Her lips twisted sideways, and she looked away. Bullseye. “Yes. It will help my career. I also work there, but I’d do it anyway.”

I pointed at her. “Priorities. Why should my responsibilities as an athlete make me any less worthy to learn? We all deserve to be here.” A frown appeared between her brows, and I knew I’d scored a point. Time to push my advantage before she recouped. “I propose a dare. A mutual broadening of horizons.”

She tilted her head, curiosity and suspicion warring on her face. “What do you have in mind?”

“We spend time together in each other’s area of expertise. You come learn about football, and I’ll come with you to volunteer.” I held my breath as she played with the stars at her ears.

“Why would you want to do that?”

“You wounded my pride. I want the chance to clear my name, and I’m willing to let you try to prove your misguided point.”

“I don’t need to prove anything to you.”

I moved into her space, close enough to feel the warmth of her breath. “Spend some time in my world.”

She held her ground, though her eyes flicked down to my mouth so fast I almost missed it. “Why?”

“Why not? Afraid you might like it, Em?”

Pink stained her cheeks as she scoffed. “Fine. If you can figure out my name before the end of class, I’ll take part in your ridiculous dare.” Her eyes glittered with confidence.

“Done.” For a wild second, I imagined closing the distance between us to seal the deal. I wanted to feel all that hair sliding over my hand as I kissed her.

I must have lost my mind. These next few months were arguably the most important of my career. I needed to stay focused, and I’d just convinced this girl to spend time with me. As the air between us ignited, I had no regrets. Now all I had to do was learn her name in the next five minutes.

The sound of a throat clearing loudly drew my attention to the podium at the front of the room. The professor—I still hadn’t caught his name—had returned. He searched the class with a pinched expression, sighed, then glanced down at the paper in his hand.

“One more piece of business. We have a few students in here taking this class for honors credit. I need you to stay behind so we can go over your semester project and sign some papers. Aaron Howard and Nadia Blackwood.”

Em stiffened next to me, and I laughed under my breath.

Sweet victory.

Her wide eyes found mine, and I grinned. “Looks like you’re stuck with me, Nadia.”

3

NADIA