Page 32 of Playmaker

“That’s never happened before?”

Is she serious?

“Maybe when I was thirteen and had just discoveredPlayboyfor the first time?” I halfheartedly laugh. “No, Maddie. That’s never happened with anyone.”

The smile she gives me in return seems like she’s proud of herself, and she should be.

“Well, good,” she states, putting her sweatpants and underwear on. “I think we should keep this a secret for now. You aren’t ready for a relationship, but that’s something I already knew, so it doesn’t bother me. I want to explore this, too, but I don’t want either of us to have any expectations of each other. It’ll only give us a reason to get hurt when we leave for school.”

I think back to moments ago when my face was suffocated by her pussy. If Ethan found out, he’d murder me. However, the more we do this, the more the image of Ethan shoving a knife in my chest while he extracts his revenge becomes less and less intimidating.

“Agreed,” I reply. “No expectations. We explore this in secret and enjoy it for the rest of break, and that’ll be it. We have to head back to school anyway, so it just makes sense.” I glance down at my shorts, still in disbelief. “I need to throw these in the wash.”

“Oh. Right.” She clears her throat and grabs her bra, hooking it closed expertly.

Why is she in a rush?

“Are you okay?” I ask.

She slides the sweatshirt over her head and stares at me as if I’m losing it. “Um, I’m leaving?”

“Why?” I blurt.

When she continues to look at me as if I’ve lost my mind, the pieces of the puzzle click into place. I never stick around after I finish. I’m notorious for not sleeping with the same girl twice and skipping out in the aftermath of sex. Maddie isn’t like those girls, though. I’ve known Maddie forever, and the truce I suggested was to make sure we mended our friendship. The intimacy is an added bonus.

“I don’t know how we’re going to become friends again if you leave.”

“You want me to stay?” A smile tugs on her lips, and truthfully, it might just be my kryptonite.

“Yes, I want you to stay. I’ll go grab the textbook you left on your car and you can study while I shower. Then maybe we can watch a movie and order some food. Unless you’ve already eaten?”

She shakes her head. It’s almost comical the pure shock etched on her features. It’s as if I have six snakes spurting out of my head or something.

“Okay, then we can order your favorite. Pizza?”

“Uh, sure,” she says, with that smile still plastered to her face.

For the first time in six years I’m the reason for putting it there, and to know she’s happy because ofmemakes me want to continue doing whatever the hell I have to to keep it there.

After retrieving her textbook and making sure she’s settled on the couch, I order the pizza. My dad may be a shitty father in the emotional department, but at least he provides for me. He doesn’t want me to have to work a job while in college, so he pays my tuition and gives me whatever money it takes to provide me with the proper nutrition I need.

When I’m done with my shower, I come back downstairs in just a pair of sweatpants with no shirt on. I could have worn one, but why would I do that when she likes staring at me so much without one?

The textbook is still open on her lap, that damn pencil eraser strumming her bottom lip. She’s thrown her hair up into a messy bun on top of her head, and to see her so focused and concentrated is such a turn-on that suddenly my heart leaps into my chest.

What the hell?

She glances up, furrowing her eyebrows together. “Are you good?”

“Uh, yeah.” I scratch the back of my head and continue to stare at the textbook in her lap. “Do you have a test or something?”

“Kind of . . .” She trails off, wincing before she adds, “It’s not until next year. The MCATs.”

“Oh, okay. So, you’re still being diligent about being a bore, I see?”

She grabs the pillow closest to her and chucks it at me. “Shut up!” She laughs. “I’m not a bore. Planning my future and setting myself up for success is far cooler than partying every weekend.”

I collapse beside her and push the textbook on the floor. Studying is important to her, I can respect that, but it’s not like her test is tomorrow. I want to spend time with her, and we agreed after I took a shower that we’d watch a movie.

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