Offside (Rules of the Game, #1)

by Avery Keelan

Zayn

MALIK?

I had a few hard limits—like taking advantage of drunk girls. And I had a feeling she was well past the point of tipsy.

I grabbed a well-worn red Falcons tee and handed it to her. Sure, I had other shirts. But giving her this felt like a taste of retribution against that dick Morrison.

“It’s nice that you’re thinking about their feelings,” I said. “But who’s thinking about yours?”

“You’re smitten,” she said. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell the guys.” “No, I’m not.” I tore away from her gaze, sinking my teeth into the apple. “Uh-huh. Whatever you say.”

“He’s going to—” “Hurt me?” I smirked. “After putting up with you, I think I can take care of myself.”

wasn’t even dating the guy, and I was being forced to defend myself. Was this 1950? Did I need a chaperone or something? And was Luke getting grief about Sophie? Of course not. My life was the only one under the microscope. It was infuriating. I was simultaneously being scrutinized and ostracized.

because of Jillian’s online shopping addiction, we received packages several times a week. Sometimes it seemed like she was single-handedly keeping Amazon afloat.

So real

Plus, I mean … it is my place too. Bailey: Good point. In that case, I’ll invite Lauren over to watch The Bachelor next week. So what if it was petty? Lauren was a fellow journalism major I’d met my freshman year during my Introduction to Online Media class. But more importantly, Lauren and Paul dated shortly before he met Amelia,

Speaking of the front door, can you do me a favor? Chase: What kind of favor? Bailey: Not that kind.

Bailey: When you get here, can you come to the front door? Chase: And say hi to my BFF Morrison? It would be my pleasure.

applied to be a giant dickbag first, but they told me you already filled the position.”

The look on Morrison’s face tonight? Awesome. Getting to spend time with James? Even better. Kissing her? Fuck me, I’m in over my head.

Prepare for a wild night of adventure and crime.” “You’re joking, right?” He shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to see.”

Sometimes I come here to think.” “Ah, so not often then.” He grinned, bumping me with his elbow. “Hey, now.”

“If I drink coffee this late, I won’t sleep tonight.” “Cool your jets, Grandma. We ain’t here for coffee.”

“We need to get you a mute button.”

I grabbed the zipper of my tan leather crossbody bag. “I can pay—” “Yeah, no,” he said. “What should I order for you?”

WHAT A MANNNNN

“You want to do chick stuff with me?” “Why not? My life is testosterone overload most of the time. It gets old. Plus, guys are smelly.

I was a little winded, not because I’d just climbed two stories’ worth of stairs—I could do that in my sleep—but from my proximity to her. I was losing my chill.

“No offense to you, but I don’t get the Morrison thing,” I said. “You’re cool. And that dude’s got about as much personality as a carton of white milk.” “Oh my god.” She stopped mid-sip and huffed out a little breath of air. “Somehow that fits perfectly.” I drained the last of my hot chocolate. “Seriously, what did you see in him? Asking for a friend.” I paused. “Okay, that friend is me. I’m a nosy fuck.”

El quiere chismeee

she could have had her pick of almost anyone. I couldn’t reconcile why she’d give that douchebag the time of day, let alone date him for an extended length of time. Was this what jealousy felt like? I didn’t like it. At all.

“So much for not being clumsy.” I gently let her go. “I’m not,” she insisted. I stole a glance at her, fighting a smile. “Maybe just clumsy around me.” “Maybe so.”

Chase: Help me, James. I’m just a pretty face.

He lowered his voice, a tactic he used, I realized, to get into my head … or maybe my pants. Yet, even knowing that, the voice totally worked. At least on the first part. Possibly a little of the second.

COULD I have completed that essay a little faster? Probably. Was I motivated to speed up the process when James was in my bedroom, looking adorable as fuck on my bed? Not really.

And hockey help me,

Lol instrad of "Lord help me"

Lindsay shot me a defiant glare, like she expected me to be jealous. I smiled back because I seriously did not give a shit.

“James, you just dropped more knowledge than half the guys on the team could. It makes total sense.” This may have been the moment I fell for him, but I’d never admit that out loud.

“but I have to go easy on the drinking. I don’t think Chase wants a repeat of the night we met.” I peeked up at him and grinned. He laughed and gave my shoulders a squeeze. “Well, at least it got us here.”

“What do I get if I beat you?” Our gazes locked and a smile played on his lips. “Anything you want.”

“You’re killing me, James.” “Why’s that?” I whispered. Chase lowered his head, planting a row of kisses down my neck. “Because I don’t want to stop. But if I keep kissing you,” he murmured against my skin, “I won’t be fit to be around other people for a good, long while.” He pulled back and smoothed my hair with a playful grin. “Later, it’ll be a different story.”

“You might have to spell things out for me. I don’t want to push you.”

“Can we just kiss? Make out a little?” “Of course,” I murmured, wrapping my other arm around her back. Her expression turned serious, and she looked up at me, hesitating. “No sex.” “You’re in charge here. I would never pressure you.”

I wasn’t a touchy-feely person, aside from the usual “touch-me, feel-you” one-night stand scenario. But with Bailey, it was perfect. She lay on my chest while I stroked her long, silky hair, having a mini-panic attack. Because I was getting exactly what I wanted, even though I definitely didn’t deserve it.

know you can handle yourself, but it triggered something protective in me. You’re one of my favorite people.” Her lips curved into a small smile, her gaze softening. “Who are your other favorite people?” “It’s mostly you, I guess. Not a big fan of humankind in general.”

“I don’t want anyone else, James.” “You don’t?” “Not even a little,” I said, kissing the top of her head.

I could count the number of times in recent history that I’d been nervous on one hand, and they were all around Bailey. That’s not to say it was a bad type of nervous. It was more like a massively heightened state of awareness with a dash of idiotic happiness thrown in. And maybe a pinch of plain stupidity, as evidenced by what I’d just said.

Why were chicks always freezing?

DONT BLAME ME; BLAME EARTH

Luke had wanted sex. But Chase? He wanted me.

he toyed with my waistband, his eyes on my face, waiting—a question.

consent is very sexy yes

Grilling wasn’t really a two-man job, but I guess I could stand beside the barbecue and pretend to help.

mood

“I didn’t know what I was missing until I found it.”

“Though I don’t love the idea of you on the train at night.” “It’s a five-minute ride,” I said. “Three stops.” He grunted but said nothing, which in Chase terms meant he didn’t agree but didn’t want to argue with me. Stubborn man. I elbowed him gently. “I don’t have any evening classes, anyway. The only time I stay late is when we’re on deadline for the paper.” “Good,” Chase said. “I’ll pick you up on those days.”

“Call me if anything happens.” “But you’ll be on the ice.” “Do it anyway, okay?”

SHE COMES FIRST BEFORE HOCKEY AHHH

“Yellow.” My head snapped up in alarm. I immediately shut off the vibrator, crawling up her body to check on her. “Are you okay?”

Reaching up, I unfastened the belt and freed her wrists. I stroked the delicate skin, carefully inspecting for any signs of abrasion or bruising and finding none.

I still hadn’t mastered the fine motor skills necessary to make a straight line with liquid eyeliner. Probably never would.

real honestly; me too girl

She glanced away and scanned the crowd, eyes locking on to mine. We’d hit uncomfortable. “That’s my cue.” I pushed off from the table and strolled across the room to join them. Bailey watched me approach with relief written all over her pretty face.

HE SAVED HER

“My opinion counts the most, because I know who you are inside.”