Page 55 of Off Pitch

Knox and I both laugh. “He can dish it, but he’s never been able to take it,” I say.

“That’s not surprising in the least,” Knox says.

“What are you up to tonight, Slick?”

“Ah, I will just be enjoying the freedom of having my own room for this series.”

“Ooh, how’d you swing a solo room, Fort?”

“Not a fucking clue, but I’m not going to complain.” He pauses for a moment. “Why don’t you come over? We can watch something or just talk.”

I smile at him slyly. “Are you just trying to get me all alone, Knox?”

He leans to my ear. “I’m constantly alone with you, Harlow. But if you’re worried about me trying to come on to you tonight, I promise you’re safe.”

I laugh it off, but it’s still kind of… disappointing? It’s not like I expected him to go for something. And if he did, I’m not even sure what I’d do.

…

Yeah, that’s a lie. I think I can admit to myself that I clearly want Knox. But wanting is one thing; giving in is another. We’re friends now—friends who just happen to be in a fake relationship. We don’t need any complications or strings.

At least, that’s what I’ll keep telling myself…

twenty-three

Harlow

Knox and I partbriefly when we get back to the hotel. I want a shower after sweating at the game all night. Once I’m cleaned off, I throw on a black tank top and a pair of gray shorts before I meet him in his room.

He greets me at the door in nothing but a pair of blue athletic shorts. Tonight is going to be fucking torture if I have to look at him likethat. “Come on in, Lo,” Knox says as I walk into the room.

I sniff the air as I walk in. “Knox, does it smell like… onion rings?”

He rubs his neck. “Uh, yeah… I ordered some onion rings from room service. I remember how much you liked them before.”

I take him by surprise and wrap him in a hug. “Thank you. That’s sweet.”

“Do we hug now, Freckles?” he asks with a laugh as he wraps his arms around my shoulders.

“You’ve had your tongue down my throat, Knox. I think you can handle a hug.”

“Well, I do know I can handle your kisses,” he says as he pulls me in a little tighter.

I lean my head back. “Knox Spencer, are you flirting with me?”

“Have I not been doing that already?” he replies with a smirk as he breaks the hug and walks over to his bed. “So much missed opportunity then.”

“Why you wanna flirt with me?” I ask as I sit on the bed beside him, inhaling the heavenly scent of onion rings.

Knox smirks at me before grabbing an onion ring and taking a bite. “Why wouldn’t I wanna flirt with you, Lo?”

“Answering a question with a question is a terrible deflection, you know.”

“Deflections are easier than the truth, though,” he says lowly.

What exactly does that mean? If that’s not the truth, what is?

Maybe this desire does indeed go both ways. Maybe hedoeswant me like I want him.

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