Make It Last by Bethany Lopez Read Free Book Online Page B

Colin scanned the room for signs of Briana. He knew she’d more than likely be in the back, but he still hoped for a glimpse. He hadn’t seen her in a few days, and he’d missed the sight of her.
                  He realized that he wasn’t going to get to see her yet, so he walked up to where Rich was chatting up the hostess.
                  “C’mon , sweet Nicole . I’m sure you can find us a table somewhere in this place. There are just two of us.”
                  The blonde hostess turned red at Rich’s flirting and said that she’d see what she could do to find them a table right away.
                  “L eave that poor girl alone, Rich,” Colin said as Nicole scurried off in search of a table. “She looks pretty sweet. I don’t think she knows how to handle the likes of you.”
                  “No harm,” Rich smiled. “And see? It worked. S he’s fixin’ something up for us right now.”
                  Colin c ouldn’t help but chuckle softly as they were led to their seats. Rich could charm the pants off anyone, and very nearly had.
                  They thanked Nicole , and she flushed again, murmuring , “You ’ r e welcome,” as she walked back to her post.
                  They di dn’t need to look at the menu. I t was Wednesday after all, so wings were pretty much a given.
                  “Well, lucky me. T wo of the most eligible bachelo rs in town, sitting at my table, ” Kara drawled with a sexy grin.
                  “Hey, Kara,” Colin said. “How you doin’?”
                  “Can’t complain,” she replied. “Can I start ya’ll off with a beer?”
                  “Yes, m a’am.” This was delivered by Rich, with a sexy grin of his own.
                  “Comin’ right up, Sugar.” They both took a moment to watch Kara sashay to the bar. “She’s the female version of you,” Colin said shaking h is head and turning back to Rich.
                  Rich just leaned back and grinned. “Ain’t that the truth. ”
                  They got their beer a nd watched the game for a bit, d rinking and talking. While they waited for their wings to come out, Rich asked Colin if he felt better about working at The General Store.
                  “No, man, ” Colin said with a frown. “I love my parents and this town and everything, but I can’t help but resent the fact that I’m here doing the one thing I swore I’d never do.”
                  “Then why are you?”
                  “Everything just went to hell when I got hurt. I focused on finishing school, but then I just had to get out of there. I couldn’t stand to face the team and my coaches, knowing that I wasn’t a part of the game anymore.”
                  “It’s not like coming here and running the store is your only option. If you hate it so much, look for something else,” Rich offered.
                  Colin took a long drink, then replied, “Nothing means as much to me as football, so I might as well be miserable here, where I know people.”
                  “That’s a shitty way to look at it,” Rich argu ed. “Dude, I know you’re pissed I would be too, but playing football isn’t the only way to be involved in the game.”
                  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. ” Colin said thoughtfully. “ I could look into coaching or something; I just don’t know where to start.”
                  “Well, you’re gonna start a t the bottom, but at least you’ll be happy, ” Rich replied. Then he looked up at someone approaching their table.
                  Figuring it was K ara, Colin didn’t look up. Then he heard Kent’s voice.
                  “Hey, guys. How’s it goin’?”