Page 24 of Fighting Fate

But what's got her laughing like that?

Not Payson; she's busy giving some guy a lap dance.

Is it that guy? Alex Bruden, our lineman. I doubt he's her type, but she's looking at him like he's the next big thing in ballet. I know a ballet dancer when I see one, don't ask how. Watching her with him, I feel this twinge of jealousy.

Let it go, Miles.

But I can't help myself. I turn to Cameron, who's now loitering on the stairs, and give him a heads-up. "Man, don't even think about it. She's...not the one you want to mess with."

He looks intrigued. "Why's that? She taken?"

"Something like that," I grumble under my breath.

But, only to me.

"College just started, and she's already off the market?" He squints at some guy who's getting a bit too cozy with her. "Is Alex her boyfriend or something? Sure looks like it with him nudging her hip and caressing her arm every two seconds."

Shit. Is he? Here I am, supposed to be celebrating our win against the Chargers, and instead, I'm all worked up over Milli. Cam's gaze flicks between them and me, then he nudges me again, already half-drunk. "Ohhh, she's with you, isn't she, Chasen?"

I down the rest of my drink and mumble, "Fuck, I wish," under my breath. Instead, I say, "Nah, she's just my best friend."

He looks at me, disbelief written all over his face, and bursts out laughing. "Who the hell has that hot of a girl as a best friend?"

Well, apparently, I do. Didn't realize that was such a hardship?

"Well, you see, Cam, some people can just be platonic friends," Gunner, one of our freshman tight ends, chimes in. "Guys and girls can have conversations, share interests and hobbies without it being about sex."

But then Jebs, our backup QB and one of my frat brothers, has to go and stir the pot. "But come on, you can tell he's into her. That's Luke's sister he's been eyeing all night. You're more than just friends, aren't you, Chasen?"

A few guys chuckle, and Cameron's eyes nearly pop out of his head. "Damn, can I be her best friend, too? She's got that sexy librarian look, and it's doing things to me," he says, adjusting himself.

I shoot him a glare that could freeze hell over, but he just laughs it off, giving my shoulder a squeeze. "Chill, man, I'm just messing with you."

Yeah, well, not everyone's laughing, especially not me.

"But, you know, if she ever wants me to give her a test run..."

"Dude, do you ever shut your mouth?" Gunner snaps, silencing Cam with the impact of the punch.

My hands ball into fists, a wave of protectiveness washing over me. Milli's not some prize for Cam to take for a "test run." But losing my composure here isn't on the table—I need to keep my cool, can't let the guys catch me slipping.

I fake a chuckle, tossing out a line to put him in his place. "Try anything, and Luke will have you running for the hills, man. He doesn't play when it comes to his sister."

And believe me, I've had my fair share of run-ins with Luke over Milli.

The team, a mix of rookies and vets, let out uneasy laughs. They all know Luke's reputation—cross him and you're in for a world of hurt. They don't know the half of it, though.

"Yeah, just kidding," Cam backpedals, then disappears into the crowd.

Rookies, I swear. They think they're all that until reality checks them. Milli's off the table, and these guys should respect that.

Cameron's words gnaw at me, stirring up feelings I shouldn't be having. The thought of anyone else getting close to Milli, making her laugh, or seeing her in that fucking outfit—it gets under my skin. I watch her from a distance, her laughter ringing out. Even Alex seems to be in her orbit now. Note to self: have a word with him at practice.

I know I shouldn't be so wrapped up in her, so fiercely protective, but it's hard. There's just something about Milli that makes me want to keep her safe from these college clowns. I didn't expect to feel this way when she first came to NorthRidge.

I find myself sinking into the only empty couch in the room, cracking open another beer. Perfect spot—out of Milli's direct line, but close enough to keep an eye on her.

And speaking of keeping eyes on things, I've got my three freshmen charges here tonight, making complete fools of themselves. Coach K thinks we're mentoring them, but sometimes it feels more like herding cats. We're supposed to guide these newbies, help them adjust to life at NorthRidge. They're fitting in alright, maybe a little too well.