Page 5 of The Wrong Move

“We all deal with things differently, Gi.” His eyes soften, my harsh words failing to spook him.

My throat burns. I swallow down the emotion of knowing Byron came for sex and had to be high to do it.

“I thought I knew you,” I murmur. “Clearly, I don’t.”

His blue eyes narrow, and a cynical laugh escapes him. “You are the one person who truly knows me. Guess I was wrong for coming here for advice.”

“Advice?” I shake my head. “Just what did my pussy tell you?”

By the look on his face, I definitely hit a nerve. He steps closer. “I’m not delusional. You want me as much as I want you.”

“Not like this, Byron,” I say, my words gentler this time. “You came for sex, not to talk.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” He smirks, and I want to smack it from his face. “I can get sex anywhere.”

“Leave,” I say between clenched teeth. “Think about what happened here before you talk to me again. Oh, and here’s some advice… don’t come back until you’ve grown the fuck up.”

He pulls his T-shirt over his head and tugs it over his ripped abdomen. His throat bobs. I hope I made sense, and he’ll think about his recklessness. I try to put it into words he’ll understand. “Your entire life is about plays and making the right call. Well, this was your worst. The ultimate wrong move.”

With a nod, Byron turns and quietly closes the door behind him.

I pull at my hair and spin on my heel. “Damn his stupid game.”

1

BYRON

Six years later…

“The emailfor this lame high school reunion clearly states a reply was required three weeks ago.” I feign disappointment to hide my relief. It’s not how I want to spend my Saturday night.It’s the last place I want to be.

“Come on, Byron. I could use the support. Paige will speak to me if you’re there.”

“Mase, you’ve got this. Paige already likes you. Talk to her whether I’m there or not.”

“You know I always freeze and then sound like an idiot.”

Mason doesn’t need me for this. “We’re no longer at school. Just talk as though you’re in a meeting. Wait, no. Engineers bore the fuck out of me.”

Mason laughs hard. “You’re one to talk. I still don’t understand the rules of basketball, and with all that shit-talking you do on the court,yousound like you’re still in high school.”

I grin even though he can’t see my face. “King of the court.” He laughs again. “Act like it’s me you’re talking to. It’ll bring out the best in you.”

He moans, and I hear it through my AirPods. “You know they’ll make an exception because you’retheByron Hendricks.”

“What’s the dress code?”

“Smart casual.”

“Just so you know, I won’t be staying long enough to eat, so my being there won’t mess with their precious numbers.”

“They won’t care. Just pose for some photos to keep the prefects happy.”

Before I curse, an alarm goes off on my phone. “Hang tight. Someone’s at the door.” I check the security camera on my app. “My sister’s here.”

“You have an hour to get ready. I’ll wait for you at the bar.”

“No promises.”

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