Page 33 of The Wrong Move

“I’ve missed you, Gigi. Jessica is nice, but she seems to be in competition whenever we go out. Oh, and don’t be surprised if she ignores you. She has a thing for Byron.”

“I’m not fighting her for him. I’m not planning on staying. Besides, we’re just having fun.”

By the way she eyes me, she isn’t convinced.

“We should go on a double date,” she says with excitement.

“Paige, the problem with that idea isByron and I are not dating.”

“You will be soon enough.”

And that is a colossal future problem. My heart would dive right in to loving Byron. But it’s still raw, and I’m not ready for the hurt when my future is so unclear.

My cell vibrates on the table with a text message from Byron.

Do you want to catch up tonight?

8

BYRON

The ball hits the ring.

Fuck.

Ninety-eight foul shots.

It’s the third time I’ve missed right before making my goal of one hundred straight. My focus is off. My thoughts wander.

Wiping sweat from my brow, I walk to the foul line and bounce the ball before I settle into a stance.

Breathe out.

Swish.

I’m ready to go again. I grab the ball and settle my feet.

Breathe out.

Twang.

The ball hits the ring and bounces back to me. I’m stunned, staring at the ring.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

Excuses flood my brain. It’s not the absence of Brandon. It’s her.

To hell with this.

I jog off the court and head to the locker room to shower.

Walking the tunnel to my car, I pass Lorraine from the office.

“It’s supposed to be your day off training, Byron,” she shoots over her shoulder as we pass.

“No such thing,” I call back.

Inside my car, I check my cell. Giana has replied to my text. I asked to catch up tonight. It’s two in the afternoon but, hell, I need to see her now. I drive directly to hers, jog up the steps to her front door, and press the button.

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