Page 27 of The Playbook

“We messed around in the crow’s nest yesterday. Made out at her parents’ place.” I shrugged. “We’re not fucking anymore though. And we sure as shit aren’t dating.”

“Yeah, but if Nikki finds out you’re going out with Grace Matthews, then what? You do know Nikki hates her, right? And what if Grace finds out you’re seeing Nikki?”

“First off, I’m notseeingNikki. We fool around sometimes, but we definitely aren’t a couple. No fucking way. I already told you that. Second, Grace will be fine. She’s tough. And Nikki knows about the playbook. She wants me to win just as much as I do, so she’s not going to say shit about it. Lastly,” I finished ticking reasons off my fingers. “Grace already knows I was fooling around with Nikki.”

“You’re brave or fucking stupid. That’s all I’m saying.” Ryan shook his head. “If you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“I’ll stand there and let you tell me you told me so.” I grinned at him.

He let out a laugh and gave me a bro handshake before bidding me farewell.

This wouldn’t blow up in my face. I wasn’t going to get attached to Grace Matthews. This was just a fun way to pass the time and beat Andy’s face in. That was all.

CHAPTER15

Grace

“Grace? Come down here.” My dad’s voice boomed up the stairs. He sounded upset.

Wondering what I could’ve possibly done wrong, I made my way downstairs to find him pacing in the living room, my mom watching him.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, coming into the room.

“I heard that you’re seeing some boy at school.”

“What?” I blanched, peering from him to Mom, who seemed surprised by the information, then back to him.

“One of my guys told me they saw you at school with a boy. That you’re more than…friendly with him, and you went out with him last night. The person said you two are awfullycozywith one another. I was going to let it go, Grace, because I know you have good friends, but that’s the line. I thought it was a misunderstanding. But then, I heard you’re going out on a date tonight. Another guy told me a few days ago about you and Noah.” He stopped his pacing and stared at me. “Is any of this true? Are you dating someone?”

“Dad, I-I,” I stammered, looking to Mom for help.What the hell? Noah?

“John, really. What does it hurt for her to go out? We love Noah.”

“It hurts because boys in high school only want one thing, even Noah. And Grace is too sweet of a girl and has worked too damn hard to give it all up for a boy who won’t care about her in the morning.”

“Do you really think I’m like that?” I demanded, tears springing to my eyes.

“I don’t think you are, Grace. But they are. And they won’t stop pressuring until you give in. It’s only a matter of time.” He let out a sigh and rubbed his eyes. “I’m sorry. You’re grounded.”

“What?” I screeched, appalled at a punishment I didn’t deserve. “Are youkiddingme?”

“John, be reasonable—”

“Jess, I am being reasonable. My original thought was to homeschool her,” my dad snapped. “I will not have her waste her life on a bunch of high school guys who only want one thing from her.”

“Who told you this?” I asked in a choked voice. “Who said these things to you? They aren’t true! I’m not seeing anyone, especially Noah!”

“It doesn’t matter, Grace. Just go to your room and make sure your homework is done.”

“Mom—”

“Sweetheart, go to your room.” Mom glared at my father, who just shook his head at me, disappointment written clearly on his face.

“This isn’t fair. I’m eighteen.”

Dad’s eyes widened at me. “You may be eighteen, but you still live under my roof, Grace. You know the rules.”

“I’m not seeing anyone. And your rulessuck!” I breathed out before turning on my heel and stomping upstairs to my room where I slammed my door. There could only be one person who was responsible for this. Logan. I grabbed my phone and typed a text.

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