Steeling Her: A Romance Novel

Carter

The hot steam from the shower opens my pores while I’m shaving my legs, I’m mentally preparing myself for the killer heels I’m about to slip on for the night. I sigh and shut my eyes as I allow the razor to skim across my skin, shaving my legs for the evening. I haven’t shaved in a while but my mom warned me to look nice for the evening. If I don’t, I will forever be in her bad books. That’s not something I can handle. My brothers, maybe. But me? No way.

Propping my leg up on the side of the shower to get a better angle, I allow the beads of water trickle down my body. I set the water to be really hot, almost scalding; that’s just how I like it.

I don’t even know what this event is for. All I know is that my dad is giving a speech on football and coaching and also to help raise money for the college for sports and academics. He’s doing it because he attended here too. So did my mom, that’s how they met.

He was the star quarterback for the college and my mom was not into football at all. He was idolized on campus, according to her, and she was all he ever saw when they first met, according to him. They fell in love, and after some months of fighting it, they got married after my mom found out she was pregnant with Austin. We like to call him “El Accidente,” which he hates.

Finishing with my right leg, I start with the other.

I think the top people in this college will be here tonight. The heads of different schools, deans, professors, coaching staff, etcetera. I get why my brothers are going; they came here too and are now two of the best players in the NFL. My dad trained them well and from a very young age.

But I don’t get why I have to go? All I have to do is stand next to him while he talks to the big guys, who do nothing but send me creepy smiles and winks. I shudder at the thought.

Sometimes, they even introduce me to their sons who will “take over the company in the future” as a way of impressing my dad but he can see right through it. My mom on the other hand, she’s a hopeless romantic and thinks that the guys I’m introduced to is the right one, every time.

If my dad had his way, I would die a lonely old woman who has never been seen or touched by any man. My mom wants lots of grandkids, and she’ll be waiting a while after the conversation that went down last week. I’d rather not go down that road, not yet anyway.

Finishing my shower, I wrap a towel around my body and another in my hair as I walk to the living room. I close the door and walk into my room. I pat my skin dry and apply some moisturizer my brother Chris got me for Christmas. Hearing my phone buzz while it’s charging, I walk around my bed and light it up to see who has messaged me.

Kevin: You want to do the therapy assignment together so we can help each other out? 🙂

Kevin is the guy I met in one of my classes. He sat next to me and started talking to me. I sat there completely dumbfounded as to why he was talking to me. He has bright blond hair making him look borderline Scandinavian. He has the pretty boy face; he’s really good looking. But I didn’t understand why he was talking to me. He’s been so nice to me since that day, he paid for my hot chocolate the day I saw TJ and Nick in the cafe.

Nick.

I couldn’t sleep thanks to him. The entire night, my mind was in overdrive trying to analyze his words and memorizing his eyes. Those hunter green irises that are currently haunting me. I sigh as I think about him, knowing I shouldn’t be.

Me: Sure! I’d like that! I need all the help I can get. 🙂

Kevin: Perfect, I’ll text you when we can meet up. Talk soon xx

Me: Cool! See you soon! Xx

I honestly don’t know why I put two x’s at the end of the message. I’m not used to texting people, especially people my age. I’m assuming it’s very normal to do it here.

I release my wild hair from the towel and slip on the dress that my mom bought me. I fix the straps and look at myself in the mirror. My mom always had a good fashion sense. I see the dress hugging my figure perfectly like a glove.

“I love your dress, Carter! You look so pretty! Do you want me to do your hair and makeup?” I spin around to face the voice that suddenly appeared, and my face lights up.

“I would love that Haley! I have no idea what I’m doing!” I laugh, pulling gently at my mess of a hair. I hear her run over to me while dragging a chair behind her. Placing me in front of the mirror, she wastes no time to get down to business.

“I love doing hair and makeup! I’m so excited! Can I do whatever I want or do you have an idea in your head?” she asks my reflection.

I shrug, replying with, “Do whatever you want! I don’t mind as long as I look somewhat normal!” We giggle and she starts to dry my hair.Half an hour later, my brown layered hair is bone dry and she starts to use her hot tools to curl my hair. Then Danielle joins us and lays on my bed. Once Haley is finished with the last piece, she sprays some hairspray, making me and Danielle choke on the reason we have a hole in our ozone layer.

“So, what is this thing for?” Haley asks, coming back inside with her makeup bag, which looks more like a suitcase. Good lord, this girl has a lot of makeup.

“I actually am not sure, I just know my brothers and I have to go support my dad. He’s doing a speech on stage and wants us all up there with him. My mom is forcing me to go.” I roll my eyes, making both Haley and Danielle laugh.

“So your brothers will be there?” Haley clasps her hands and waits for my response. I nod, knowing that she will probably fangirl over them.

“You want to meet them? They can come over tomorrow. They’re all staying here for a couple of days before they go back to LA.” I smile back at the blonde girl prepping me for the night.

“Are you serious? I would love to meet Chris and Austin Steel!” she yells very, very loudly. “Holy shit balls! Really? You’re not messing with me right?”Bending down to pick up a brush to use on me, her body stays bent but her eyes look at me to check if I’m kidding.

“Yeah, I mean, they’ll come visit me. So I can introduce them to you both if you want?” I shuffle my feet along the rug in front of the mirror as I watch her prepare the tools she’ll beautify me with. Lord knows I’ll need a lot more than what she has laid out.

“Oh my God! Your older brother Austin was my, like, first ever football player crush! And I get to meet him! FUCK YES! Oh, I’m so excited!” She waves her brush around my face with a huge grin on her face.

“I thought TJ was your first ever football player crush?” Danielle teases her, making Haley go bright red and look down before putting some liquid on my face.

“Well, he was . . . is . . . but I meant like pro footballer.” Averting her attention back to my face after her reply, the room falls silent until I hear Danielle snort behind me. This makes me smile while I have my eyes shut.

“Is? I mean, girl I’m jealous of you! That butt and those abs were impressive when he answered the door in his tighty whities! Am I right, Carter?”

I giggle. I can’t deny he did look good when he answered the door. “Well, I’m not going to lie, he did look good then. I mentally high-fived you when I saw him.” I feel her breathy chuckle on my face when she laughs at what we had said about TJ. He’s hot, he knows it, but he’s playful about it.

“I . . . I just don’t know with him. He’s so hot and cold recently. I think he just flirts with me because . . . well, because I’m there. Like he’s bored and decided to entertain himself.” We hear the sadness in her voice and I can’t help but feel bad for her. “It’s always been like that with him. Did I ever tell you guys he was my first kiss?” I shake my head and assume Danielle is doing the same.

“Yeah, I was six. We were on my porch when I was coloring my book. He was leaving my house and saw me. He came over and frightened me because I didn’t hear him. When I turned around, he caught me in his arms because I bumped off him while I was scared. Then he smiled and leaned in to kiss me. He was so sweet about it all. We’ve kissed a few more times, mainly from spin the bottle and seven minutes in heaven type of stuff, but every time we kiss, I get that feeling . . . you know?”

I don’t. I haven’t felt that from a kiss with anyone. I’ve kissed two guys in my entire life, which I regret.

“I wish I could feel that with a guy. I haven’t found him yet . . .” Danielle sighs.

“Me too,” I chime in.

“What?!” they both squeal simultaneously.

“What? What do you mean what? I’ve only kissed two guys, both of which I’m not proud of—”

“Why?” Haley cuts me off as I open my eyes to see her staring down at me in wonder.

“Why? Because they used me to get to my dad and brothers. It wasn’t a nice feeling to find that out. I thought they actually liked me for me but they didn’t; not even close.” I sigh remembering those “dates.” They’re the reason why I don’t believe compliments or when people show interest in me; they’re the reason why I have no confidence in myself. I never had a a lot of it, but they made me feel like crap stuck to the bottom of their shoes. They’re the reason why I don’t bother with guys anymore. I can’t, it’ll only hurt me in the long run.

“God, I’m sorry Carter. They sound like assholes for doing that to you!” I smile weakly at Haley and close my eyes to allow her to continue. “I really like TJ though . . . but I don’t think it’s mutual. I mean, there’re girls around him twenty-four seven. I can’t compete with that . . .

“Guys only go for the slutty girls these days. Despite what you think, those girls get the guy before the others do because it’s right in front of them . . . It’s easy, and they don’t have to challenge themselves to get them, and TJ is a player . . .” Haley finishes her rant.

I couldn’t agree more. Why bother trying to get their attention when you don’t have it in the first place. It’s setting yourself up for loss. We all sigh because we’re in the same boat; thinking about the guys who don’t bother to look at us because we don’t have boobs screaming at them or short skirts that show off our goodies when we bend over or slut drop. We’re not those type of girls and we don’t even try to be. But sometimes, we can’t help but feel like it. Is being ourselves really enough these days?

Once I’m ready, I open my eyes to look at myself. “Wow . . . I look so different.” It’s like the last time she did it, smokey-grey eyes with eyeliner rimming them. A small amount of glitter on the eyelids makes my eyes shine. My contour looks amazing too. Wow, she did such an amazing job on my hair and makeup. I can hardly believe it’s me.

“You look so pretty, Carter! Your eyes are amazing, wow! I might even kiss you.” I scrunch up my face at Haley, who proceeds to release a bellowing laugh. “What? College is for experimenting right?” she teases me while cleaning away her tools from my floor and bed. They both take photos with all of us in them for memories.

I slip on my heels before I hear a knock at the door. As soon as it opens, I hear my mom’s voice. Standing tall on my feet, I walk out to greet my mom. As soon as I see her, I run to her as she holds out her arms to hug me. Once in the embrace, I take a deep breath and savor the moment. I missed my mom and dad. I miss my entire family.

“Hi, honey!” she whispers in my ear and I feel nothing but love from her. But I can’t wait to see my dad; he’s been so busy lately, I haven’t been able to talk to him since the night of the party. At least I have talked to my brothers through text messages briefly. She pulls back to look at me. “Well, don’t you look beautiful sweetheart. Look at you, your father and brothers can’t wait to see you. We better go, we don’t want to be late.” I nod and wave by to my roommates before linking an arm with my mom. I grabbed my clutch when I walk out the door.

We’re both walking on the pathway down to the convention center where it’s being held, and I’m hugging onto my mom’s arm. She leans in to whisper to me, “Before we get to them . . . are there any cute guys in college?” she teases me and I blush. Not because of the question but because Nick was the first one who came into my head.

“No.” I stare at my shoes walking along the grey pavement.

“There is, isn’t there! You can’t lie to your mom, I see right through you and your brothers! What’s his name?” She pushes me to tell her but I don’t want to talk about someone I can’t like—shouldn’t like. “Come on, sweetie, girl talk! It’s just us, I won’t tell your father! You have my word on that.” She kisses the side of my head and I hear the clicks of our heels hitting the ground.

I debate silently on whether to tell her or not. In the end, I gave in. I feel bad. She’s always been there for me, I can’t keep anything from her. Like she said, she sees right through me.

“Nick . . .” I finally lift my head to face my look alike. I’ve been told since I was young that I look like the spitting image of my mom, and I couldn’t be happier. I don’t want to resemble a man.

“Nick? What’s he like?” Seeing her blue eyes that I’ve stolen from her stare back at me, I smile while she does too.

“He has blond hair, green eyes, has a dimple on his left cheek when he smiles. He studies physical therapy and is in his last year. He’s really tall and built like the Hulk . . .” She laughs that sweet laugh that I’ve missed so much.

“How did you meet him?” She stares at the building in front of us and I notice we’re stopped outside, knowing that’s the building we’re entering.

“At a party . . . Well, he’s actually my roommate Haley’s older brother. She doesn’t know I like him. I don’t want her to know . . . or him. I’m not his type . . .” She takes my arms in her soft hands and rubs them so gently.

“Carter, sweetie, listen to me. You’re beautiful. He might like you back, you never know. But you should be careful, seeing as it is Haley’s brother. Do you value her friendship?” she asks and I nod affirmatively.

I do. I love her friendship; hers and Danielle’s. I’ve never had this before, so it feels good.

Looking at me, she continues, “Then, maybe you should let him make the first move. But don’t get hung up on him if he doesn’t, alright? There are plenty of guys out there for you, sweetheart. Now come on, let’s go inside before your brothers see us and wonder what’s going on. They’ve all missed you so much.” She leans in to kiss my forehead once again and I walk with her up the small steps into the building. There is a couple of people here already. I get a few stares from men who are way older than I am, as I am the youngest female in the room as it stands.

Creeps.

“There’s my beautiful baby girl!” I hear my dad’s voice boom over the crowd and I see him come into view. Once I see his frame, I let go of my mom’s arm and race toward my dad. I launch myself into his arms and receive his famous bear hug he saves only for me. I sigh, relishing in the missed feeling of protection from him.

“Hi, baby!” He kisses my crown and I look up at him, smiling from ear to ear.

“Hi, Dad!” I beam back at the salt-and-pepper haired man wearing a fresh black suit and tie. I almost feel bad for running into him like that. I probably have makeup all over him; not that he’d care.

“Well, don’t you look like your mother.” He kisses my forehead and I step back from him. I turn to look around for my brothers, but I can’t see Dumb and Dumber roaming around. Usually, you hear them before you see them. I’ll find them soon enough, I hope. If they aren’t chatting up the wives. “You need to help your mom tonight, alright? We have important people coming, so stay away from the alcohol. I’ve warned your brothers too. I know you’re underage, so don’t do it in public, alright?” He tips my nose with his index finger.

“Fine . . .” I roll my eyes in a teasing manner and he grabs me to his side.

“You’re coming with me to greet some of the football players coming tonight! Your mom will be busy, so I need my other favorite girl on my arm.” Tucking me under his arm, I walk side by side with him as we make our way to the table where the football play—oh no!

No! No! No! No! Shit! Why didn’t I link this together? Nick. He’ll see me and he’ll know. Oh shit, and by the looks of things, it’s too late to run away.

I see TJ walking up the steps but he doesn’t see me. Okay, turn around and look away. Then I hear his laugh. Oh no. He’s getting closer. Fuck! What do I do?

I’m flustering around, trying to think of a quick escape when I get tapped on the shoulder by someone. I slowly turn around and see that it was someone else and not him.

Oh thank God.

“Carter?” I freeze after hearing my name to my right. I slowly turn my head to face that familiar voice. I see Nick staring at me, confused as to why I’m standing here. “What are you doing here?” he asks me while his eyes slowly wander down my frame. Stepping closer to me, both him and TJ are just staring at me, like I’m not actually there, yet curious as to why.

“I knew you were a Steel fan, but jeez, Carter, taking the term to a whole new level?” TJ teases me. I blush but I can’t speak. I literally have no voice right now.

“I-I . . . um—”

“Carter, sweetie, will you go help your mom?” My dad leans over to kiss my head once more and I see both boys eyes widen at what just happened, their eyes darting between me and my dad, who is oblivious to what is going on.

“W-Wait . . . what?” Nick cannot form any coherent sentence right now. To be honest, neither can I. “Carter—”

“I’ve got to go.” I run off from them, embarrassed by what just happened and surprised I was even able speak. I turn back to steal a glance and I see Nick still staring at me. I spot my mom and run towards her. When I get closer, she sees the panic on my face. She puts down the napkins on the table and takes my shoulders.

“Carter? What’s wrong? Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” At this point, I wish I had actually seen one. I’m so shocked at what happened back there. How could I forget about them.

“Nick . . .” I fumble out.

“Okay? What about him?” She quirks her perfectly waxed eyebrow at me.

“H-He’s here . . .” I see her eyes light up with interest as I see her head look around to find someone who fit my description earlier.

“Where?” She smirks. “Point him out to me. I want to see him!” I just walk away from her because she’s relishing in my embarrassment. I hate it when she does this. She’s such a mom sometimes. “Carter, I’m just kidding. Well, not really, but what’s the big deal?”

“I didn’t tell him who I am mom! That’s the big deal! Now he knows.” I walk into a darkened corner where nobody will spot us and turn to face her like a raging bull. “I didn’t want him to know! He’ll only like me for what I come with, not for who I am! Especially because he plays football.” She realizes how serious I am about this and steps into my bubble.

“Alright, but honey, it was going to come out one way or another. If he treats you differently, then that’s on him. He doesn’t deserve you then.” I groan out loud that quickly forms into a scream. The music is over taking the sound, which I’m grateful for. She’s treating as if it were so simple, but it’s not. It never is. I can’t go near him now. He’s going to treat me differently, he’s a football player who will look at me like a prize to be won. They all will.

After a few minutes of my mom trying to calm me down, I plaster on a fake smile and help her with the food and cutlery, trying my hardest not to look up and make any eye contact with anyone around me. My heart is beating a million miles an hour, afraid of the next encounter.

I made the mistake of looking up to find my brothers. I caught Nick’s eyes, and once he sees me, he starts making his way over to me almost immediately. Thankfully, my father interrupts his mission.

“Good evening, everyone. I would like to thank you all for coming tonight to listen to my boring self-talk about football. But first, I want to call up my two boys to the stage with me. Austin, Chris, where are you two . . . There you are. Come on up before I embarrass you guys!” I watch my brothers head up the steps to my dad and hug him, but they look out into the crowd for someone.

Me. I know they’re looking for me. My dad continues, “I’d like to have all my kids with me when I do these type of events, so I want to call up my beautiful daughter, Carter, who is currently studying here. This is her first year. Sweetheart, where are you?” I start to make my way up to the steps and both of my brothers are smiling goofily at me while I’m silently praying I don’t trip and fall flat on my face in front of this crowd. “There you are, my baby girl.” He hugs me close to his body and, once he lets go of me, I stand next to my brother, who picks me up and engulfs me in a huge hug.

“C-dog! I’ve been trying to find you all night!” Austin tells me before putting me down and allowing Chris to do the same thing.

“Missed you, sis! Well, I miss your cookies!” he teases me and I smack his arm, making him laugh. I stand between my two big brothers as my dad makes his speech with my mom by his side. They’re always together. They can’t spend more than a couple of days apart. They go insane and are a nightmare if that happens.

Looking into the crowd, I catch Nick’s eyes again and see he’s already staring at me blankly. I can’t read him. He’s so hard to read.

My mouth instantly feels dry, with my tongue sticking to the walls of it. Zoning out of my fathers speech, we just stare at each other until I see TJ lean over to him to whisper something. Something he obviously didn’t like because he punched his arm, glaring at him before he returned to look at me, but I break the contact first. I look at the back of my dad’s head and I feel Austin step closer to me. Then, sealing the end of his speech with a kiss from my mom, we hear a round of applause from the audience.

Allowing the lights to go up, Austin picks me back up and squeezes the life out of me. “C-dog! I’ve missed you so much! When are you visiting me in LA? I need to come down here to see you more often too!” I giggle at my brother. He’s such a softy, he always has been one.

“I’m in college now, I can’t up and leave whenever I feel like it, dipshit! I’ve been trying to call you both but you never answer me! I thought you were both annoyed at me.” I pout at them and Chris pats my head playfully.

“We’ve been busy, sis, we’re not purposely ignoring you. Don’t worry. We would never do that to you! At least we’re not as bad as dad, he never calls anymore, his schedule is crazy busy now that the season is starting to pick back up again. But I can see the real reason why he’s been busy.” Chris nudges his thumb playfully at my parents, who are still kissing. We all fake vomit at the sight of them. Hearing my mom squeal with laughter as my dad squeezes her ass, we all decide to leave.

“Nope!” we all say simultaneously and walk off the stage with the help of my brothers. My shoes aren’t as bad as I thought they’d be. We walk over to the food table and I feel a presence behind me. Turning my head over my shoulder, I see Nick standing there in his black suit and tie. God, he looks so good. He clears his throat and my two brother swiftly turn around to meet the culprit. Oh God, please help him.

“Hey, I was wondering if I could talk to you real quick?” His voice is so soft, almost like he’s scared of something. If anything, it should be me who should be scared.

“And you are?” Austin eyes him up with a territorial look on his face.

“Um, Austin, this is Nick . . . He’s my—”

“You better not be her boyfriend! I swear to God, you’ve got to ask permission from all three of us to even look at her! Got it?” Austin sternly warns Nick, who just stands there in shock.

“Austin! No, he’s my roommate’s brother!” I hiss. My brother softens his look to me. “He plays football for the college—”

“Oh yeah? What position?” Austin asks while Chris is stuffing his face listening to every detail.

“Quarterback,” Nick finally speaks.

“Quarterback, huh? You know who is the best quarterback this college has ever seen?” Austin steps closer to Nick, who starts to smile at my brother, finally gaining some courage.

“Me?” Nick bravely answers while Chris laughs between bites of food. Austin smirks at him too.

“Hah, no. Actually, it was me.” His smirk is still on his face as he eyes Nick up. I’m pretty sure my own brother has checked Nick out more than I have. I snort at the thought, only to see Nick looking over at me.

“Not for long . . .” Nick says as he averts his eyes back to Austin, who finds what he says hilarious. “So, can I talk to you Carter?” he asks. Before Austin speaks up, Nick continues, “In private?” He places his hands in his pockets while he nudges his head to a small balcony outside.

I nod and take a small sandwich in my hand, biting into it as I walk outside with him. I feel my hands shake out of nervousness for what is about to be said between us. Maybe it won’t be as bad as I think? I think as I watch his frame close the door behind us. We’re alone on the balcony but I can see my two brothers staring noticeably out the window at both of us. I try hold back a laugh at how intimidating they’re trying to be for me.

“So, you’re a Steel, huh?” He starts looking out into the dark horizon where we can see the shadows of the trees surrounding the campus.

“Yeah . . .” I mumble down at my feet. Seeing his head drop to my eyes he steps closer to me.

“You didn’t tell me because . . .” He winds his finger around nothing, signalling me to finish his sentence.

“I didn’t want you to know,” I tell him truthfully.

“Why?”

“I-I . . . Nick . . . do you know how many people try to be friends with me because of who my family are? I don’t have any friends left because of it. I have Haley and Danielle . . .”

“Do they know?” I nod weakly at him in response. “Why, Carter? I’m not like that. That’s why you didn’t want to say your last name. That’s why you ran away from me at the party when Haley told you I play football, isn’t it? Why you acted weird yesterday with the salesman when we got your car?” I nod to every single question he asked. I feel defeated. I finally build up the courage to look in those eyes of his and when I do, I hear him take a deep breath.

“I just didn’t want you to change your opinion of me, to use me like the rest of them have to kick start your NFL career. I just didn’t want to get hurt,” I whisper the last part, but I know he heard it because I hear him step closer to me.

“I won’t hurt you, Carter. My opinion won’t change either. I wish you told me though. I don’t care about who you are or what your last name is . . . I liked being around you before I knew and I will like being around after too. Nothing has changed, I promise you,” I laugh bitterly at him thinking about the last guy.

“The last guy who I thought was nice to me said those exact words . . .” I say bitterly to the open air. I hear him sigh almost angrily at me.

“Well, I’m not one of those guys, Carter. If you can’t see that, then I’m sorry; I’m sorry that you can’t trust people; I’m sorry that whatever happened to you happened. But I’m not that guy. I can only tell you this and prove it to you, but I’ve got a feeling that you won’t allow me to. You have your mind set on this, and I wish you didn’t.” I rest on my heel, staring down at it with folded arms. I don’t say anything, I just stay silent thinking about what he said. Maybe he isn’t that guy? Maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt? But I can’t risk it at the same time. Those two guys broke me—ruined me.

“Carter, please don’t put me in that category. Do you want to talk about—”

“No!” I quickly lift my head up to face him, realizing that I actually snapped at him too. Both his hands are out in front of him like he’s surrendering.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I just . . . I’m not good at this sort of thing? Do you want a hug?” I hear the smile in his tone as I laugh at him. I would like a hug from him. I nod and he approaches me, engulfing me in a tight hug. I sink into his big arms and we stay like that until I hear the door open again. The loud noise of the chatter inside booms through the opening. We abruptly pull apart from each other and I see it’s my parents. My dad looks like he’s going to kill Nick while my mom looks curious as to who he is.

“You have a boyfriend?” my dad squeaks out, sizing Nick up. I shake my head, and I see the once tense body relax in front of me.

“No, Dad, this is Nick. His sister is my roommate. Nick, this is my dad, Roger, and my mom, Elaine.” I point to both my parents and he shakes both of their hands. It’s one of the traits I have noticed about him, he’s well-mannered and courteous with people when he first meets them.

“Nick, as in Haley’s brother Nick?” my mom quizzes with a large smirk evidently on her face. I feel the heat creep up to my cheeks while I glare at my mom who is focused on Nick, the wind tousling her hair around her face as we listen to the tree leaves rub off each other, creating a hissing sound in the air.

“Yeah . . . that’s me . . .” Nick sends her a tight smile in recognition. “It’s an honor to meet you both, Mr and Mrs. Steel.” He continues looking at my dad.

“I’ve heard so much about you!” My mom beams as I mentally sink into the ground, trying to run away from this embarrassing situation that’s unfolding.

“Um . . . really?” he asks as his head snaps to me. I’m still looking at my mom who has a grin on her face. My dad is completely confused as to what is going on.

“Oh, yes, Carter speaks so highly of you. Thank you for keeping her company while she collected her car.” Now my mom is blushing at him. Why on earth is she blushing at him? What the hell is going on?

“Oh, its no problem really. My pleasure.” He smiles over to my unhappy looking dad now. He’s so lost and pissed that he’s not in the loop. No way I’d tell him anything. Plus, he hasn’t called me since that party, so this is on him. I’ve tried but he’s always so busy.

“I’m confused? Are you two dating or something? Because if you are, you need to run that by me and her brothers first!” My dad sends Nick a stern look while he smiles and shakes his head, trying not to laugh. My dad is old fashioned. In the south, it’s normal to ask the father for permission to date the daughter, and he stands by that. He did it with my mom and her dad when they first started dating, and he expects the same for me.

“Believe me, sir, your sons have informed me on that already . . .” Nick licks his lips, smiling back at my parents.

“And we’re not dating, Dad, so relax. Why is everyone thinking that?” My dad smiles. Hearing that must have perked him up. Silence falls between the four of us, and leave it to my mom to perk up.

“Honey, Nick plays football for the college. Isn’t that right?” Oh, here we go again. My dad will slate him. He’ll ask him about the coaching staff here, if they’re as good as him, and his statistics on the field. It’ll be awkward.

“Oh, really? Is that so? What position do you play?” My dad’s interest in Nick has gone up by one hundred percent. Anyone who plays football is interesting to my dad.

“Quarterback, sir.” Nick’s politeness makes me smile. He’s nervous, he must be. Either that or he’s a typical southern boy who has learned his manners.

“Quarterback, huh? Nick Jackson, right?” My dad asks. I’m in shock that he’s even heard of him. He knows his name, for crying out loud. I can’t hide my shocked expression. Nick must be good if my dad has heard of him.

“That’s me, yeah . . .” Nick sounds taken back by the fact that my dad knows him. I hear him clear his throat, scared of the next thing that’ll come flying out of his mouth. Don’t say something embarrassing, don’t say something embarrassing. I cross my fingers behind my back silently pleading.

“I’ve seen your tapes actually. You’ve got a strong arm. I’ve actually seen three of you on tape. You planning on going pro after college?”

“Really? Wow! I didn’t know you saw them. Thanks, that means a lot coming from you. Yeah, I want to go pro after college. I’ve dreamt about it for years. I love the game, it’s become part of me,” Nick responds.

“I know the feeling. You’re young, good, and the talk of the college too. I look for upcoming guys who are dedicated to the game. I watch college ball as often as I can, so when it comes to drafting players, I know exactly who I want.” Hearing that tone in his voice. The confidence my dad radiates. He’s pitching, I know he is.

“Oh yeah? Nothing beats the live game though. We do nothing but watch game tapes of ourselves and our opponents. Coach drilled that into us since day one.” I can see Nick’s shoulders drop, knowing he’s easing into the conversation nicely.

“You like your coach?” It’s a trick question. I know it is.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s good. I prefer Bulldog, though. I don’t really take to Coach’s technique. Bulldog’s, on the other hand, I much prefer his advice . . .”

“Yeah, your coach’s technique is not great. But then again, he’s not me. I can’t believe Bulldog is still around, that old bag is a wise man that I idolized growing up around here. Listen to what he has to say, he’ll come in handy for your pro career but he’s got nothing on me,” my dad advises.

“With all due respect sir, I haven’t had you as a coach, so I like Bulldog’s methods. I think he’s the best I’ve had,” Nick says.

“So far . . .” I see Nick tense a little at what my dad is saying. Where is he going with this? “How about this, the next time I’m down here visiting Carter, I’ll do a one on one with you one day? Maybe two if I like you enough.” I see Nick completely freeze beside me, and I watch him just stare wide-eyed at my dad. I poke him in the arm to help him say something back.

“Nick! Are you okay?” I whisper, still poking him. His eyes snap down to meet mine, and once they do, my breath hitches at the sudden change. I see a flash run across his eyes and he faces my father once more to shake his hand. What he says next completely shakes me from the inside.

“As much as I’d like that sir, I understand that other guys have used your daughter in the past. I’m not about to be put in that same category. I appreciate the gesture, but I can’t accept.” My dad’s shocked expression is quickly replaced by a smile. He was testing him, and he passed. I bite the inside of my cheek, trying not to smile, and I see my mom staring up at Nick.

“You have no idea how many guys have taken me up on that offer. I don’t have the time to actually come down here, especially during the season. I appreciate that you didn’t put yourself in that category. We all would’ve if you said yes.” My dad shakes his hand, and I stand there in shock that he did that. I thought he was going to take the offer but he didn’t. He turned it down. My parents decide to leave us alone together again after that quick conversation. He’s a busy man that has to socialize.

Before walking back in, he says to Nick over his shoulder, “By the way, I have actually watched your tapes. You’re good! Really good! Teams will be fighting for you once you’re finished, good! Me included. Nice meeting you.” He waves off my dad and I watch them leave. I’m standing behind Nick, whose back is turned to me. I think my dad broke him.

“Um . . . Nick?” I run my hands along the skin of my arm. I shake my legs from the slight breeze that blows through me. “Nick?” I whisper at his back. Turning around finally to face me, I see the light in his eyes. He looks incredible right now. So incredible. I’m at a loss for words.

“Sorry, I was totally having a fan girl moment over your dad . . .” he says as he smiles down at me. I laugh, looking out to the darkness at nothing in particular.

“You and everyone else in this building . . . Well, except for me and my brothers.” I point my toe and trace the pattern of the tiles with it.

“Well, yeah, you see him pretty much all the time. I can’t believe I just met Roger Steel . . . and Austin Steel . . . and Chris Steel”—his head turns back to meet my eyes once more, and I feel the butterflies flying around my stomach—“and Carter Steel.” Hearing my full name leave his mouth was like music to my ears. Soft, soothing music too.

I don’t ask why he mentioned me. I’m nothing special. Not compared to my family, I’m not.

He runs his fingers through his hair as he watches me. I send him a tight smile and, after a few more minutes out here, we decide to go back inside and join the commotion around my father.

“Shit . . . what the fuck is she doing here . . .” I look in the same direction as him and notice Maya making her way up the stairs with her group of friends. She looks really good in a tight and glittery black dress that shows off her long legs. She spots Nick from a mile away and then looks at me. She starts to walk over to us and then spots both of my brothers. She stops herself and her friends, all of them giving both of my brothers their best flirtatious stare, like they’re meat on a stick.

“Come on.” Nick grabs hold of my hand and tugs me in their direction. Seeing Maya turn on her heel toward Nick, she spots that he’s holding my hand and glares hard at me.

“You’re so buff, Austin. It’s good to finally feel what a real man feels like!” Maya flirts with my older brother, her hands trailing Austin’s chest. The sight makes me queasy. The look in her eyes tells me she wants all the attention on her, and well, she’s getting it, which is boosting her ego. There’s something about her that I just don’t quite like. She’s actually rude and mean. I don’t like people like that.

“Jealous, Nick?” She smiles, running her finger along her neck. “I see you brought your pet with you, who’s still following you around like a lost puppy. How pathetic.” She turns back around to my brothers who are fuming with anger. Her eyes widen at the sight of them both breathing fire. Their quick change in mood caught her off guard.

“That pathetic, lost puppy is my sister . . .” Austin says while gritting at her. Her head snaps to meet my blank stare and her eyes widen then laughs, thinking it’s all a joke. But it’s not.

“Bullshit . . .” She’s now staring at Nick who has the most beaming smile on his face at her embarrassing mistake. She’s been caught. You can smell the alcohol off her, influencing her bravery.

I look down to see I’m still holding his hand. I don’t want to let go either. “Don’t ever insult my sister ever again. Got that?” My brothers have defended me from the day I was born, beating up guys who were mean to me and sticking up for me when it was girls.

I watch Maya’s nod up and down quickly in fear. But Austin continues his lecture, “That goes for the rest of you three. Don’t insult her. So keep your fucking opinions to yourself!” Austin stands behind me, locking me up in a tight hug. His big brother instincts always kicks in at the right time. Chris stands next to us, staring at the girls who were all over them a second ago. Nick is still holding on to me. I wonder if he realizes he’s holding my hand still.

We allow Maya and her friends to walk back out the door and leave the building, but not without an over the shoulder glare from her.

“Jesus, college girls are still the same old bitches—” I slap Austins arm and tilt my head back to look up at him. “What? Why’d you hit me?” His voice was higher than normal.

“I’m a college girl, dipshit!” The realization flashes across his face, forgetting that I am, indeed, a college girl. He’s smart, but only book smart with a side of zero common sense.

“Oh shit, yeah . . . I forgot you were, C-dog!” He chuckles.

“C-dog?” Nick whips his head around to the both of us with a grin so wide he might strain his muscles.

“You can’t call her that! That’s my name for her, come up with something else, buddy!” Austin points at Nick, who is still smiling at him.

“What’s your name for her?” Nick nods to Chris, who is currently stuffing chocolate cake into his mouth. Why is he always eating something?

“Cooks or Cookie.” That makes Nick laugh loudly. I feel the tug of my hand as he throws his head back.

“Why ‘Cookie’?” he asks through his laughter.

“She makes the best cookies ever.” I feel Austin’s chin move on my head, nodding at what Chris said. I do make the best cookies. It’s my recipe. Nick is still doubled over, laughing at us three and our sibling love. I watch the wrinkles form around his eyes and the way his dimple sits on his left cheek. “Seriously! Sis, you need to send me a batch! I’ve been craving them like a girl on her period!” I giggle at my brother, along with everyone else.

The night carries on with fun and laughter, but it’s not long until it’s time to leave. I couldn’t help but notice Ryan’s absence. Not once did I see him but I saw his twin and spoke with him for a while. They’re the complete opposite of each other. Rob is quieter than Ryan, but they’re identical in looks.

I’m exhausted, and all I want is my bed. Sometimes, when we’d stay in hotel rooms, my brothers and I would sleep in the same bed. I love their cuddles. I’ve always liked sleeping with people. I always feel safe with them. So that’s what happens. I follow them to their hotel room and stay in the gigantic bed with my two brothers. They decided to push the two king sized bed together to make one large bed. All of us are laying under the fresh bed sheets in dim lighting, with me smack-dab in the middle of my brothers. I rest my head on the duck feather pillow and my phone vibrates near my head. Reading the name makes me freeze.

Nick: Did you get back alright? I couldn’t find you to walk you back to the dorm.

I smile at how concerned he is. He’s so sweet.

Me: I didn’t go back to the dorm, I’m staying with my family tonight. Thank you for checking on me ’’ xx

He replies almost immediately.

Nick: Cool, just wanted to make sure you weren’t walking around campus alone. I’ll see you tomorrow? ’’ xx

It’s then I realized I sent him two x’s. I feel my eyes squeeze themselves shut at my slip up. At least he was nice enough to return them. What do I do now? Do I continue with them? I should shouldn’t I? I mean I started it?

Me: Yeah, I should be back at the dorm. My brothers will be there too so you can have some other male company too along with TJ xx

Nick: I’ll come over tomorrow, Haley said there’s leftover cake she and Danielle baked. And I love cake. Don’t get me wrong, I idolize your brothers, but I really enjoy your company too xx

The last part makes me grin as I bite on my finger reading this. He really enjoys my company?

Me: I love cake too and so do my brothers. I hope they made loads! I really enjoy your company too xx

My heart hammers as I type a reply out to send him.

Nick: Sorry if I’m keeping you up. I just had to check to see where you were. Seeing as you’re with your family, I will talk with you tomorrow. Goodnight Carter xx

Me: Goodnight Nick. Thank you again xx

I place my phone down under my pillow. I can’t wipe the grin off my face. “So . . .” Chris begins the midnight talk we used to have when we were all together. “Was that Nick? You sure there’s nothing going on between you two?” The light places shadows around his face as I look up at him laying next to me.

“Wh—No. What makes you think that? He’s my roommate’s older brother,” I say to defend myself.

“What’s that got to do with it?” He pushes me. He’s right. Why did I say that? I see his frown etch harder across his brow which darkens with the shadows.

“I’m tired. Can you turn the light off?” I deflect the question but I should’ve known better.

“Not until you answer the question, C-dog.” Austin’s voice overtakes the room. I groan, sliding down the sheets in my brothers shirt.

“I don’t know why I said it. It just came out, alright? Can we just forget about it? I’m really tired . . .” It was all the truth. I don’t know why I said it. It was a brain fart. The look from both of them tells me they’ll leave it for now.

The light disappears and the darkness surrounds us. I feel two kisses on my head and I bring the covers up to my chin. I snuggle into the bed sheets and fall asleep after a few moments of just staring into space.

While my eyes are closed, I remember Nick in his suit and tie. He looks good in anything he wears but for tonight, he looked so handsome. His dark black suit encasing his body, making him look like he just walked out of a Bond movie. His broad shoulders and bulging arms. His blond hair neatly combed to the side and slightly away from his stunning face.

He could easily be a model. That chiselled jaw that was dotted with light stubble. But it was his eyes; they were so bright, and when the light caught them, there was no way I could look away from him. They allowed a pulse resonate through me body. That smile that remained on his face for basically the whole night. He looked like he enjoyed himself. I practically spent the entire night with him, TJ, and my brothers.

The thought of him has me smiling silly to myself.

Nick Jackson, you have wriggled yourself into my mind.