Torrid Affair(10)

Nate cleared his throat and I swallowed back the ball of nerves lodged in my throat. I had so much to say him, but nothing that made any sense. I wasn’t his girlfriend. It was one date. And I still hadn’t processed why I was so upset.

“Brielle,” the asshole said.

“Don’t.” I shook my head; my gaze refused to meet his. His tall body shifted as he stood.

“Let me explain.”

I scoffed and looked up at him. “That’s rich.” I inhaled all the air my lungs would allow. “Explain what? That you’re a liar? That you told me you weren’t seeing anyone when you took me out? Please, feel free to explain how you half kissed me with a promise of another date while you’re seeing my best friend?” I paused for a moment, raising my hand when he opened his mouth to speak.

“Talk about coincidence, huh? I bet you didn’t think this was how your night would go, did you?” He licked his lips seductively like he had done so many times before. “Listen, it’s simple. You’re a liar and, if anything, you did me a favor because you would probably turn out to be a disappointment.”

“Ouch,” he muttered. “Brielle?” I hated the way he said my full name.

“What?” I snapped.

The crowd around us roared over something on the field. His lips parted and he shook his head gently.

“Whatever,” I said in disbelief.

I moved past him and made my way toward Delaney. I hesitated and then turned back to him.” And you want to know something else?” He cocked his head to the side. “Moose is the stupidest nickname I’ve ever heard. Completely. Stupid.”

I didn’t wait for him to reply, stomping down each metal step until I reached Del. We walked back to my car and she hugged me goodnight before she grabbed her keys. I slid into my car and slammed my fist onto the steering wheel.

Why did I care?

It was a stupid date. One stupid date.





Chapter 5





Nathaniel


Fuck.

She was Delaney’s best friend.

Roommate.

I fucked up.

Bad.

Fuck.

How had I been so careless?

Delaney and I had hung out a few times with some other other friends before the semester started. I didn’t see any harm in coming to the game with her. Brielle and I had already gone out on one date, and even though I couldn’t stop thinking about her, I figured it was just a football game. But when Delaney said she was bringing her roommate, I never in a million years imagined it was the same girl I couldn’t get out of my mind for the past forty-eight hours.

The crowd cheered over a pass on the field as I shook my head with anger. The way she looked at me with disgust when she noticed me . . . It was an image I couldn’t get out of my head.

Fuck.

I tried to apologize, but she shot me down and didn’t let me explain. This wasn’t the type of man I was.

Okay, maybe that was a lie.

But I really liked Brielle.

“Fuck!” I shouted. A few people standing in the row below me turned around and I apologized. ”My bad.”

Hopping off the bleacher, I started to walk. I knew Brielle wouldn’t hear me out now, but I’d get her to talk to me in class. The only thing I wanted to do now was find Delaney, tell her something came up, and then head home.

Coward move, I know.

I spotted Delaney walking toward me, and her smile widened when she noticed me. She was stunning, I couldn’t deny that. Most of the guys we knew would kill to be with her, including me. But then I met Brielle.

I pushed those thoughts out of my head when Delaney approached. “I’m sorry.” She shrugged and pouted her lips. “Brie isn’t a big fan of football. I knew I was pushing my luck when I asked her to come.” She reached for my hand and I gave her mine. “We can head back.” She nodded toward the game.

“Actually . . .” I paused for a second. I wanted to tell her I was heading home but then I realized it wasn’t Delaney’s fault. “You want to get out of here?”

Her eyes widened as she smiled brightly. “I’d love that.”

“Come on.” I tugged on her hand to follow me. “I know just the place.”



Mario’s Pizzeria was empty. This was a rare occasion, but most of the student body and regulars were at the game.

“What can I get you two?” the man asked.

I looked over at Delaney. “I’ll have a plain slice and a bottle of water, please.” She looked up at me and smiled.

I placed my order and then walked over to the fridge cooler and pulled out my Coke and her water. Delaney slid into a booth and I joined her.

“I’ve never seen this place so empty,” she stated before she took a sip of her water.