Page 66 of The Playbook

“You’re conceding to losing?”

“Yeah, man. Whatever. I’ll do the walk of shame. I’m out.” His Adam’s apple bobbed.

This was too fucking weird.

“Why?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

He shrugged and gave me a genuine smile. “I like her. Marissa. A lot. I don’t care about the bet anymore. I only care about her. I don’t want to hurt her, so if you could be a decent dude, I’d be grateful if we could just let it go.”

“Are you serious?”

I was having a hard time wrapping my head around what he was saying. It wasn’t like Andy to just give up. He was just as competitive as I was.

“What’s the catch?”

“Catch?” He scoffed. “No catch. I really like Marissa. That’s it. She’s matters more to me than winning some fucking bet.” He stepped closer. “And I’ve seen the way you look at Grace. I’m not a complete dick. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. So, can we agree to just let it go?”

I glanced around the field to see the team fucking around while Coach and Alan, our assistant coach, examined a clipboard.

“Yeah. Fine. We’re good.”

“Yeah?” He seemed surprised by me giving in so easily.

“I’m good with it. Let’s drop it. If anyone asks though, you tell them you admitted defeat or I’ll blow the lid on this little heart to heart.”

He laughed and held his hand out for me. I took it, and we shook.

“You got it. I’ll gladly wear the title of loser.”

I shook my head at him as he let go.

“Thanks, man. For real. I figured you’d be a dick about it. I’m glad Grace has rubbed off on you.”

I gave him a quick smile. “Same for Marissa.”

He laughed and sauntered away from me.

It was done, and it hadn’t been hard at all. I hadn’t lost. It felt like a million fucking tons had been lifted off my shoulders.

Now what? Did I have the girl? Was she mine?

I licked my lips, my heart pounding.

I won.

But did I?

I was both ecstatic and confused. I’d wanted out of the bet too. I got both my wants: a win and out of the damn nightmare bet.

Grace was mine. The victory was mine. But something still didn’t feel right even though things seemed like they were coming together for me.

I frowned and rubbed my chest.

I needed to see Gracie.

CHAPTER33

Grace

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