"Is there anyone who hasn't outlined their paper yet?" Dr. Hayes asks at the end of class. Her dark gaze slides over the sea of students before coming to rest on mine.Between my football schedule and cracking the books, I've been buried. I've jotted down a few ideas, but it hasn't progressed any further than that. I'll admit to dragging my feet on this. Have I mentioned how much I hate writing papers?With the fiery passion of a thousand burning suns.I really need to pull the trigger and get some words on paper. It's already mid-September. The semester is flying by, and football will only ramp up in intensity the deeper we get into the season. Most of the professors at Wesley are pretty cool when it comes to allowing me to hand in assignments a few days late or rescheduling a test if it conflicts with an away game.And why shouldn't they be?Everyone knows that the football program brings in the big bucks. And big money means that these professors can fund their research proj

I stare in the gilded mirror propped against the far wall of my room before twisting and turning, trying to assess myself from every angle. When I saw the gorgeous gray garment Mom had mentioned last night, I'd thought it was a dress. But it's actually two separate pieces. The top is beaded and sleeveless with a high neck. The skirt is a tulle concoction that flutters around my knees.There is no way I would have picked out something like this for myself. And yet, it fits me perfectly and transforms me into a fairy princess. Once dressed, I move to the vanity and apply a bit of silvery eyeshadow that glitters and shiny lip gloss before twisting my hair into a sleek bun at the top of my head.By the time I grab the small silver sequin clutch that has a stash of makeup along with my phone, Mom and Dad are waiting downstairs in the entryway.Archibald and Caroline's anniversary party begins promptly at six o'clock and is being held at their estate. I peeked out the living room wind

Tonight has officially ended up in the shitter. I'd been looking forward to spending time with Mia away from campus, but that hasn't happened. It doesn't take a genius to realize that she's been avoiding me all evening.For fuck's sake, she was hiding behind a potted palm.No girl has ever gone to such great lengths in their quest to evade me.It's official. My ego has been completely annihilated.And then there's Ari, that rat bastard. Every time they were together, his arm was tucked around her waist. I'm this close to wrapping my hands around his neck and squeezing the damn life out of him.Exactly when did he become so interested in Mia?I can compete with a lot of guys, but not my brother.Out of the two of us, Ari is the better man. There isn't anything he hasn't tried and succeeded at. High school, football, college, law school. Nothing fazes the guy. He comes, conquers, and then leaves.If I didn't love him so damn much, I'd be annoyed.My father can't sing his praises

I rap my knuckles against Dr. Hayes' office door."Come in," is the muffled response from the other side.As I push open the door and poke my head in, she glances up from her desk and smiles. Papers are spread out all around her. "Thanks for stopping by. I wanted to check-in with you regarding the progress you've been making." She pauses for a beat. "Please tell me that you've been working on the paper."I crack a smile. "Yeah, I have.""Good. I was worried after our last conversation. It seemed like you were dragging your heels about delving in.""You're right, I was," I admit. "It's a little overwhelming."She wags a finger at me. "You athletes are all alike."I really hope not. School might not come easy, but that doesn't mean I don't work at it. As I get ready to slide onto the chair parked across from her desk, Dr. Hayes rises to her feet and points to the small couch against the far side of the office. "Would you mind if we sit over there?" She arches, thrusting the

He presses another kiss against me. "Yup, we're talking dinner and the whole shebang."His smile is contagious. "Now you've piqued my interest.""Good. It goes a little something like this-I'll pick you up and take you to a nice restaurant, and then afterward, we'll find a secluded spot to make out for a while. We can pretend we're back in high school again."I laugh, loving the sound of that."Maybe we should practice the making out part to be sure we get it right." I add shyly, "We can head back to my place after we're done working. Alyssa won't be home for a while.""Nope," he says firmly. "All messing around will have to wait until after the date. We're going to do this right."My heart melts into a puddle of goo.What's this guy doing to me?A grin flashes across his face. "What?"I shake my head and trace his lips with my index finger. "You're not the guy I thought you were.""I'll take that as a compliment."When my finger dips inside his mouth, he bites down gently, a