Page 57 of Before I Loved You

He claps my back. “You’ve got instinct, kid. You knew exactly what to do to get that win, and you didn’t hesitate to take that shot. That’s what we like to see. Instincts.”

I wipe the sweat from my brow with the back of my arm. “I try.”

“Your father would be damn proud of you.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “Damn proud.”

Tightness spreads through my chest as I nod. “I hope so.”

He waggles his finger at me. “We’ll be in touch, Paul. Reach out if anything comes up.” He clasps my shoulder before walking away.

“I will, sir. Thank you.”

Suddenly, I’m tackled as a person jumps on top of me, rubbing his fist into the top of my head. “Look at you getting your ass kissed by a scout.” Glen chuckles as I fling him off me.

“Fuck off,” I tease, adjusting my headband before running the palms of my hands over the tight fade. “I just had this cut.”

“Mwahhhhh,” Glen mimics a kissing sound. “I could hear that ass-kissing all the way from the other side of the court.” He shakes his head, smiling. “But speaking of ass-kissing…” His eyes rove over to the empty seat nearby. “Where’s your girl?”

“What girl?” I feign indifferently.

“Don’t play that.” He rests his hands on his hips. “The fine-as-hell girl who had her eyes glued to you the whole night during our first scrimmage game.” He scrunches his face. “It was disgusting. Don’t know what she sees in you when I’m right here.”

Fine as hell. I shake my head, my fists clenching at my sides. He’s lucky we’re friends. “I don’t know who you’re talking about, but if I did know, then you should be smart and not talk about her like that again.”

His hands fly up in surrender. “Chill, man.” A knowing grin appears. “So, she is your girl.”

I shake my head and turn, walking toward my family. “You’re an idiot,” I mutter over my shoulder.

“Are we still playing Fortnite at your house later?” he shouts.

I roll my eyes. “Yeah. I’ll text you when to head over.”

Because first, I have a date to prepare for.

One that will hopefully secure me a second date.

And a third date.

And a fourth date.

And…every date.

Because I want them fucking all with Sarah.

And only Sarah.

thirteen

SARAH

My eyes dance over the mirror one last time, my hands smoothing out my black dress over my thighs as I twist, ensuring I’m still clear of a noticeable baby bump.

My arms drop to my sides as I gaze upon myself.

What am I doing?

Why did I agree to go on this date?

Because you really fucking like Paul.

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