Friendship, Texas Volume 1: Friendship Texas, #8

By Magan Vernon

A LOL Romantic comedy series set in the small, fictional town of Friendship, Texas.

The first three books in the series, together in one set:

Edge of Glory

Jay Morningstar was an Olympic swimming legend.

I had a poster of him wearing nothing more than his gold medals and a pair of man panties on my bedroom wall.

Needless to say when Jay walked into my parents' restaurant in the tiny town of Friendship, Texas, I made an idiot of myself.

But somehow he likes me. Me, Lia Conti, the weird girl with strict Italian parents.

Now if only I could get used to the fact that whatever I have with this superstar is real--no matter what the tabloids and other people seem to tell me.

Rumor Has It

Eddie Justice is the epitome of sexy with his dimpled smile and crooning country lyrics, but to me he's just the boy next door.

Now that we're both back in Friendship, Texas in less than desirable circumstances, maybe it's finally time I tell him how I feel.

Of course fate has a way of f*cking things up.

The last thing either of us expected were the ups and downs of falling in love with your best friend.

Meet Virginia

Everything in life has always come easily to me.

Except Virginia, the art student studying abroad in Sicily where I'm helping at my cousin's restaurant.

Now that I've met her, I can't get her out of my head.

She's too good for me and we both know it.

And even though it feels like it could be the worst thing for both of us, I can't help but want every part of her.

Now if only we both knew how bad we were for eachother.

This series is complete! Each book in the Friendship, Texas series can stand alone, but you'll see updates on your favorite characters throughout each book.

1. Edge of Glory

2. Rumor Has It

3. Meeting Virginia

4. Part of Me

5. The One That Got Away

6. Rumor Has It

7. Love Like Crazy

• Language: English
• Publisher: Magan Vernon
• Release date: Oct 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386221302

Magan Vernon

Magan Vernon has been living off of reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her two young children run amuck around her Texas ranch.

Book preview

Text copyright© 2018 by Magan Vernon

All rights reserved

www.maganvernon.com

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form by or any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author.

For information visit www.maganvernon.com

Summary:  Welcome to Friendship, Texas.

A town where everyone knows your name.

Your secrets.

And who is hooking up with who at the TL ranch pond.

Get to know everyone’s favorite characters from this LOL series.

Second Edition, October 2018

Cover Design by Kassi Snider https://kassicoop.com/

Edited by Jenny Sims

For more information about the author:

Website: www.maganvernon.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/maganvernon

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/authormaganvernon

Twitter: www.twitter.com/maganvernon

Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/qIJA5

#FEELTHEVERN (Reader Group): http://on.fb.me/1lVsZEo

Edge of Glory

Friendship, Texas #1

Chapter 1

Some girls have all the luck and some girls spend New Year's Eve working at their parents' restaurant.

Order up, Lia.

I turned toward the kitchen just as a wave of steam from a plate of linguini rose up and hit me in the face like a giant, pungent cloud.

Ack. I vigorously wiped my eyes and hoped I didn't have dough underneath my fingernails that would blind me.

Sonny, can you warn me next time you are about to put down a plate of food?

Ey, I said order up, My brother, Sonny, yelled over the clanging of pots and pans. The only thing I could see was the top of his head and the shine on his slicked back hair.

"Hey, no fighting the two of you. Che Cazzo!" Ma's voice boomed.

We weren't fighting, Ma, Lia just can't take a joke, Sonny said, giving her his trademark shit-eating grin.

I glared at my older brother. The pain in the ass. Of course, Ma smiled at him. Every Italian mother loved her son, and my ma had two of them. My oldest brother, Nicky, was married and living with his wife in town, but I had a feeling Sonny would never move out of my parents’ house.

Sonny graduated from Texas A&M and then moved right back in. I thought maybe with him back home my parents would ease up their strictness on me. No such luck.

Just like always: Sonny could do no wrong and Rosalia was the delicate flower.

It's not bad enough that I have to spend my New Year’s Eve stuck here, I mumbled, grabbing the tray of food and quickly darting toward the nearby tables, so I wouldn't have to get an earful from my mother.

The air was stiff in the restaurant, every single booth was full, and every time the front door opened, everyone leaned in to catch some of the cold, Texas air, which was an oxy-moron in itself. It never got cold in Texas and now that it was in the teens, everyone thought it was the end of the world. Stores were out of milk and bread, and everyone coming into the restaurant was layered in whatever warm clothes they could find.

I dropped off the tray of pasta to its respective table and headed over to a corner booth that had just piled in. I tried to put on my best smile and then a squeaky voice caught me from a table behind one of the lemon trees.

What is with this restaurant? We've been waiting like forty-five minutes. It's times like this that I really miss Austin. At least they have more than one decent restaurant.

As if my night wasn't bad already, it had to be Christy Quinn's whiney voice behind the tree. I would rather be cleaning up Nonna's goat’s poop than deal with her. I put on the best smile that I could and walked over to her booth where, of course, she had to be sitting with the rest of her drones. Seriously, carbon copies of her that just said what she wanted them to say.

Why. Why. Why couldn't she stay at University of Texas over winter break? It had been so nice these last few months without her.

Welcome to Conti's. I'm Lia, and I'll be your server tonight, is there anything that I can start you out with? I could have said that line in my sleep and no matter how much I hated staring at Christy's stupid powder-covered face, I could still take an order.

Do you have anything that is, like, not carb filled or fried? Teagan Munson's hair was so blown out and hair sprayed I wondered if she was hiding an entire colony of bees in there.

Teagan, you know this is an Italian restaurant, right? Marcus Benjamin laughed. He looked even more like a horse face when he laughed, with his stupid overly bleached teeth taking over his whole face.

Yeah, but they have to have something else. Teagan turned toward Joey Bianchi. You're like Italian, or whatever, don’t they have something else?

Yeah, Joey, you even dated our friend Rosalia back in the day, so I'm sure she could show you all of the best sausages, Marcus quipped.

Neighhhhhhhhhh, Neigggggggggggggh. It was the only thing I could think every time the guy opened his mouth.

Oh please, Marcus, you know that Lia doesn't like sausage. Christy tossed back her glossy, black hair.

Obviously, I was still standing right there.

Do you guys still need a few minutes to look over the menu? Don't cry Lia, don't cry. A few more months and you'll be away at school and away from the lame lesbian jokes.

With very strict parents, I didn't have much of a social life in high school. I had an early curfew and didn't do many extra circulars. Since I didn't dare try to date anyone and have to bring them home to my overbearing parents, I was labeled as a lesbian early on. I guess it was the best comeback that kids could come up with and it stuck.

Yeah, that'd be great. Joey didn't even try to look at me.

Grow a foot, learn to play football, and all of a sudden you forget who your friends are.

I made my way back to the kitchen when my overly pregnant sister-in-law, Dana, stopped me.

The girl was petite, blonde, and a complete sweetheart. The opposite of my brooding oldest brother. They always gave me a little bit of hope that maybe I could find a guy for me, but then of course my parents would have to remember that I'm almost twenty and not a little girl that couldn't leave the house.

Hey, Lia, do you mind covering this next booth for me?

I rolled my eyes. Really, Dana? I'm already covering half your tables.

Please, she pleaded with those pre-natal vitamin dilated pupils.

Ugh, fine. I rolled my shoulders and craned my neck from side to side.

Thanks, Lia, you're my favorite sister-in-law! She beamed and then waddled toward the bathroom.

I'm your only sister-in-law, I yelled back as I reached into my apron to pull out my note pad.

I turned toward the booth, not looking up as I flipped through my book for a fresh page. Welcome to Conti's. I'm Lia and I'll nguhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I froze. Directly facing me was Olympic swimmer, Jay Morningstar...and I just made an idiot of myself.

The rest of the table looked up to see me standing there with my mouth practically gaping. His coach, who I recognized from TV interviews, and even two other swimmers from the Olympic team. They didn't say anything; they didn't even blink.

Uh...I mean...

I couldn't even put together my words and Jay Morningstar was just staring at me with that Wheaties box smile and those icy blue eyes.

What was I supposed to say? Sorry I just made a weird noise; it's just that I have a poster of you on my wall where you are wearing nothing more than your gold medals, a smile, and a pair of man panties?

What the hell was he doing in Friendship anyway? Not that I was stalking the guy, but there were a lot of rumors floating around the internet about him and unflattering pictures of him partying along with a mug shot. I never believed all of the celebrity rumors, or followed them like my best friend Sofie, but I knew he'd disappeared for a while. I guess Friendship was the place to go and not be noticed.

Don't worry I get it all the time. His coach tossed his hand out and the rest of the table let out a stifled laugh.

Well, is there anything that I can start you out with tonight? Our house wine is a—

Shit. Jay was my age and pretty sure the mug shot was from a DUI. But the other guys were older, maybe I needed to offer it to them. Gah. I couldn't think. 

Lia, that's an interesting name, is it short for anything?

Oh em Gee, Jay Morningstar was actually talking to me and addressing me directly. I could literally feel the blood rise to my face.

I tried staring at his chiseled jaw and that damn dimple on his chin, but my eyes kept lingering over the shirt that stretched across his broad chest. He supposedly had a wingspan that was longer than his six-foot-two frame and what a girl wouldn't give to be wrapped in those long arms.

Uh, it's actually short for Rosalia, the Patron Saint of Palermo, where my parents are from. Geez, Lia, I'm her probably didn't want to hear your whole life story. Way to go.

I like it. It suits you.

He was still staring at me. I was trying my hardest not to stammer or faint or just trip over something and look incredibly stupid.

Are you going to keep flirting with the waitress or can I order some food? I'm freaking hungry, Scotty Forrester, the red-haired, freckled face Olympian whined. He broke some records in the pool and supposedly some other ones outside of it for most hook ups post games.

At least that's what Total Celebrity Network said.

Christy poked her shiny head through the lemon tree and was looking right at Jay. There's really no point in flirting with Lia, she's not into dudes.

Ugh, Really? Right now?

Well I'm sure that Scotty could change that. The other swimmer, Johnny Laughlin, laughed, pointing in Scotty's direction.

Well if you'd like a girl that doesn't smell like olive oil, my friends and I will be up at the Q Ranch in the hot tub all night after this. She fluttered her too-long-to-be-real eyelashes and all of the attention was definitely off me.

Um...I'll go get you guys some waters and be back to take your order, I squeaked, practically running toward the kitchen.

Is that..? Sonny leaned on the counter as I approached it. I rested my hands on the cool, granite top, hoping that would do something to keep my temperature from boiling over.

Yeah, that's the Olympic swimming tri-fecta and I just made an ass of myself in front of them. I couldn't look up. Christy Quinn, once again, made an idiot of me.

I was actually going to ask if that was Julie Quinn's hot little sister, but that answer works too. He shrugged, turning back toward the kitchen.

I'm really not in the mood to hear about all the girls you want to bone in the restaurant tonight. I picked at a piece of dough that had managed to get stuck on the hairs on my arm.

Well, I don't want to hear about you boning that spiky-haired dude whose poster takes up your entire room. He turned back to me, flashing that cocky grin of his. I swear I didn't know how he got so many girls. Our Nonna always said he reminded her of a young Marlon Brando, I just thought he was a minchia

Would that be the cereal box poster or the underwear ad?

I turned to find myself face to face with the spiky-haired one himself. He was grinning, making that damn dimple and pearly white smile shine. I couldn't stop staring at him.

Uhhhhhh...  If my face wasn't already red enough, it was now probably darker than the pizza sauce.

Oh, it's definitely the underwear ad. Sonny poked his head out from behind me in the kitchen.

SONNY. I whipped my head around, hoping that I didn't hit Jay in the face with my ponytail.

Well, he asked. Sonny leaned back, holding his arms in the air.

It's cool. I like that one better too. Jay leaned in so his face was just inches from mine, I could almost smell his toothpaste and it was very minty. I wonder if he tasted like that. Mint and Chlorine I imagined.

Uhhhmmmmm... I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to think of something to say that wouldn't sound stupid and of course trying to suck in my stomach at the same time. Try meeting the man of your dreams and you’re covered in pizza dough and been eating breadsticks the past hour.

I'm sorry about my teammates back there, they were just messing around, so don't worry about them. No wonder he was on the cover of a cereal box, in person, his smile was even better. No neighing horse teeth.

Oh, it's fine, I'm used to it. I have two older brothers and, well, you already saw what I have to put up with. I let out one of those silent giggles where it's just blowing air out of your nose. But my nose isn't all that small so I was a little afraid that I might have blown the hair off of his head or scared him with my large, Sicilian nostrils.

And sorry about that rude chick. I don't know what her issue is with you, but I just wanted to come and say something because...well... He laughed slightly. I don't know, I guess I didn't want to come off as a dick.

I'm not a lesbian, you know, I blurted without even thinking what I was saying.

He blinked slightly then smiled. Good to know that trying to flirt with you could actually work.

My eyes widened and every part of my body awakened. Was Jay Morningstar really flirting with me? Did he flirt with every waitress at every restaurant?

Rosalia! Does this young gentleman need a drink order? Dad's gruff hand was on my shoulder.

Dad was a few inches shorter than me and balding with a thick, graying mustache, but still commanded power like he was the biggest Don in Texas. Though, I was pretty sure the man never had any mafia ties.

No, sir, just apologizing to the waitress for my table's rudeness. Jay put on the extra charm with each word, but Dad's stern expression didn't change.

My eyes trailed down to the Olympics ring tattoo on Jay's arm. I’d only seen it in pictures, but I found myself staring at it and wondering about the other tattoo that I'd only seen in pictures. The one that his Speedo barely covered.

But I had to shake those thoughts out of my head.

Well, I guess I'll see you when you come back with the waters... He curled his lips into a sort of awkward smile before he turned and headed back to his table.

Okay, so I couldn't help but watch him walk away. The guy had an amazing body. I'd seen it on TV in a Speedo, but in person it was even better. He had a body that had to have been sculpted by the Greeks. And whatever jeans those were, he should have been a butt model for them.

I've never seen that boy before in my restaurant, Dad said.

That's Jay Morningstar. The Olympic swimmer, I blurted.

An Olympian in Friendship, Texas? Dad asked.

I guess so.

Dad shook his head. That boy looks like trouble, Lia. If he starts asking for more than breadsticks, you come have me deal with him, capeesh?

I nodded slowly. Uh. Yeah. I understand.

Good. Dad walked toward another table and greeted some locals.

So are you going to bring his table their waters or are you just going to gawk at the customers all night? Sonny poked my back with a basket of breadsticks.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed the basket and a tray of water, sauntering toward the swimmers' table. Shut up, Sonny.

Ugh, finally I've been starving.

The last person I wanted to see smashed in-between Scotty and Jay was Christy, pawing at Scotty's hair and smiling like a Cheshire cat at Teagan, who was sitting at the other side of the table. I didn't see where Marcus and Joey went, but let's just say I was concentrating more on not jumping across the table and strangling Christy.

I set the waters in front of each person, trying not to let my temper get the best of me.

Can you hurry it up a bit? These boys have been training all day and I know they just can't wait to get into my hot tub. Christy giggled.

Jay's coach looked between the three boys. I assume you're all going to be back by curfew?

Yeah, yeah, Coach. We can handle ourselves, Scotty or Johnny said.

I wasn't paying attention to who it was. I didn't want to look at any of them. I just turned and walked back toward the kitchen and then out the back door to the Texas night air.

I kicked the brick wall which only amounted to my feet hurting. Stupid shoes did nothing for arch support, my dad was right, but I wasn't going to admit that to him.

This always happened to me. Christy Quinn got everything when we were in high school:  first chair flute, student council president, and the best locker. Now, even out of high school, she was still getting everything, including my dream man: Jay Morningstar.

I tried my hardest not to cry, but my eyelashes were getting heavy with frozen tears. I had to start peeling the little ice cubes off of my lashes as I hopped on one foot, staring at the other one.

It’s a little cold to be hanging outside by the dumpsters, don’t you think?

I looked up to see Jay staring down at me with an eyebrow cocked and his head titled to the side.

Uh...that's why I'm hopping. I stopped jumping and put my foot down, wincing a bit.

Really? He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. In sixteen degrees weather without a coat?

I could feel my face flush, which made me realize just how cold I actually was. I started rubbing the goose bumps on my arms. Yeah, you know, just a quick break. What are you doing out here anyway?

Was he following me? Should I have been worried? Okay, I wasn't worried in the least bit. There was something about him that wasn’t threatening at all. Something almost endearing.

Every interview I'd seen of him, he was a giant goof. Usually the internet would come up with tons of memes of his dumb answers to every question. But I wondered if I would have any better answers if I was ambushed right after swimming all day. TNC always seemed to bombard him right outside where he practiced in LA.

Not that I watched every single one of his interviews.

Slowly he slid his giant, blue down parka off of his shoulders and stepped behind me.

Can’t a guy just take a nice little stroll behind a restaurant in Texas when it’s sixteen degrees out?

He stepped closer. Here, I’m sure this place wouldn’t be able to operate if you were out of work from getting sick. He draped the jacket over my shoulders then I turned around to face him.

No, it’s fine, really. I’m fine. I lifted my hand to take the jacket off of my shoulders when he put his hand on top of mine and let it sit there.

No, really. The temperature in my hand pricked up to a million degrees. Every part of me was aware of his hand on mine. He smiled a tight-lipped smile that filled his whole face.

I just stood there staring at our hands, not noticing that he was completely staring me down with those ice blue eyes.

Uh... I stammered, Thanks. I mean. This is nice. What are you doing here anyway? Don't you live in California or something?

Way to go, Lia. Just go and ask questions and start poking around.

He smiled, nodding slightly. Yeah. It's where I usually live, but Coach found a place for us to train out here, so we thought we'd get away from everything and spend some time in Texas. I am a little disappointed that I haven't seen many cowboys, though.

I snorted. Go to the rodeo and you'll find the real ranchers and the K-Mart cowboys that wouldn't know a donkey from a mule.

I don't think I know the difference.

I couldn't help but laugh. I'm not sure I actually know either.

His smile turned into an all-out grin. Oh, good I don't look like an asshole then.

I don't think you could be an asshole.

Shit. I grinned like an idiot, staring at his panty-dropping smile.

That's not what everyone else seems to think, he muttered.

I'm sorry?

He shook his head. Nothing. Sorry. Sometimes I get into my own head and say things out loud I shouldn't. I guess that's why I always end up looking like an ass when I'm on TV and not in a pool.

I'm sure TV crews can make anyone think what they want.

He sighed. I guess it's my own fault too, you know? Win a few gold medals, break a few world records, and you go crazy. Instead of focusing on the sport that got me here, I took the newfound celebrity status and ran with it. Now I'm here, trying to get back to the sport.

I never thought I’d meet Jay Morningstar, let alone have an actual conversation with him. Now here he was, telling me his whole life story, or at least the recent life story, and all I could do was stare at him.

He smirked, pulling his hand back and pulling a vape out of his pocket before taking a long drag of it. Sorry about that. I shouldn't have spilled all of that. It sort of just happened. I think I just get nervous when I see a beautiful girl.

I swallowed hard, trying to ignore his comment, but could barely get my words out. Should you be doing that? Isn't that bad for your swimming lungs?

He laughed, shaking his head. You don't tell my teammates and I won't tell that angry, Sicilian guy inside that I saw you out here.

My eyes widened. Shit, what angry Sicilian guy? I'd better go inside.

He put the vape back in his pocket. Too bad, I thought we could hang out and you could try and Google what the difference was between a donkey and a mule. Or maybe even talk about your taste in music and shirts. Is that a Sam Smith reference?

I looked down at my black stained t-shirt with Stay With Me scrawled across it.

My taste in music isn't that bad, this is for The Dictators. I mean, unless you're into Sam Smith then I'm sorry you have bad taste in music, and I should really stop rambling. I gave a lame little laugh, but stopped myself before I snorted, which I came awfully close to and had to catch my breath. Then he actually laughed in return. And not a ha-ha you’re dumb laugh, but like he actually found me funny!

Well, I’m glad that it's for The Dictators. I was going to feel really stupid if it was for Sam Smith. I don't think I've ever met another person who listened to them.

Yeah. I kind of like old school punk. You definitely didn't sound stupid. I don't think you ever could sound stupid. I winced, okay now I was just sounding like a gushing teenage girl, which I actually was.

Then you obviously haven’t been around me long enough... His words fell flat. I wanted to know more and of course I couldn't help it, I had to ask more as my finger lingered on the door.

Well are you going to be around here awhile? I mean it’s not like we get many famous people walking into the restaurant. I crossed my arms over my chest, his coat had practically molded itself around me, and I felt guilty for still wearing it when he was just standing there in a thermal and jeans. But he did look really good with the shirt hugging each line of his chiseled upper body.

Well...  He shoved his hands back in his pockets, the cold didn’t really seem to be bothering him. Coach is from this area originally. They built some new training center for elite swimmers a few miles from here and his family owns an old ranch up the road. I guess he figured it would be a good spot for us to train for a few months. Get away from the So-Cal madness.

The madness. I wanted to ask how many of the TNC and tabloid rumors were true. If the girlfriend from a reality TV show was still around or if he really was on probation.

But I didn't.

Truth was, I didn't care about his past. I didn't care what the media said about him. There was something about the guy that I liked. More than I even thought I would from my fantasies that involved him in just his medals and Speedos. He was a genuinely nice guy, the first I'd been in around in a long time.

So...uh...I guess I should get back to work and you should get back to um...your friends. I was trying to hide the nervousness in my voice, but I couldn’t help but trip over my words. I slid the coat off of my shoulders and handed it back to him. He took the coat and shrugged it back over his arms. I tried not to stare as his thermal lifted ever so slightly to reveal his defined abdominal muscles that definitely came from spending a few hours in the gym every day and not sitting in the kitchen, eating mozzarella.

Uh...yeah...I’ll see you around... I turned and started to creak open the back door.

Wait! I looked over my shoulder to see that he had his phone out.

Do you mind if I get your number or something? he stuttered, not looking up from his phone as he started tapping away at the keys. It’d be kind of nice to talk to someone that wasn’t one of my teammates or coaches and since we'll both be around, I just figured we could exchange numbers or whatever.

My mouth gaped open. Was he serious? But what about Christy? Would he forget about me as soon as he spent a night in the hot tub with her? Well, I figured that if he was going to stand out in the cold with me, I guess he must be semi-interested. Or he would realize that I was just a lame ass community college student with strict parents.

Yeah. I can do that.

Chapter 2

S o has he called you yet?

Winter break was over and so was the idea that I had any chance with a certain Olympic swimmer.

Second semester of my sophomore year of community college in Dallas was just starting. Only a few more months and I'd have my associate’s degree. My parents wanted me to attend UT Dallas in the fall and stay at home, but I had other plans. My eyes were on the west coast.

But right now, I had to get through English class.

My best friend, Sofie, would not leave me alone since she found out about Jay asking for my number. That had been a week ago, though, and he still had yet to call, text, or really do anything.

I drew circles on my paper, not looking up. No...just like yesterday and the day before...

Ugh...  You could hear the air blow out of her braces as she spoke. I’m tired of seeing Christy's post on Facebook about her night with the swimmers. You getting a phone call from him would be just the thing to tell her to stuff it in her flute and blow it.

I pushed my glasses up off the bridge of my nose as I looked up at Sofie. That didn’t make any sense.

She twirled a frizzy brown curl around her finger. Well...

She put her hand down and pouted out her bottom lip. It’s just not fair. I mean just because she’s rich and pretty and kind of skeezy doesn’t mean that she should get everything she wants.

I sighed, Sofie didn’t need to remind me. The entire Internet, and all of our former classmates at Friendship High School had heard about her escapades in the hot tub with Scotty, but I was happy that Jay’s name was left out. It  helped out a lot since it was the only silver lining I had to him not calling.

Why are you even friends with her on Facebook? You hate Christy.

Sofie shrugged. Because I like keeping tabs on her, okay? Geez, you're friends with her too.

I rolled my eyes before writing down the assignment for that night and packing up my stuff.

I shuffled down the hall, listening to Sofie talk. I didn't want to be reminded of the fact that a guy hadn't called me...again. Story of my pathetic life.

When I finished high school and went to community college, I thought my social life would improve. I didn't have the stigma of being the weird girl with the strict family, like I did in my small town.

But every time I'd get close to a guy in class, I thought about bringing him home to meet my parents. The embarrassing questions my brothers would ask. My nonna saying rude things about him in Italian under her breath.

And that would be if they would even consider letting a guy come over.

January was a little bit colder in Texas and the ground was crunchy underneath our feet as we crossed the small quad to the parking lot.

Are you headed to work? she asked.

I shook my head. I have to go home and feed Nonna's goat then I go in later tonight.

Sofie nodded, opening her car door, which was parked right next to my old SUV. It used to be Sonny's and he beat the hell out of it. Okay. Text me later. Especially if Mr. Swimmer calls you.

I rolled my eyes. You'll be the first to know, I promise.

With that I got in my car and pulled my phone out of my purse after fiddling with the key until the engine sputtered then purred to life.

Of course there wasn't a missed call or text on my screen.

I held my fingers over the phone then opened up the Facebook app, typing Jay Morningstar in the search bar.

The first thing that came up was his fan page so I clicked on it.

This was a stupid idea, but I had to. My fingers were flying faster than my brain as I clicked on the 'message' app.

Hi,

This is Lia, from the Italian restaurant on New Year's Eve. I know this is kind of stupid and you probably don't even check this page, but I just wanted to say 'hey' since I hadn't heard from you.

Okay, bye.

I let out a deep breath and leaned back in the seat.

God that was stupid.

And there was no way I could take it back now.

When my phone buzzed in my hand, I expected it to be Sofie, asking if I received a text, but instead it was a Facebook message from Jay's page.

Hey, Lia.

Sorry, I dropped my phone in the pool and lost my contacts and haven't replaced it yet.

I rolled my eyes. Okay, this had to be some sort of a joke.

Yeah, right. Whoever is trying to punk me on this page, you're really funny.

This isn't a punking.

Prove it.

I watched the dots on the screen until he replied.

Give me your number again.

Why? You don't have a phone.

Just give me your number.

I didn't have anything to lose, but maybe my pride, so I typed it in and immediately had a FaceTime call from [e-mail]

My breath caught in my throat and I stared at the screen before pressing 'accept' and Jay's blue eyes stared back at me.

Still think I'm punking you?

I couldn't help but laugh. Okay, you win. How are you even calling me?

He leaned back and I got a few of his broad chest. His broad, shirtless chest. Damn the guy had to work out every moment of every single day.

It's my computer. I just got done with practice.

You probably shouldn’t use your computer near the pool if you tend to drop your phone in there.

He laughed, genuinely laughed. Yeah, tell me about it. I'm starving. I actually just got on here to order a pizza and saw your message.

If you wanted a pizza you should have just called me. I do work at the best Italian restaurant in Friendship. Okay, the only Italian restaurant.

A sexy smirk curved on his lips. Well if I had a phone I would have been able to do that. Are you trying to tell me that you're going to bring me food?

I laughed nervously, trying to think of a reply. Well, I have to feed my nonna's goat first, but I'm sure I can put in an order for a pizza for you.

Will you hand deliver it?

If I knew where you lived...

The smirk turned into a smile. I'm staying at the Lucky 33 ranch off of FM 6. The gate code is 4419. How long will you be?

Holy shit. He couldn't be serious. I swallowed hard.

Um, I can be there in about half an hour? Maybe forty-five minutes.

He grinned. Better make it an XL pizza then. I'm starving. Can't wait to see the food. And you.

Chapter 3

The late winter snow covered the roads and had turned to slush. We didn't get much snow in Texas, and when we did everything closed down until it melted.

My car barely barreled through the muck as I took the winding road toward the ranch. Which wasn't a ranch, per say, it actually looked more like a resort.

I think my whole house could have fit inside of it twice over. The first thing I saw as I approached was a giant pond leading right up to the large structure, surrounded by a blanket of trees. I circled the pond to come up to the wooden porch that wrapped around the house and looked like it took hundreds of trees to build. I couldn't help but stare at the frosted glass windows and marvel at the intricate carvings on the gables.

Wow, I whispered.

I was totally out of my element. This place looked like a giant, medieval castle instead of the usual Texas ranch style.

I stared at the pizza box in the passenger seat. I told my parents I was bringing it to Sofie's to study. They believed me. I hated lying to them, but if I told them it was for a boy, a very famous boy, either they wouldn't believe me, or Ma would suggest that he come over for coffee. I didn't want to think of Jay sitting at the dining room table with my parents staring him down and asking him what his intentions were with their daughter.

You can do this, Lia. I believe in you. I gave myself a little pep talk and fixed my hair.

I should've changed out of my flannel shirt and into something a little bit sexier to spend time with the golden boy swimmer, but it would've just made my parents more suspicious. I swiped on a coat of lip-gloss and finally opened the door, grabbing the pizza before I shut it.

Slowly I trudged to the front steps and then pressed my finger to the doorbell.

It barely rang before the door opened and there stood Jay, the Greek God himself in a waffle knit shirt and dark jeans that hugged his flawless legs. Seriously, I don't know what muscles he had to use to get his thighs and legs in that good of shape, but they were amazing. Even in jeans.

If I wasn't absolutely the worst with guys, I may have said something sexy. Instead, I just stared.

You made it! And you really did bring me food. Come in!

He grabbed the pizza with one hand and put his other hand on the small of my back, guiding me in as he shut the door.

Holy hell his hands were warm.

Hey Jaybird! someone yelled.

I turned my head to see Johnny and Scotty camped out on a large L-shaped leather couch, wearing nothing more than some gym shorts as a War type video game blasted away on the giant TV that was mounted on the wall above a fireplace.

Hey, guys. Jay edged me toward the room with him. I was afraid that my muddy Chuck Taylors were going to stain the ornate wooden floors and tried not to focus on how much slush I was dragging in.

Whoa. Johnny sprung up from the couch. He actually sprang a little too much because I swear that I saw more from his shorts than I really needed to. You brought us pizza?

Johnny opened the box and grabbed a piece, shoveling it in his mouth. I hope Jay told you that he's the least attractive of all of us and has the smallest penis so don't get too excited by his gold medals.

Uh...  I looked up at Jay.

Dude! Jay jabbed Johnny in the shoulder. With the size of Jay's arms compared to Johnny's that had to sting.

Ah, dude. Johnny rubbed his shoulder. I was just messing with you.

Well are you going to introduce us or keep her all to yourself? Scotty sauntered over, grabbing two slices of pizza.

All three guys were definitely attractive and any girl's wet dream with their lean yet muscular builds and short, spiky hair. Sofie would have been in heaven.

Dudes, you guys met her already, but I'll introduce her again. Lia, this is Scotty and Johnny. He nodded toward them. Guys, this is Lia.

Hey, I knew I recognized you. Johnny pointed a finger at me while he had his other hand across his chest and rubbing his shoulder. You're that girl from the Italian place in town. That's where you got us the pizza

Yeah that's why you got us this food. Scotty looked at him like a light bulb finally went off in his head.

Jay rolled his shoulders. I swear I told them you were coming over. I think they hit their head one too many times on the lane lines.

Hey! That restaurant was where we picked up that nasty Asian chick. Johnny shook his head so that the air flew through his cheeks and made a whooshing sound. "No wonder you didn't go with us to her place, Jaybird. You had eyes for the hottie waitress.

I tried to hide my smile at that. I couldn't wait to tell Sofie what they had said about Christy. This would totally make up for Sofie not getting first chair flute in high school. Or at least give her a few quips to give back to Christy on Facebook.

And I couldn't deny that my face was completely on fire from the guys calling me a hottie. I don't think I'd ever been called that in my entire life.

Well on that note...  Jay moved his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. I think we’re going to head up to my room.

Gulp. His bedroom? He really was expecting something. Did guys usually invite girls over via FaceTime to make their bed rock? The last real boyfriend I had was Joey and that was a long time ago. The farthest I ever went was making out with a guy during a game of seven minutes in heaven  in Missy Carlyle's basement, sophomore year. The guy grazed my boob and pinched my nipples so hard that I had bruises.

Don't do anything that I would do! Johnny called as we headed up the stairs.

The walls were covered in pictures of different Texas landmarks and various animals from the region. I followed him down a long hallway that reminded me of something you’d find in one of the luxury hotels in Dallas, before we finally got to his bedroom.

I think his bedroom was even bigger than my parents, so I figured it must have been the master. We were greeted by the bright afternoon sun that poured in through the floor to ceiling windows and French doors that led out to a huge balcony. I tried my best to notice everything, but the giant bed that sprawled across an entire wall and sat directly across from a large brick fireplace. It looked like it could have been a scene from any girl's fantasy...if she wasn't wearing granny panties and not sure if she had shaved her armpits that morning or not.

Um...is this your room? I asked, trying to grasp at what to say.

Yeah. Johnny and Scotty got here the day after me so I got first dibs on the best room.

I tried to look at him, even though my eyes were darting around the massive room. Oh, um, I guess I thought your coach would take the bigger room.

Jay smiled. Yeah, he would have, but he's got a place with his family in Rockwall. His wife has some big account in Dallas for the year she that needs to be closer to. It’s why he moved out here and we followed. He’s also practically walking distance to the training center in Rockwall.

Oh. That's cool.

I was trying to think of something to say, but I had no idea what to talk about. I was extremely awkward in any conversation.

Jay plopped down on a couch that faced a flat screen TV. Coach figured it would be better for us to be out here in the middle of nowhere than in a hotel.

Yeah. I guess hotel living would get old, I said, trying to sympathize, but really I couldn't. My family hardly traveled, only to Sicily, and when we did, we stayed with family.

You can sit next to me, you know, I'm not going to bite. Jay raised an eyebrow.

Sorry. I'm awkward. Slowly I sat down next to him, putting a few inches of space between us.

He turned, leaning into me. Who isn't?

You're definitely not.

He laughed, shaking his head. Trust me, my only swagger comes when I'm in the pool, outside of it I'm just another clueless guy. It's probably why I've gotten into so much trouble.

I chewed on my bottom lip. I don't know if I've ever actually been in trouble. Okay, maybe once when I was like five and I had this thing about shop lifting from the grocery store. I didn't realize we actually had to pay for things so I always opened all of the food and started eating it while we waited in line. My mom was always so pissed.

That's actually pretty awesome. The smile broadened on his face.

"Not really. I mean, you're awesome. Olympic swimmer. All the gold medals. You could probably walk into the grocery store and people would beg you to eat their food. Wow that