“Alright, use your legs and really follow it through, let it roll off those fingertips.”

With more concentration and focus than I’ve used since trying to read through Game of Thrones fan theories, I stare down the red rim and shoot.

“Yes!” I jump as the ball goes through the net. Freaking finally.

“There you go. Nice. Do it again.” He sends the ball back to me with a bounce pass.

Intent brown eyes watch me as I line up and try and get into the same position.

“So, I’ve gathered parties aren’t really your thing. Is this where you usually hide out?”

“Who says I usually hide out?”

“Everyone. Also, I was in town visiting Blair for the party after the last home game of the season. I don’t remember seeing you.”

“It’s not that they aren’t my thing, I just don’t party much during the season. What about you?”

“Are parties my thing?”

He nods.

“Yes. Well, I want them to be. I’ve only been to the one and I wasn’t a student yet. So, this is my first official college party. I’m officially a fan, though. There’s something so magical about the bass of the music and people dancing and having a good time. Well, everyone but you.”

“I’m having a fine time.”

“Wow, you really know how to make a girl feel special. You’re having a fine time. At least I don’t have to worry about you telling anyone how awful our date was.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you don’t talk much.”

“Burn,” he says and his lips curve into another smile. “I’m a man of few words.” Palming the ball in one hand, he raises it toward me like he’s pointing. “How about the best date I’ve been on in four years?”

“Well, then you’d just be lying.”

He raises a brow and then turns to shoot without speaking.

I dribble and bring the ball up, pausing before I send the ball sailing to the basket. “This is the only date you’ve been on since then, isn’t it?”

I remember the guys giving him shit once about never dating, but I’d assumed they were exaggerating the situation.

He winks and keeps rebounding his ball and putting it back. He’s gotten into it now and is shooting like he’s at practice. Basketball in dress clothes – it’s a good look.

“So, parties aren’t your thing, dating isn’t your thing, what is your thing?” He opens his mouth to tell me what I already know, but I stop him. “Besides basketball.”

He shakes his head. “It’s my only thing.”

“If you had to give up food or basketball, which would you choose?”

He dribbles as he answers. “I’d die without food.”

“Some things are worth dying for.”

A deep chuckle echoes in the gym. “So, basketball for three weeks… maybe less since I’ll be wasting away or a lifetime without it?”

“Mhmmm.”

“That’s savage.”

“That’s what makes it such a good question. You can learn a lot about a person by what they’re willing to give up for the things they really love.”