My Superstar

Well, here I am. First day at a new school. Honestly? I’m just glad to be out of Minnesota. Don’t get me wrong—I love my family. I’d do anything for them. But for the first time in my life, I finally have room to breathe. Back home, it felt like every decision I made came with a thousand expectations attached to it. Everyone always seemed to know exactly who Kalia Amore was supposed to be. The only problem? Nobody ever asked me who I wanted to be. For once, I get to figure that out on my own. I get to make my own mistakes, meet new people, build a life that’s mine, and maybe—just maybe—find the kind of love people write songs about. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Hi. My name is Kalia Amore. My family owns the Minnesota Storm, one of the biggest franchises in the NFL. I came to Texas University to study Sports Management and Business Administration because one day I plan to take over the Storm and make the organization my own. I know what you’re thinking. Didn’t I just say I wanted to escape my family’s shadow? I do. But football isn’t just theirs. It’s mine too. Some of my earliest memories are sitting beside Coach Kelvin O’Donald during practices, listening to him explain the game while players ran drills under the summer sun. Coach O’Donald isn’t just the Storm’s head coach—he’s family. He’s been one of the biggest influences in my life. Football has always been part of who I am. Now it’s time to figure out who I am outside of it. Anyway, you’ll learn more about me as we go. For now, let’s start with how I met my best friend… And the man who would completely change my life. “Hey, are you lost?” The voice startled me. I turned around and nearly forgot how to speak. Standing in front of me was one of the prettiest girls I’d ever seen. Long brunette curls framed her face perfectly, and her hazel eyes sparkled with warmth. She looked effortlessly beautiful—the kind of person who could make friends anywhere she went. “Girl, yes!” I laughed. “Holy s**t, you’re gorgeous. I damn near lost my breath.” Her eyebrows shot up. I continued rambling before she could answer. “I’m looking for the Bullhorn dorms, but this map hates me. Also, I’m sorry. That was rude. Hi. I’m Kalia.” She burst out laughing. “Breathe. It’s okay. I felt exactly the same way my first day.” Her smile widened. “I’m Lexie. I actually live in Bullhorn too. I can show you where it is.” I could’ve cried. “Thank God.” “And for the record,” she added, “you’re literally gorgeous yourself.” Just like that, some of my nerves disappeared. Maybe this fresh start wouldn’t be so bad after all. As Lexie and I made our way across campus, she pointed out buildings and landmarks while I tried to remember everything. Then my feet nearly stopped moving. A group of guys emerged from one of the sports facility building across the atrium, laughing and shoving each other as they headed outside. Normally, I wouldn’t have paid them any attention. Then I saw him. Everything else faded into the background. The conversations. The students. The noise. Him. He stood in the center of the group like gravity naturally pulled everyone toward him. Tall. Easily six-foot-three. Broad shoulders. Athletic build. The kind of confidence that couldn’t be faked. The afternoon sun caught against his skin as he laughed at something one of his friends said. A sleeveless shirt stretched across his chest and shoulders, revealing arms sculpted from years of training. But it wasn’t his looks that got me. It was the way he carried himself. Relaxed. Unbothered. Completely unaware that every girl within a fifty-foot radius was probably staring. Including me. Especially me. For a moment, I forgot where I was. Forgot what I was doing. Forgot how to breathe. I watched him laugh with his friends, and something deep in my chest tightened. Like I knew. Not who he was. Not his name. Just that somehow, some way, this stranger was going to matter. “Kalia?” Lexie’s voice snapped me back to reality. “You okay?” Her eyes followed mine and immediately she groaned. “Oh. Bryce.” My stomach flipped. Bryce. So he had a name. “Literally every girl on campus is obsessed with him,” she said. “He’s the starting quarterback. Super popular. He’s also my boyfriend’s best friend.” I nodded like I wasn’t already committing every detail of his face to memory. “But,” she continued, “I’d be careful. Bryce is cool, but I’ve never seen him commit to anything besides football.” That should’ve been enough to kill my interest. Instead, I found myself stealing one last glance. “Anyway,” I said quickly. “I shouldn’t be worrying about boys. I can’t even find my dorm.” Lexie laughed. “Fair point.” As we continued walking, she asked, “So where’d you transfer from?” “Minnesota.” Her eyes widened. “No way.” “Yep. And honestly? I’m loving it already.” I looked around campus. Bright sunshine. Students everywhere. It felt like summer compared to home. Back in Minnesota, leaves would already be changing colors and temperatures would be dropping. Texas felt alive. “I’ve never met anyone from Minnesota before,” Lexie said. “Just wait until you experience Texas weather. It has mood swings.” I laughed. “What made you come all the way down here?” The answer came easily. “I wanted to figure out who I am without my parents controlling every move I make.” Lexie nodded immediately. “I get that.” And somehow, I knew she really did. A few minutes later, we stopped in front of a massive dorm building. “We’re here.” I stared up at it. “Wow.” “You need help finding your room?” “Please. Room 405.” Lexie’s mouth fell open. “No way.” “What?” “I’m 404.” I blinked. “You’re kidding.” “Nope!” She grabbed my arm. “We’re officially best friends now.” Before I could respond, she was dragging me toward the elevator. By the time we reached the fourth floor, I was laughing so hard my stomach hurt. Sure enough. Room 404. Room 405. Directly across from each other. Maybe fate was working overtime today. As we stood outside my room, Lexie pointed toward the mountain of boxes waiting inside. “Looks like your stuff already arrived.” I groaned. “Wonderful.” She laughed. “I’ll let you unpack, but there’s a party tonight. Come with me.” I hesitated. She clasped her hands together dramatically. “Please. You’ll meet people. It’ll be fun. Plus you get to hang out with me.” I couldn’t help but smile. “Okay.” Lexie squealed. “I’ll pick you up at nine!” The second she disappeared into her room, I stepped inside mine and closed the door. Okay. Time to unpack. Except every time I opened a box… I thought about Bryce. His smile. His laugh. The way he looked walking across campus. No. I shook my head. I didn’t come here for a boy. I came here for me. Besides… The last time I let myself fall for someone, it ended with me finding my childhood best friend and my first love tangled up together in my bed. Never again. Before I knew it, the clock read 9:00 PM. A knock sounded at my door. “Come in!” I called from the bathroom. Lexie walked in looking absolutely stunning in a pink mini skirt, silver heels, and a cropped white tank. Her eyes widened when she saw me. “Girl.” I laughed. “What?” “You look incredible.” I rolled my eyes. “So do you.” “No seriously. One of these boys better snatch you up before I do.” I burst out laughing. “Lexie!” “What? I’m just saying.” After one final makeup check, we headed downstairs. The second we arrived at the party, I realized this was nothing like the college parties back home. The house was packed. Music blasted through every room. People danced, laughed, and shouted over one another. It was chaotic. And somehow, exciting. “So you’re the Kalia I’ve been hearing about.” I turned around. A tall guy wrapped an arm around Lexie’s waist before extending his hand. “Damon.” “Kalia. Nice to meet you.” I shook his hand. “You’re one lucky man.” Damon grinned. “I know.” He kissed Lexie’s forehead before looking at her. “Babe, Kyle needs help setting up karaoke.” Lexie groaned. “You know that man can’t do anything by himself.” “Exactly.” Damon grabbed her hand. “Be right back!” Lexie shouted as she was pulled away. “I’ll bring you a drink!” I laughed and waved them off. Then I turned back toward the crowd. The music faded. The room disappeared. And suddenly, there was only him.