It's Always Been Briar

Chapter 5.

Briar's P.O.V.

It's a little past 8pm on Wednesday, May 31st and I am getting out of my car to walk into the USC Football Stadium. I just came from dinner with my parents after interviewing all day at the USC Medical Center.

I am a pre-med major with a minor in photography. I'm 22 and about to start my last year of undergrad.

The interviews, that's why I'm wearing a business blouse, skit, and some red bottom heels into the stadium. I just need to find Coach Harvey and give him some paperwork.

I have decided to boost my resume and be the football team's videographer this season. I needed something else to help my med-school apps pop a little more. And since I love photography, I figured this would be a good fit.

I know that it's still pre-preseason weight training for the guys but I think they should all be cleared out by now.

Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. I open the door and walk in to see a handful of guys still hanging around.

Oh.

My.

God.

Breathe, Bri.

Fuck, why did River Blankenship have to be here and why are we locked in some serious eye contact?

You see, I have always had a HUGE crush on River growing up. I remember the first time I was attracted to him. We were 12, and we were at one of the family's houses on the beach in Malibu. It was the start of summer BBQ and all of us youngsters were hanging out at the pool.

I just remember being so drawn to him. Even back then, before River had a single tattoo, I always thought he was the most attractive guy I have ever seen. It's kinda cool cause we all still mingle and are friends, some closer than others but that's ok.

Anyway, while we were at the pool I overheard the guys talking about one of the girls. I don't know who it was but I heard River say something like 'Yeah, she has nice boobs. Think she'll let me put some fingers in her vagina?'

As soon as I heard that, I froze and then decided that he was probably way more advanced than me, even at 12 years old. It has been hard seeing him throughout the years because he just keeps getting more and more attractive. But his personality is what will really hook you.

He is just so kind, trustworthy, and honestly loyal to a fault sometimes.

I won't lie and say I've never thought about being with him, because I have countless times, but River Blankenship is just not a relationship kinda guy. I don't even think he has ever been in a relationship.

But his bedpost has more notches than I think even Riv could count. That's the scariest thing about thinking about River. I am nowhere near the level of his experience. Hell, I don't even have a quarter of his experience, a tenth. Probably not even an ounce.

Where we are at now, he would never be into someone as prudely as me. I have been with 2 guys and that's all. And it's the same boring story: high school boyfriend, Quinn Matthews. And my college boyfriend, until last semester started: Randall Wilmington.

Let's face it, he's out of my league. Looking at River now while he wipes the sweat off of his perfectly sculpted chest. He is traveling down to wipe off his fuckin 8-pack abs. And then there is his V-line, oh my. I have to squeeze my whooha together before I start dripping all over these mats. Dang, see, he is the literal definition of sex appeal. I'm just vanilla.

He had broken our eye contact and smacked the guy next to him. I know he saw me checking him out. Oh, god. I need to find Coach Harvey and get out of here! I am starting to heat up and just knowing River is literally 15 feet away from me is making me dizzy.

Get.

It.

Together.

Briar.

Please.

So I finally say. 'Coach Harvey's Office?' The guy next to River, I think his name is Tony. He points over to the right which leads to a hallway, so I'm assuming it's down there.

I take a step and wobble a little in my heels but I don't think anyone noticed. I start walking and look over my shoulder and smile at Tony and say 'Thank you!'.

I walk around the corner and listen as my heels click down the hall. I may have swayed my hips a little bit more than I normally would because I could feel River's eyes on me. I make it to the end of the hall and spot the door that has a plaque that has Coach Harvey inscribed on it. Raising my right hand, I knock and listen for a response. I hear him say enter so that is exactly what I do.

After entering the office I say. 'Hello, Coach Harvey. I am Briar Kensington and I'm excited for the opportunity to be the team's videographer this season.'

I passed him my completed paperwork. He takes it and adds it to a pile on his desk. He looks me up and down, making me feel a little uneasy.

He says 'You won't be able to wear clothes like that on the field. You can wear blue jeans, with no rips. Clean athletic shoes. And either a USC Football polo or t-shirt. Hair and make-up are at your discretion. Any questions?'

'Just one, sir. When would you like me to start?'

'Pre-season starts Monday at 4:00 pm on the field. Don't be late, ever. Anything else?'

'No, sir. That will be all. Thank you, I'll see you Monday.'

As I'm stepping into the hallway I let out a small sigh of relief. He is giving me some weird vibes. Oh well. I start walking back down the hall and enter the weight room. I do a quick little scan to see who is around before heading to the door.

I see Tony so I give him a small smile and wave, while I say. 'Thanks again for your help.'

He says. 'Anytime Briar.' While giving me a wink.

Ok, it's time to leave. I push open the door and start making my way back to my car. I know it's stupid but I am a little bummed that River wasn't still in the weight room. I'm sure he is "busy". Doesn't matter anyways.

I am climbing into my car and out of the corner of my eye I see River driving out of the parking lot in his truck. My heart is literally skipping beats.

Damn it, Briar. Hold yourself together!