Walker University Stallions

In the game of love, it's hard to level the playing field when your opponent is the one who got away. I was nine years old when I claimed Charlie King as mine. We were in love-high school sweethearts-until one devastating day when it all fell apart. Two years later, she's back in my life and needs a place to live. Sure, she's infuriating, and her kissable, smart mouth keeps me on my toes, but her being in my space falls into my plan to get her back. Charlie doesn't want anything to do with me, but I'll be damned if I let her walk out of my life again. Even if it means the dark secrets of my past will come rushing back to haunt us both. When we're down to the wire, it's time to make a counter play and win my girl back for good.

On the field, I protect my zone like my life depends on it. Off the field, I like to have a little fun. My last year at Walker University was supposed to be about football, family, and hanging out with my boys. I had it all under control-until her. Emma, the stunning blonde, who intercepts my heart and changes the game. Mysterious, enchanting, unforgettable. One night with her wasn't nearly enough. I searched everywhere, but the campus might as well have swallowed her whole. Just when I thought I'd never see her again, she shows up on my doorstep… pregnant with my baby. Now I'm playing for keeps, ready to prove to her that I'm no longer the notorious playboy around campus, and I'm more than my stats and headlines. The stakes are higher, the obstacles tougher-but now, there's something far more important than a championship. It's about securing my future. My family. My girl.

She's always been my strong side. The one I protect, the one I lean on, the one I can't stop playing for. Because I've never wanted anything more than to earn her as mine-for real. Noelle James is my best friend, has been for years. And we've never crossed that line, even though I've thought about it more times than I should. But when her ex becomes a problem she can't shake, I step in as her fake boyfriend. No big deal, right? Only it is a big deal. Because being hers, even just pretending, feels way too real and like everything I've ever wanted. Then she drops a bomb: she wants help building confidence in the bedroom. She wants to practice…with me. Suddenly, we're tangled in sheets, secrets, and something that feels a lot like love. Tropes: best friends-to-lovers; fake dating; friends with benefits; spicy lessons; who did this to you?; he falls first/always been you; football romance.