Page 4 of Strike Zone

“So, you want to sleep with her?”

“Yes.” He drops his hat back on his head backwards. It’s a momentary distraction. He might be a worthy opponent after all. He seems to be well equipped with his own bag of tricks.

“And you want me to do what exactly?” I ask, focusing on his face again. Not that it’s any safer here. This man knows how to work a dimple to his advantage.

“Get me in a room with her. I can do the rest,” he says with a smirk that curls the hair of his mustache on the left side of his face.

“I don’t understand why you need me. I doubt you have any problems getting a girl alone.” He has a certain…reputation on campus.

He flashes his dimpled smile proving my point. “You’re right. Usually I don’t. Charlie, however, has been difficult to track down.”

“Have you actually tried?” I have a system for organizing my closet and Charlie has a system when it comes to dating and getting a man’s attention. I stopped trying to figure it out sophomore year. I do know it will take more than a bicep flex to get her to notice a man.

A backwards hat and a nice smile will not work on her.

“Yes?” he says, fidgeting in his seat. “I’ve been busy with practice and…other things. Not other girls.”

“I didn’t say anything.” I hold up my hands.

“You didn’t have to. Your face speaks volumes.” He rolls his eyes. “We were both distracted at the Halloween party and now she’s playing hard to get.”

“Right. That’s what she’s doing,” I deadpan.

He scowls back at me.

“Look,” I start before he can correct me. “Charlie dates. She doesn’t sleep around. She wants to find a husband. Unless that is something you are also interested in, I don’t think I’ll be very proficuous in your endeavor.” I grab a pen and put a tally mark in my planner.

“Did you just word of the day me?” His eyes narrow in suspicion.

My head tilts. He follows the word of the day too?

“Maybe. I like to use the word at least once per day. I saw an opportunity. I took it.” I shrug.

He peers at my notebook. “That’s your third checkmark.”

“It’s been a good day.”

His intense gaze holds mine, making me uncomfortable. I clear my throat. “I’m sorry I can’t help you with your…situation.”

He scoffs. “You can. You just won’t.”

“Twist the narrative however you wish. The answer will still be no. I’m not a matchmaker.”

“What do you want in exchange for your help?”

“You’re bartering now? Why is this so important to you?” Girls are a dime a dozen to guys like Wyatt. What is it about Charlie?

“It just is. Will you do it?”

“No.” I check the time. “Your tutoring session is over. I hope it was to your satisfaction.” This time when I start packing up my things he doesn’t stop me.

“Hardly,” he murmurs.

“Feel free to file a complaint and I’ll throw it away for you.”

“You’re a strange bird, aren’t you, Wren Ellington?” he asks, watching me put each pen, pencil, and highlighter back in their proper place in my bag.

My movement falters. This time he’s the one who hit the mark.

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