Page 93 of Power Play

I like her using a nickname with me. It might be the same one half the guys use, but still. It makes me think she’s comfortable enough around me to call me something stupid. And that feels important.

I drop her on my bed and take the spot next to her. Piper flips onto her side and tugs on my arm, asking me to hold her. I kiss the top of her head and rest my chin in the crook of her neck, terrified to tell her my biggest fear isn’t heights.

It’s how much fun I’m having. How relaxed I feel when she’s around, and how the more time I spend with her, the more I don’t want this thing between us to end.

TWENTY-FIVE

LIAM

Alana

Still waiting on your date’s name!

Me

So you can stalk her?

Alana

Am I a bad person for wanting to make sure my big brother is being treated right?

What if she breaks your heart?

Me

You don’t need to worry about that.

Going through a tunnel and losing service.

Alana

I’m watching your pregame coverage on TV right now, asshole!!!!

Piper

I was wondering…

Me

About?

Piper

I know hotel room hookups aren’t part of our lessons, and I respect the space you want on the road.

But do you want to hang out tonight?

As friends!! Not a date!!

I really don’t want to be sucked into the New Year’s Eve shitshow of the Vegas Strip and figured we could get a burger after the game?

Me

I’m down for burgers.

Piper

Hooray! Maybe I can convince you to get another milkshake.

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