Cocky Striker - Evan Grace Page 0,42

you did. I was just working on my slides. I’ve got one more to finish, then I’m done for the night. Come over?”

“Do you want me to grab you something to eat? I’ll cook for you.”

I shake my head. “No, I don’t need anything, but you. I’ll see you in a bit?”

“Yep, I just need to get some clothes, and then I’ll be over.”

“I’ll see you when you get here.” She disconnects, and I quickly save my work and then put my laptop away.

While I wait, I quickly pick up my place and use some air freshener. I’m just throwing my dirty clothes in the basket in my closet when there’s a soft knock on my door.

Every single time she knocks on my door I’m filled with an excitement I’ve never felt with anyone before. It’s not because of the sex—don’t get me wrong because the sex between us is always off the charts—but it’s like she was perfectly made just for me.

It is spending time with her doing everyday stuff like cuddling on the sofa or in my bed, watching movies or shows, or doing homework. I pull open the door, smiling like an idiot I’m sure, but I don’t care. “Will you think less of me if I tell you that I missed you?”

Laken’s smile widens. “Will you think less of me if I tell you that I missed you too?”

I pull her into my arms and kiss her hard and deep. She tastes like toothpaste and cherry ChapStick. All too soon I break the kiss and lead her into my place, taking her bag from her.

Laken shuts the door while I take her bag and set it against the far wall by my bed. When I turn around, I find her sitting on my bed with her legs crossed. This has become my favorite place to watch TV—it’s one of the joys about living in a studio apartment.

I’ve never been one to just veg out. Mom says I’m like my dad that way—always moving and grooving—but there’s something about snuggling with Laken that is like a natural Xanax.

I climb onto my bed and crawl toward her. Her back is against my headboard, so I lay down with my head in her lap and moan as she scratches my head with her nails. I didn’t know this was an erogenous zone, or maybe it’s just one for me, but I swear I get hard when she does this.

“How many games do you have this weekend?”

“We only have two, and if we win them both we’ll be in fourth place overall. Not really the way I wanted to end the season, but I’m still proud of my team.” I wanted us to get first place, but the other teams we’ve faced have been tougher.

“I still know nothing about soccer, but I think you’ve played amazingly well. You should be proud. I’m sorry I can’t be there.”

Her parents are going to a friend’s wedding in Napa, and she needs to be home for Ava. “Do people really get married right before Christmas?”

“Sure, people sometimes get married right on Christmas day.”

Winter break starts Friday, and after my games I’ll be heading home for the holidays. I’m not sure how much I’m going to like not being around Laken all the time. Not getting to hold her in my arms while I sleep is really going to suck.

“What do you want for Christmas?” She stops scratching, and I look up at her. “What about Ava?”

Laken shakes her head. “You don’t have to get us anything.”

I sit up. “I know I don’t have to, but I want to.” Before we can talk further, my stomach growls, causing us both to laugh. “Come keep me company.” I get off the bed, grab her hand, pull her up and throw her over my shoulder.

“Oh my God, what are you doing, weirdo?” Laken’s laugh warms me deep inside. Fuck, it scares me, but it also excites me. I swear I’m a fucking basket case of emotion.

I plop her down on the little counter and step between her legs, kissing her. “Now sit here like a good girl and watch me make magic happen.”

I flash her the Bateman smile, the one my mom swears makes me look just like my dad, dodging her as she kicks at me with her bare foot. “Maybe I should move to the sofa; that ego of yours is taking up all the space.”

I freeze and turn my head to look at