Texting Titan: A Second Chance, College Football Romance Read online

  “The whole team knew, didn’t they?” Avery finally breaks the silence in a voice barely above a whisper.

  “Yes.” She doesn’t know I’m Titan, but I know, and I made a promise to be honest with her and I will keep it.

  “Wow, it really is bros before hoes.” She gives a fake laugh.

  “You are the furthest thing from a ho,” I state quietly.

  “Well, you get the saying. I warned you about jocks,” Kelsey singsongs, skipping beside me.

  It causes me to flinch. “We aren’t all like that.”

  “Right.” Avery snorts. “And I shit rainbows. I see the girls all over you, too. Hell, they were even all over that Mick guy.”

  “Oh my god.” Kelsey laughs. “He’s so gross! Like, does he even know what soap is?”

  Both girls laugh and I can’t help but smile. I’ve questioned that a few times myself too, but he’s a good player.

  “Anything for a meal ticket, I guess.” Kelsey skips off ahead of us a bit.

  “Thanks for walking us home, I really appreciate it. You’re one of the good ones, don’t let them corrupt you,” Avery says, her voice low.

  The complement warms my heart, and makes it race at the same time. I just wish she believed it enough to give me a chance, but if her conversation about jocks tonight is any indication, Kyle might have ruined that for her. I know she won’t be wanting to date for a while, but I hope I have a chance when she is ready.

  I smile at her. “He was never good enough for you anyway. A lot of us thought that.”

  She smiles back at me. “Well I still know enough about him. He’d be stupid to mess with me again.”

  “I got pictures too,” Kelsey chimes in, waving her phone in the air.

  “What?” Avery asks, sounding as confused as I am.

  “I got pictures of him with the girls before he jumped up. And of him grabbing you, in case we will need them.”

  “Nah, one call to the coach, and I could get home kicked off the team.” Avery shakes her head.

  “Not just for that, though,” I say.

  “No, not for that, but for what else I know. But I won’t say anything as long as he leaves me alone.”

  I nod my head. “He gives you any trouble, let me know.”

  “Thanks.” She starts up the steps to her building but stops and turns around. “Thank you again, for walking us home.”

  “You’re welcome, now go get some sleep. Things will look better tomorrow.”

  She smiles and heads inside. I decide to head up to my room instead of rejoining the party once I get back to the house. Even though I know I won’t be getting to sleep any time soon with how loud it is.

  Me: You awake?

  Avery: I have a better chance of seeing a unicorn then sleeping right now, Titan.

  Me: I saw what happened.

  Avery: Yeah, can’t say I’m surprised. I had an inkling after I saw a hickey on him last week. I know I should have dealt with it then. Still, I’m relieved that it’s over now. My roommate was quick to break out the wine in celebration as she calls it.

  I wish I knew a way to help her and lighten the load on her shoulders, she should be enjoying this time of her life.

  Me: Did I hear you call him out on his dick size?

  Avery: Yeah, he couldn’t even use it.

  My heart starts to race, while I don’t like the idea of Avery with Kyle. I do like the thought of Avery.

  Me: Really?

  Avery: Yeah, he never got me off. Can you blame me for not caring now it’s over?

  I take a deep breath and rub my hand over my face. I’m hard as rock as I lie in bed and think about Avery getting off. Of course, I’m picturing her with me, which doesn’t help to soften my dick in any way.

  I know she’s been drinking, so I should let it be, but a part of me wants to see where the conversation goes too.

  Me: Wow, if you were my girl you’d get off before me every time, and always more than me.

  I hesitate for only a second before sending. It’s the truth, I’d treat her so good if she would only give me the chance.

  Avery: That’s the dream, but I don’t know if guys like that really exist.

  Me: We do. We just need to be given a chance.

  Avery: Well, I don’t have the time to date right now, or the trust, if I’m honest.

  There it is, I know I will have an uphill battle to prove to her I am worth taking the chance on. I plan to make that climb though, because I know she’s worth fighting for.

  Me: Well, for the right guy, dating won’t feel like such a chore.

  Avery: I guess. Titan, do you have a girlfriend?

  Does she really think I’d be texting her like this if I did? I guess I have more of an uphill battle than I thought. At least I can soothe a few her fears now.

  Me: No, I haven’t since high school.

  Avery: Why?

  Me: I don’t think you want my answer.

  Avery: No lies, right, Titan? Always honest.

  Me: I’d never lie to you.

  Avery: Then why?

  I can’t lie to her, I promised her I wouldn’t, but at the same time, I don’t feel like I can answer this question either. She is hurt and vulnerable right now and I think what I might say is the last thing she needs. But then, maybe this is also the perfect time to build trust with her too.

  Me: Because I’ve been waiting for you.

  When she doesn’t respond I send another text.

  Me: Are you mad?

  Avery: Why would I be mad?

  Me: Because I was the one who told you about Kyle.

  Avery: A whole football team knew and kept it from me. So no, I’m not mad. I’m thankful. Though if I’d have listened to my gut, I’d have done something about it before. I saw the hickeys; I could have confronted him.

  Me: I’m sorry.

  Avery: It’s not your fault, but I am going to try to get some sleep now. Thank you, Titan.

  Me: Goodnight, beautiful.

  I set my phone down and images of Avery from tonight fill my head. She didn’t dress up for the party but even in her shorts and a loose shirt with her wavy blond hair flowing down her back, she still looked like the goddess I thought she was the first time I saw her.

  Combine that visual with our conversation about her not getting off and it’s more than I can take. I reach my hand into my pants and pull out my cock. I close my eyes and picture Avery slowly stripping her out of those cut-off shorts.

  I stroke my cock and think about her lying in my bed wearing nothing but black lace underwear, her golden hair fanned out around her. Her tan skin, soft and silky against my sheets.

  Come starts to leak from my tip, so I spread it down my shaft and picture taking off Avery’s bra and her luscious breasts bouncing out before I lean down and suck them into my mouth. Her back arches and I trail kisses to the top of her panties, then slowly pull them over her hips and down her legs, exposing her pink pussy.

  The thought of Avery naked and laid out on my bed is enough to send me over the edge and hot come lands on my belly, causing me to groan. I take a minute to commit the image of a naked Avery lying on my bed to memory before getting up to clean myself off.

  I’m just getting dressed again when there is a pounding on my door.

  “Bolt, you coming down to enjoy the party? Some girls are asking about you!”

  Kyle.

  I open the door and take in the two girls from earlier on the back porch still hanging on him.

  “No, I’ve got a headache I’m trying to shake before practice tomorrow.”

  “Man! They say an orgasm is the best headache cure.”

  I’m sure he’d say an orgasm cures anything, and he’d believe it.

  “Thanks, but I’m going to lie down. Have fun, man.”

  “Alright, I’m sure I can please your lady friends for the night.”

  I shut the door before he can see me cringe, and check to make sure it’s locked. He bounced back pretty fast; I
can just hope Avery will as well.

  Chapter 4

  Avery

  I walk in the door after my last class and Kelsey greats me with a double chocolate Oreo cupcake from the bakery just outside of campus.

  “What did you do?” I ask her. I know this is either a bribe or an ‘I’m sorry I destroyed your favorite shirt’ cupcake.

  “Well, it’s been a week since the football party.”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re still talking to Titan every day, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “I think we should go to the football game tonight.”

  “Kelsey, I rarely went to the games when I was dating a football player!”

  “I know, but I think this would be a good way to maybe flush out who Titan is!”

  She thrusts the cupcake in my direction. I take it and plop down on the couch.

  “Let me hear whatever plan you’ve already built up in your head,” I say as I dig into the cupcake.

  She sits down next to me and claps her hands excitedly.

  “So, we go to the game and hold up spirit signs, but with Titan’s name on it. We watch and see how the guys react to seeing them. Anyone thrown off by it gets added to our shortlist.”

  “I don’t have a shortlist.”

  “Well, I have one.”

  “You do?! Who’s on it?”

  “Agree to go with me and I’ll tell you.”

  I sigh. “Okay, I’ll go, but I won’t wear any guys number or name on me, other than Titan’s name on the signs.”

  “Deal,” she squeals.

  “Now, tell me who is on your list…”

  “I just started it, so no one yet!” She jumps up and runs to her room to get ready.

  “Not fair!” I call out after her.

  “You didn’t ask if anyone was on it, totally fair! Make sure to wear school colors!”

  I dress in my Mountain Gap University shirt. School colors are similar to the Tennessee Titan colors, navy blue, and white. With it being a home game, the guys will be in their dark blue uniforms, which are my favorite.

  My phone pings as I am doing my hair.

  Titan: Will you be at the game tonight?”

  “Kelsey!” I yell across the hall. “Titan wants to know if we will be at the game!”

  “Tell him no, you are studying! We want him surprised that you’re there!”

  Me: No, I have some studying to catch up on.

  Titan: A night at the football game makes a great study break.

  Me: Not for me. I have a paper to finish. But good luck!

  Titan: Okay, get your paper done and I will work on my bribing skills for the next home game

  Me: Deal.

  “Come on, slow poke, we need to make signs. I got the supplies before you came home.”

  Of course, she did. I add the last bit of curl to my hair, and mist some hair spray, and touch up my mascara before heading out to the living room.

  “Does this outfit appease, my lady?” I gave a small curtsey as I enter the room.

  “It does. Now grab a marker.”

  An hour later we are in line to get corn dogs and nachos, because I have yet to have sucky food at this school, even the fries can be considered gourmet with the seasoning they put on them.

  Food in hand, Kelsey smiles. “Come on, I got us some good seats!”

  “How?”

  “Well, a guy from my microbiology class asked me out, I suggested the game because you and I were going. He agreed and came early to get us seats. He’s a swimmer!”

  “So, this wasn’t really about Titan?”

  “Oh no, I had already planned to drag you here. It’s just nice to have someone get us seats.”

  I roll my eyes. Kelsey is a huge flirt, she dates a lot, but doesn’t sleep around. Since I’d known her, I only know of two guys she has slept with and she was in more of a serious relationship with them. Her motto is ‘You have to date a lot of Mr. Wrongs to find Mr. Right.’. She has fun doing it, so it seems to work for her.

  “Hey, Chris!”

  “Kelsey!” He takes the nachos from her as we sit down.

  “This is Avery.” Kelsey says as she sits next to him. “Avery, this is Chris, he’s on the swim team.”

  “Hi, Avery,” he nods his head to me.

  He isn’t bad looking, he has the typical swimmer’s body; lean and fit. He’s not really my type. His blond hair is short, and every hair is in place. He seems like a nice enough guy though.

  “What’s with the posters?” Chris asks.

  “Oh, it’s an inside joke for a friend of Avery’s.” Kelsey shrugs and winks at me.

  As the teams come out to the field, Kelsey pulls me up and we hold up our signs. A few guys look our way, but no one seems surprised.

  “So, who’s on your list now?”

  “Mick, Sean, Denver, Derick, and whoever number twelve is… I forget.”

  I shake my head and sit down and as we eat, I find myself enjoying the game. By half time we are up seven points, and the teams head to the locker rooms for a break. The southern summer heat is no joke.

  A few minutes later my phone goes off.

  Titan: Thought you couldn’t make the game?

  Me: So, you saw my signs…

  Titan: I did, and I like you holding signs for me. Would be better if you were wearing my number.

  Me: Well, if I knew your number, I could wear it.

  Titan: Then I wouldn’t be Titan anymore, plus I don’t think you are ready to find out who I am. You and Kyle just broke up, it’s better this way.

  I do like things the way they are. I do want to know who Titan is, but I’m worried knowing will kill things. He’s easy to talk to like this. I feel like I can be more myself because there is no one to face in the light of day.

  Me: Kelsey has a shortlist of who she thinks you are.

  Titan: Yeah? Pick one off her list, if you are right, I’ll tell you after the game. You will have to come to another game to get another guess. See you on the field.

  I show the text to Kelsey and watch the evil, I have a plan smile I know so well cross her face.

  “Okay, strategy. Let’s watch them as they come out on the field again and then we will decide.”

  I agree. I have no idea who it is. I guess I just don’t want it to be Mick.

  “I’m going to guess Mick cause if it is him, I want to end this now,” I say.

  “Oh gross, yeah make sure it isn’t Mick.”

  Me: Are you Mick?

  “Oh, and we get another guess next game… that gives us time to strategize,” she says, narrowing her eyes and thinking deeply.

  “Kels, the next two games are away games.”

  “Oh, that sucks. Then you need to get more info from him so we can make an informed guess.”

  The rest of the game seems to fly by. Mountain Gap takes home the win by fourteen points thanks to Denver and how fast he is. We run into some of Kelsey’s friends as we’re leaving, so by the time we head out most of the crowd is gone and the players are heading to their cars.

  “A-VER-Y!” Derick calls out. I always liked him, he was nice when Kyle and I hung out with him. He’s a big flirt and always treats you like you’re his best friend but he’s innocent enough. Kelsey elbows me and I turn to say hi and stop when I see Denver is with him.

  “Hey Derick, Denver,” I nod and smile at him.

  “Hey, girl. You coming to the party tonight?” Derick asks.

  “No, the game was enough fun for me.”

  “Come on, Avery, just for a bit,” Kelsey begs.

  “No, really, I’m done for the night. I’m sure Derick or Denver would be happy to have you go with them.”

  “No, I’ll go home with you,” she mumbles. “It was a lot of work just to get you out to the game. I will have to up my bribing skills next time to include the party.”

  “Aw, next time?” Derick asks with a fake pout. He’s a true player, but a nice guy who is honest about it all and
upfront.

  “Maybe.” I smile at him as I turn to head back.

  “Avery?” Denver smirks.

  “Yeah?”

  “Titan said to tell you, wrong guess.”

  Kelsey’s eyes go big. “Thank god, that would be weird.” She loops her arm through mine. “Okay, home we go. We need to make our list.”

  She starts pulling me away, but my eyes never leave Denver’s as I take in the smirk on his face and the twinkle in his eye.

  Chapter 5

  Avery

  The next few weeks are filled with classes, work, and daily texts from Titan. We talk about anything and everything. He tells me about growing up with a single mom and how he got into football. I tell him about my parents and how they are traveling now that they are empty nesters.

  He asks about Nashville, we talk about our favorite things to do around campus, our classes, and even stay in to watch a few movies together, texting the whole time.

  Kelsey and I went to another home game and got another guess. She guessed Derick and we got a no. Halloween passed and we skipped the football Halloween party this year for the baseball players party, since Kelsey was dating one of the guys there. He was a horrible dancer, so Halloween ended that short-lived fling.

  Titan gave me crap for a week about us ditching the football party for the baseball one and said how he would have danced with me. When I pointed out that it would’ve meant I’d find out who he was, he said he would have had on a mask.

  I joked and said I doubted he missed me as he had plenty of other girls to dance with. That seems to make him mad, but he finally admitted he didn’t even go down to the party. Parties aren’t really his thing, apparently.