Climb on My Stepfather (Ashley and Alex)

Chapter 74

6: Gage.

Bringing Stella to practice was a mistake. A huge one.

That much becomes obvious the second we arrive.

I've never had a girlfriend before, so I didn't recognize the error in judgment I made until now, when it's too late. When every single one of my teammates is gawking at her from the field. All of the groupies that watch from the stands zero in on her like vultures. I have the urge to pick her up again and leave.

Take her home, lock the door and block out the world.

I've put her under a microscope.

Everyone is curious about her now. I've barged into her class and declared her my girlfriend. News has probably already traveled about that. And now I've towed her along to the football field, her delicate little hand trembling in mine because of all the staring. I'm such an asshole. I didn't even stop to consider how terrifying this would be for her. For a hundred men, including players and staff and physical therapists, to be openly speculating about her.

"Stella..." I pivot at the edge of the field, blocking her from everyone's view. "I'

m sorry. I didn't think this through. I'll bring you home."

She steels herself. "No, it's okay. Once you're out on the field, they'll s-stop staring."

I frown. "Why?"

attention

it's not, Stella. They're looking at

She blinks. "Why?"

her face in my hands. Is she serious? “Because you're fucking gorgeous, that's why. And damn, honey, you're glowing from the head I

"No one ever stared at me

now..." Dread churns in my stomach. "Now, I've made them

campus aware that Stella is a commodity. I know what they're

to go

And what?

way to make this situation better. I'm a nationally ranked collegiate athlete with a barrage of recent troubles. Yet I'm still being scouted for next season's NFL draft. All eyes are on me all the time. And now they're on her, too. I can't escape the limelight and neither can she. I didn't give her a choice, did I? I can't. There's only one option and it's being together, so I guess I have to get used to

the player's girlfriends approaches

her before but can't remember

The girlfriend's gaze is fastened on my hands. My fingers are buried in Stella's hair and I'm holding her face to my chest. When did I

hoarsely. I can't help claiming

Mine, mine, mine.

Her interest grows. "Well, I'm watching practice from the stands. She can come sit with me and the others while you're on

trying to figure out if she's being friendly or if she has an ulterior motive. Of course she does. She wants to be the first to meet Stella, the girl who locked down Gage Weston for life. But since I can't leave Stella alone without worrying, this girlmight be