combination of excitement and relief.

  Her head snaps in my direction as if she feels the force of my careful scrutiny and our eyes meet for the first time. I expect her to burst into flames from the heat in my gaze. She’s gorgeous. Every single inch of her from the tips of her Chucks to her long, black hair is stunning.

  Her dark eyes go wide with surprise, as if she remembers me, before narrowing with intent. She moves purposefully forward, quickly maneuvering around people to get to me and my heart pounds as she approaches. What is she going to say? Does she actually remember me?

  Stopping directly in front of me, she barks out a question, “Where’s my cousin?”

  “Who?”

  “My cousin. What did you do with her?”

  “I don’t know who you’re talking about.” I’m not sure why I pretend to be ignorant when I grasp exactly who she’s talking about. Maybe it’s because I like seeing her large, brown eyes blaze golden sparks at me.

  She edges closer, invading my personal space. I smell her jasmine scent and I can practically feel her taut nipples rubbing against me. “Don’t play dumb. Tell me where she is.” She pokes my chest with her red nail and I imagine them clawing my back. “I saw you take her someplace earlier.”

  I guess it’s time to let on that I know who she’s looking for.

  “Do you mean Eliza?”

  “Yes, that’s exactly who I mean.”

  “She’s in my room.”

  “You bastard.” She raises her sharp talon-like nails as if to scratch my eyes out, a reaction I didn’t expect.

  Throwing my hands up in front of me, I hold her off. “She’s sleeping.”

  “What did you do to her?”

  “Wait. That sounded worse than it is. Eliza had a migraine so she went to lie down on my bed. That’s all. I told her I’d come find you.” She shrewdly studies my face. Can she see I’m being sincere?

  “If you were looking for me, why did you act like you didn’t recognize who I was?”

  I shrug and run a hand through my hair. “I’ve had too much to drink and was having a little fun with you.”

  “Fun at my expense, you mean?”

  “I meant no harm. And I promise you Eliza’s fine. I’ll take you to her. Come on.” I tip my head toward the hallway, moving in that direction, hoping she’s following me. Grabbing my keys from my front pocket, I unlock the door that leads to the basement and gesture for my new friend to walk through.

  I flip on the light switch. “Watch your step. These stairs are pretty steep.” And everyone at this party is probably a little bit buzzed with all the free flowing alcohol. “What’s your name?” I inquire.

  “I’m Perri, and you are?” She arches a dark brow as I step off the final stair at the bottom and stand in front of her.

  “I’m Nolan Archer.”

  “You play for the Terriers, right?”

  “Yeah, I’m a running back. How do you know that?”

  “I’m a reporter for the school paper and sometimes I cover sports.” Has she seen me play? “I’ve been to some games,” she divulges as if she read my mind. “You’re good.”

  My chest puffs up with pride at her compliment. Football is the one part of my life that I’m completely confident about. “Thank you.”

  She shrugs. “Are you going to take me to my cousin or what?” Damn. I can’t keep up with this girl’s moods.

  “Sure. Right this way.” Leading her to a door on the left side of the finished basement, I use my key to unlock the handle and give a courtesy knock to warn Eliza before entering. We step into darkness and I close the door behind us. “Stay put. I’ll turn a light on.”

  Walking past the footboard and around the other side of the mattress, I turn on the bedside lamp, illuminating Eliza’s sleeping form. At some point she must’ve gotten cold because she’s burrowed under my covers.

  This is the first time I’ve seen a girl in my bed and it fills me with longing. I want someone to sleep over and spend time with me, but I don’t know how to make it happen. What is it that makes it so difficult for me to pursue girls?

  The guys rib me all the time for my lack of female companionship. Clancy and Flynn tell me I need to get my dick wet, but I don’t want to fuck some random chick. When I have sex for the first time I want it to be with someone I care about. Does that make me weird? Maybe it does. But I’m still holding out for a girl worthy of sharing that experience with.

  “Don’t wake her up,” Perri cautions as she walks around to where I stand.

  “I wasn’t going to. I’m glad she’s resting peacefully. Earlier, she looked so miserable.” Eliza breathes slow and even, deep in slumber.

  “Thank you for letting us crash in your room.” She sinks down onto the bed, lying on top of the covers. Her skirt, bunched to the top of her thighs, is dangerously close to exposing her panties. I swallow over the lump in my throat and pray she doesn’t notice the bulge in my pants.

  “Where are you going to sleep?” She questions softly, raising her arms above her head. The relaxed pose sets my blood on fire and has me swiping my arm over my damp brow.

  Squatting down, I grab the edge of the twin mattress and tug it out from underneath my bed frame. Focusing on what I’m doing, I try my best to avoid thinking about her half naked and lying on my brand new comforter. I may never wash it after this.

  “Right here.” Rising, I dig through the box of sheets my mom gave me, before bending over to fit one snugly over the corners.

  “I’m sorry to put you out of your bed, but not that sorry. This mattress is so freaking comfortable.” She wiggles, burrowing her ass into the plush surface. Reluctantly, I drag my eyes away.

  Rifling through the box some more I remove two blankets. I drop one on my makeshift bed and spread the other one out over Perri.

  “Thanks. It seemed like too much work to climb under the covers. I’m not sure wha
t’s up, but I feel like all the drinks I had are just hitting me now. I’m wiped out.”

  “If you need a bathroom during the night, there’s one right next door and no one else really uses it besides me.”

  “Thanks.”

  Clicking off the lamp, I strip my jeans and t-shirt off before climbing under the covers.

  “Are you naked?”

  “No,” I laugh. “I’m wearing my boxers.” I can’t sleep with anything else on. I feel like I’m being restrained by clothing.

  “Damn, wishful thinking,” she jokes, and I freeze in place. What should I say to that? Is she flirting with me? Or is she being funny?

  I tug the blanket up over my chest and stare up at the ceiling willing a reply to come, but by the time I do, too much time has passed. It would be awkward to say anything now. Dammit.

  “Where are you from?” Her husky tone washes over me like a full body caress. The hair on my arms stands up. That’s not the only thing standing.

  “I grew up in Vermont. What about you?”

  “I’m from Wellesley. It’s about twenty minutes from here. It’s kind of a well to do town with nothing to do there,” she laughs.

  Smiling, I fold my arms behind my head and close my eyes. “I understand all about living someplace where there’s nothing to do.”

  “Don’t they tip cows in Vermont?”

  “I’ve never done it, but that doesn’t mean it never happens.”

  “Do you have any siblings?” I hear her shifting her weight and imagine her turning on her side to face me.

  “I have a younger brother, Donovan. He’s a senior in high school.”

  “Where does he want to go to college?”

  “He wants to come here. He’s a really talented hockey player.”

  “Will you mind if he does decide to attend B.U.?”

  “No, not at all. We’re close and if he comes here I can look out for him.”

  “Protective older brother, huh?”

  “Always. That’s the way I was raised. What about you? Any siblings?”

  “I have an older brother. But there’s an eight year age difference between us. He’s married and has a two year old.”

  “You seem protective of Eliza. Are you two close?”

  “She’s my cousin, but she’s also my best friend. We’re closer than sisters and we’re roommates too.”

  “That’s great. Are you guys the same age?”

  “No, Eliza’s a year older, but we’re in the same grade.”

  Our conversation dries up and I assume Perri’s fallen asleep, when her whisper cuts through the darkness. “You don’t have a girlfriend that’s going to bust in here during the night and try to kick our asses, do you?”

  I chuckle at the vision she painted. That might be a catfight I’d like to see. I’d find out what color her panties were then for sure. “No, there’s no girlfriend for you to worry about. Your ass is safe.” My dick stirs at the thought of her ass and how those full curves would feel under my hands. I have to clench my fingers into fists to stop the urge to find out.

  “How come you don’t have one?”

  “A girlfriend?”

  “Yeah. You’re on the football team.”

  “That means I should have a girlfriend?”

  “Ah, so you’re a player.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Wasn’t that what you were hinting at?”

  “I wasn’t purposely being vague about my answer. I don’t have a girlfriend and I’m not a player either.”

  Perri snorts, “Sure, dude. With your looks, I bet you have panties being thrown at you.”

  I laugh. Little does she comprehend, I haven’t so much as kissed a girl in the months since school started. Pathetically and predictably, my hand is the only action I’ve had.

  “I knew it.” She sounds disgusted.

  “No, I’m laughing because you’re wrong. I’m not the guy the girls flock to. I never have been.”

  “I can’t understand how that’s possible. You’re hot,” she giggles. “Don’t mind me, I don’t really have much of a filter. I prefer to say whatever comes to my mind. I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable. I’m not going to steal your virtue,” she laughs. “That was a good one, huh? Your virtue? I bet you got rid of that long ago.”

  Smiling, I wait until her stream of commentary is done. “I like your honesty. I’m not good at reading between the lines with people. I’d rather just know what they’re thinking. And as for my virtue, I’m hanging on to it for now.”

  “Are you fucking with me?” She rolls to the edge of the bed and peers down at me. It’s too dark to see her eyes on me, but I feel them just the same.

  Turning onto my left side, I prop my head on my hand and stare up at her. “I’m being completely serious.”

  “You’re a virgin?” she whispers the question in a tone loaded with disbelief.

  “Yes.” Now that I’ve admitted it, I’m regretting it. Any chance I had of asking her out has been blown out of the water. A girl like her wouldn’t want an inexperienced guy like me.

  “How is that possible?”

  “I went to an all boys private school, so that definitely had something to do with it.”

  “Have you ever had a boyfriend?”

  “What? No,” I spit my answer out and she giggles. “Ha ha, very funny, Perri.”

  “I thought it was. Okay, now I’m wondering what you’ve done. Have you kissed a girl?”

  “Yes. I’ve kissed some girls.”

  “Have you felt any girls up?”

  “Yep, I have.”

  “Have you ever gotten a hand job?” I practically swallow my tongue at her question. Her hand jerking me off is all I can imagine and my dick is painfully tenting my boxer briefs.

  “Are you offering?” I ask the question before I can hold it in and shock myself with the bold words.

  “Hmm, I don’t believe you answered my question.”

  “No, I haven’t.”

  “Interesting.” She rolls over to her back and doesn’t say another word. Minutes later I hear the even cadence of her breathing and I conclude she’s asleep.

  Interesting? What does that mean?

  Chapter Three

  Perri

  Sliding into the booth next to Eliza, I watch as Nolan sits on the opposite side of the table. I can’t believe I’m here with the hot bar guy. This is so bizarre. I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind since that fateful night when our eyes connected across the pub. It sounds ridiculously cliche, but that’s what happened. Even stranger is that he’s the same guy whose picture I saw in my dad’s office. His was a face I’d never forget and seeing him in the flesh, he’s even hotter.

  Have you ever met someone and instantly felt it all the way to your soul like you’ve been jarred by an invisible force? Yeah, me either, until that night.

  “This is really nice of you, Nolan. You didn’t have to take us out to breakfast,” Eliza gushes.

  His smile is reassuring. “It’s my pleasure. Starting my day with two beautiful girls is not exactly a hardship.”

  I snort, “Laying it on a little thick there, buddy.”

  I’m sure I seem rude, but he can’t know how he affects me. He’s the last guy I should be attracted to. I promised my dad I’d keep my distance and I won’t let him down.

  He shrugs. “I only speak the truth.” Blue eyes connect with mine, drawing me in until I can’t look away. Crap. This is bad. Very, very bad.

  So he’s gorgeous. There are plenty of attractive guys. So he has a muscular body void of any fat and loaded with bulging muscles. I’m sure there are plenty of non-jocks who care about their appearance and work hard in the gym.

  I remind myself of these things and yet, my stomach ripples from mere eye contact and my body is a mass of pins and needles.

  “Can I help you?” The waitress questions and it helps me to push Nolan from my mind. Eliza orders first while I scan the menu. There are so many
food items I want. My stomach emits an angry growl and everyone laughs, myself included.

  “Hungry?” He raises a thick brow.

  Oh, buddy, you have no idea. I sweep my gaze from him to the waitress.

  “I’d like two scrambled eggs, wheat toast, extra bacon, and home fries well done with extra onions.” I wait for her to finish writing before continuing, “three pancakes with syrup and butter on the side.”

  “Where are you going to put all that?” Nolan marvels, a crooked grin hooking the side of his masculine lips.

  “You said you wanted to treat us to breakfast.” I shrug. “I’m going to eat whatever I want since it’s on your dime.”

  He chuckles, “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

  “Perri,” Eliza groans my name, her exasperation evident.

  “What?”

  “He’s a student just like us. Maybe you should’ve ordered less.”

  Nolan waves his hand. “Eliza, it’s all good. I want you to have whatever you want.”

  I elbow my cousin in her arm. “See.” I pause, gloating. “Maybe you should’ve ordered more.”

  Nolan’s gaze is heavy on me as I consume my breakfast. I feel his stare with every cell in my body and it’s disconcerting. He’s not someone I’d ever consider dating. He lives at the frat and probably prioritizes partying over school. As a talented running back, he probably thinks he’s God’s gift to Boston University. Oh, who am I kidding? If I didn’t have all this delicious food in front of me, he would be my perfect meal. But that damn agreement with my dad weighs heavy on me.

  “Perri,” he says my name with his deep voice and my stomach clenches. Glancing up from my delicious meal, I wipe the corners of my mouth with a paper napkin and spread it out in my lap once more.

  “What?”

  “What’s your major?”

  “Journalism.”

  “What do you want to do with that degree? Is there a certain field you’d like to cover? Or do you want to write books?” He forks a bite of his bacon and cheese omelet between his full lips and chews.