Page 20 of Power Play

I think she’s worth it.

Chapter 8

I Just Know It

CLAY

6 years 8 months ago, December

I limpout of the locker room and fix the strap of my sports bag. My right kneecap hurts after I landed hard at practice, and all I want now is to be back in my room, with an ice pack pressed to my knee and some mindless game on my laptop.

I fucking hate days like this, and it doesn’t help that the day after tomorrow, I’m going home for winter break.

Nothing seems right.

The door to my left opens, and a familiar blonde walks out of the room with a sports bag hanging on her shoulder. She’s in black leggings and a white hoodie paired with white sneakers and a black bomber jacket, sashaying down the hall, her hips swaying with every step. My eyes roam over her body, following every curve of her round hips and toned legs. The view warms my skin, and I speed up in hopes of catching up with her before she leaves.

“Benson, hey,” I call out to her. Layla glances over her shoulder and then slows down, waiting for me. “How waspractice?” I ask once I line up with her, and we continue down the hall together.

“Good.” She shrugs and sneaks a glance down at my legs. “How was your practice? Did something happen?”

“Practice was great. Me landing on my knee when I was almost out of the rink, not so great.”

“Sorry to hear that.” Layla reaches out and pats my arm. “I hope it’s nothing serious.”

“Just a little bruise.” I crack a lopsided grin, and she smiles in return. “Are you going to the dorms?”

“Uh-huh. You?”

“Me too. Mind if I keep you company?”

“Not at all.”

Making sure I get to the door first, I open it for Layla and let her out of the building. The silence that settles between us quickly starts gnawing at me. Walking with her is nice, but that’s not the reason I’m here.

I want to get to know her.

“Any plans for Christmas?” Layla is the first to break the silence once we’re outside.

“Going home. To spend time with my parents and hang out with some friends who will be back in town for a break.” I look down at her. “What about you?”

“Same as you. Though I’m honestly dreading it a little.” She chuckles softly. “Ava without Colton will be a pain in the ass.”

“Why?”

Layla frowns, glancing up at me. She coasts her gaze over my face and says matter-of-factly, “She’ll miss him.”

“Trust me, Ava won’t miss him as much as he’ll miss her. The guy is on his knees for her, though he tries to hide it.”

“Unsuccessfully. It’s obvious to everyone,” Layla says, making me snort.

“Don’t tell him that. Colt thinks he’s mastered hiding his emotions, and he has…but when it concerns Ava, he’s clueless.”

“She’s not much different, in all honesty, but I think it’s cute. They’re good for each other.”

I nod, calculating my next move. This is a great opportunity to ask her about something I’ve wanted to know for a while. To make sure I’m not reading this situation wrong and simply seeing what I want to see. Hiding my hands in my jeans pockets, I ball them into fists and feel my nails dig into my skin.

Well, all or nothing.

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