Agony(Entangled Hearts Duet #1) - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,45
for years to come are going to hear about this one.” He winks.
“I’m going to pick up the kegs when we’re done here,” Nixon tells him.
“Reese and I are going to stop and pick up some cups, chips, and maybe some dip or some brownies or something.”
“You two”—Hank points at me then Tessa—“have been stingy on the brownies lately. What’s up with that?”
“Well, you see, it’s this little thing called college. We’re trying to finish it. Not to mention, we’ve traveled to more of your away games this year,” I defend.
“Because these two are pussy-whipped,” he quips.
“Watch it,” Cooper growls.
“Yep,” Nixon says, not a care in the world. I love how much he loves Tessa. It gives me hope to find a love like that one day. To find a man who’s not afraid to tell the world what you mean to him. As for Cooper, he’s just being the protective best friend he’s always been. If anything, he’s consistent.
“Hey, Hank.” Some tall, leggy blonde slides up to him.
“Hey, gorgeous.” He winks at her before turning back to us. “I’ll catch you guys later.” Just like that, he’s gone, the leggy blonde hanging on his arm as they walk out of the building.
“That’s the third girl I’ve seen him with this week,” Tessa comments.
“He’s living his best life, that’s for sure. I just hope he doesn’t catch something or get one of them pregnant. That’s all he needs is some cleat chaser getting her claws into him right before the draft,” Cooper says, shoving the last of my fries into his mouth.
“Fuck, I’m glad I’m not there.” Nixon leans in and kisses Tessa on the corner of her mouth.
Cooper grumbles something under his breath that I don’t quite catch. “What was that?” I ask him.
“Nothing.” He shakes his head. “You about ready?” he asks Nixon.
“Yep. Those kegs aren’t going to pick themselves up.” He stands and gathers their trash and ours before walking to the nearby trash can to throw it all away.
“How many kegs are we talking?” I ask Cooper.
“Three.” He grins. “This is our last hoorah. Those of us who are declaring for the draft have the Combine coming up, so we have to stay focused—no booze and no parties. So we’re doing it up big.”
I look across the booth at Tessa. “This could get interesting.” She throws her head back and laughs.
“You can count on that,” she replies.
After a round of goodbyes, we part ways. “So, what are you thinking as far as snacks go?” Tessa asks.
“Let’s see. There’s going to be an abundance of drunk college kids. Chips and beer are all you need.” I chuckle.
“You’re probably right. I was thinking we make the guys go to an early dinner beforehand. Me drinking on an empty stomach is not a good plan.”
“I’m going to take it easy. I don’t think I’ve recovered yet from my junior year bender,” I tell her.
“I’d hardly call that a bender. One night of letting loose and drinking is far from it.”
“Well, I can still remember the vomiting.” I shudder at the thought. “I hate to vomit, Tess. I really, truly hate it.”
“Nobody likes to vomit,” she says. “However, it’s the last party with the guys. You have to let loose and enjoy yourself.”
“We’ll see how it goes. Come on. We have Solo cups and chips to stock up on.”
“And brownies. Even if we hide them, we need to make Hank some brownies.”
“Agreed.”
We spend the next few hours shopping and getting everything we need to make six batches of brownies before heading over to the football house. We’re going to cook, and the guys can clean up. We’ll hold the brownies hostage until they do. It’s a fair trade that they’ve never turned down in the past.
A few hours later, the brownies are done and packaged in a few containers. I take three and hide them in Cooper’s room, and Tessa takes three and hides them in Nixon’s room. We have the place to ourselves as the guys went to the gym. They decided not to replace Levi this year, since next year all five of them will be gone. This house will have a new set of students. We’ve made some good memories here. This year we’ve missed Levi, but he’s off living his dream, just like Cooper, Hank, and Nixon will be soon. They’re all declaring for the draft this year.
“I feel like we should clean the kitchen,” I tell Tessa as we kick back on the couch. The