Page 2 of The Player

Like that’s even a question. “Duh. You know I will.”

Getting out of my Bronco, she shuts the door and grabs her pack. “You should tell him how you feel before it’s too late.”

Mrs. Johannsen comes out and waves at me. “Thank you for picking up Aaron later.”

Her eyes are red and puffy, obviously indicating that she has been crying. “No problem, Mrs. J.” I’m glad she came out when she did or otherwise, I’d have to have the “talk to Aaron” chat with Kaylee again. After last night, I think she’s right, but I don’t know. Everything is kind of confusing now.

* * *

Sitting on the bleachers, I watch in fascination as each play is executed. The coach doesn’t seem as thrilled as I am, but I’m sure that’s because he knows more about the sport than I do.

I daydream about running onto the field after practice is over and throwing my arms around Aaron. I won’t do that, but it’s fun to think about. The coach blows the whistle and I get down to the ground and wait where Aaron always told me to be.

Going to the right side of the bleachers, I make sure I’m toward the back, where there’s a small alcove between the wall and the metal frame of the bleachers. That’s where I wait, excited to see Aaron again. My mind hasn’t stopped thinking about the kiss we shared last night. I want to ask him about it and I plan to do that today. Watching him come off the field without a shirt, my mouth pops open.

I’ve seen him with his shirt off before, but I react the same way every time. He’s so sculpted. I want to run my hands along his sweaty abs. Blushing, I look down. God, these thoughts are getting worse.

“Ju-Ju, what are you doing here?” He comes up and places his hands on my face as he bends down. My mind spirals, thinking he’s going to kiss me again. Of course, Aaron doesn’t kiss my lips but my forehead.

“Your mom asked me to pick you up.”

He looks confused for a moment, but he shrugs as he looks around us.

“Go wait in the car so your skin doesn’t burn. It’s already a little red.”

At his kindness, I melt. “Alright.” I kiss his cheek and walk away on cloud nine.

It doesn’t take Aaron long to come out and get in the passenger seat. “Do you think you could stay in the car next time you pick me up?”

He puts his seatbelt on, and I look at him. “Why?”

At my question, he doesn’t look at me, and I put the car back into park. “You’ve never cared before.”

He turns to me and places a hand on my arm. “I don’t care.” His words are almost too defensive as he shakes his head. “No. That’s not true. I do care about you. It’s really hot out here and the last time you were out in the sun, you got a sunburn. I prefer you to stay in the car so you don’t get burnt and overheat. Remember the time we went to the beach? You got so sick.”

The coldness that was creeping in me fades and I smile. “You’re always so thoughtful of me.” I put the car back into drive and move us along.

“Are you going to the winter dance?”

Aaron laughs at my question. “No. Bry and I are going to have a game night.”

“Awesome. I hope you two have fun.” Thank God I didn’t ask him out.

“Are you going?” His question comes out gruffly, and it makes me tingle. I need to learn how to control how my body reacts to him.

“I was thinking about it but didn’t want to go alone, so nope. I’m going to try to pick up a shift at the grocery store.”

“Oh, do you need some extra money?” Aaron moves in his seat to get to the radio controls.

I laugh. “Not really. Kaylee is going with her boyfriend, and I’m not going to be a third wheel.” Reeling myself in, I try not to think about dancing with him. Feeling him take me in his arms.

Before he can say anything else, I pull into his driveway, and his mom opens the door. She looks pissed this time, and I have to say it might be scarier than her crying.

“Yikes, I better go.” Aaron sighs as he looks at his mom.

“Yeah, it doesn’t look like your mom is having a good day.”

He gets out of the car and smiles at me. “See you later.”

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