Page 100 of Cruel Steps

“No.” I crossed my own arms and returned her glare.

“It’s in the rule book. If you don’t, you’ll receive a demerit and won’t be eligible to dance this weekend,” Leigh said, resigned.

Kimmy’s eyes glittered with triumph, and I knew she wouldn’t back down from this. She didn’t want me to dance, and while I hadn’t wanted to an hour ago, the idea of her winning twisted my insides.

I’d fought hard to gain the tiny bit of power I had. Like hell would I let her take it.

Lifting my head, I pulled my shirt over my head. Unfortunately, it was right as the football team exited the locker room, and wolf whistles sounded. My face reddened, but I held Kimmy’s stare, daring her to tell me to put the shirt back on. The bra I’d worn today was more decorative than it was functional, and my nipples were entirely on display. If I danced in it, my boobs would be slapping me in the face.

Regardless, I wouldn’t be the one to surrender—boobs be damned.

“Wildcat!” Holden yelled, jolting me out of my stare-down. He stood at the end of my row with his hand held out, his jersey clutched in it. His jaw ticked, and I noticed how stiff his muscles were. This time, my cheeks heated for an entirely different reason.

The whistles had stopped, and I glanced over at them. Cody and Colter stood with their backs to us, blocking the team from our side of the field. What they didn’t block was how every single Wolfette watched me as I walked to Holden.

“I’m making a point,” I whispered.

“If it’s whether or not you can distract me, your point’s made.”

“Not everything is about you, Jockstrap.”

His lips twitched a millimeter, but he kept his stare fixed to me. “Sure, baby.”

I wish I could claim his words had no effect on me, but I’d be a liar.

“It’s not regulation,” I said, crossing my arms and covering my breasts.

“Actually,” Leigh piped in, “since it’s school attire, it would suffice for an emergency. As co-captain, I give you special permission.”

Kimmy started to protest, but Holden leveled her with a gaze, and she shut right up. I snorted and quickly covered it with my hand. Holden stepped forward and dropped the practice jersey over my head. He lifted my hair from the collar, and his knuckles brushed against my skin, sending shivers through me.

“Careful, Wildcat, or I might steal all your shirts, so you always have to wear this.” He leaned forward, and his lips brushed against my ear. “Seeing my name on your back just might be the death of me.” He stepped back and returned to the team, leaving me a panting mess.

We’re friends. Friends. Friends.

Yeah, I didn’t know how to be friends with Holden Adler.

“Okay, girls, time to focus, or we’ll be doing the stairs at the end of practice.” Everyone groaned, and I returned to my spot in the lineup. The girls who’d been less than thrilled with my spot on the team eyed me with more suspicion, while the other girls looked at me in awe. It was a weird combo and something I wasn’t familiar with.

Thankfully, Leigh ran a tight ship, and I lost myself in the steps, tuning out all the extra stares. By the time practice ended, sweat made the jersey cling to me, and I itched to take a shower. Exhaustion filled my body, and the thought of going to bed early had never seemed so appealing. Especially when Colter was next to me.

Gathering my gear, I met the sexy hazel-eyed man out front, and we walked to my car together. When we neared the parking lot, I tensed. Would there be something there today? Colter noticed my reaction, stepped before me, and approached my car first. The simple gesture melted my heart.

“It’s clear.”

Letting out my breath, I nodded in relief. “Good. Maybe he’s bored and leaving me alone.” Colter didn’t argue with me, and I appreciated it. I wanted to live in denial for as long as I could.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-TWO

EMERSON

“I can’t believe you’re actually studying,” Cody mumbled. He slumped into his chair and pouted.

“If I don’t study now, I’ll never get this done. I work tonight, and there’s a game tomorrow. You should be applauding me.”

He slow-clapped, smirking at me. “Speaking of work.” He sat up, his face full of eagerness now. “You going to let me come watch yet?”

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