Page 97 of Power Play

Thirty minutes later, when I climb into bed, I’m ready to pass out. Dylan is sleeping peacefully on my couch. She didn’t even wake up when I dropped a spoon on the floor. Layla read my text, but no reply followed. I expected that, considering how late I texted her, but it still stings.

Maybe I’ll see her tomorrow if she decides to come to the game.

Who knows?

Walking into the living room,the first thing I see is Dylan sitting on my couch with her head in her hands. The heavy smell of alcohol fills the space.

“Hey, neighbor,” I say quietly.

Her eyes fly to me as she abruptly turns to her right. The look of complete bewilderment on her face forces a smile onto my own. This is gold.

“Hey.” Dylan clears her throat as I come closer and sit down on the table in front of her. “What happened last night?”

“Well, where do I even start?” And I tell her everything that’s happened since I saw her fall out of the car. “I brought you here,put your phone on the charger, and let you sleep. Hope you’re feeling better.”

“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,” Dylan mutters, closing her eyes. “Clay, I have no idea how to thank you. You’re the best, I swear.”

“You’re fine.” I smirk. “Though take it from someone who is older than you and has had his fair share of wild parties: you need better friends.”

“I know.”

“Where’s your purse?”

She points to her phone. “Based on a text from Sam, my purse is at her apartment. She didn’t notice that I left without it.”

“I can give you some cash to get to her place?”

“I’ll call an Uber, don’t you worry.” A gentle smile crosses her lips. “I have a feeling that my debt to you is growing exponentially. You helped me with the flowers, you got me tickets to the Thunders game, you introduced me to Dean. And now this? You’re an incredible person, Clay.”

“How are things between you and Dean, by the way? Crawford definitely seems pretty happy these days.”

“We’re good. He invited me on a date tonight after the game.”

“Look at you, living your hockey romance dream.”

“Ew, you make it sound so cringe!” Dylan laughs, and I laugh along with her as I stand up from the table.

“How about a quick breakfast before you go get your purse?”

“I’d love that.” She flashes me a dashing smile, which dies instantly once she glances down at her black dress. “Can I take a shower first? I have a feeling I stink.”

“No comment.” I wink at her, and her jaw unhinges. Turning on my heel, I head to the hallway, throwing over my shoulder, “Let’s go. I’ll get you a towel and lend you something to wear.”

“I kinda hate you right now,” I hear her say.

“You’re gonna love me once you eat.”

I’m in the kitchen,cutting tomatoes for a salad. Spinach and cheese omelets are already on the table. Dylan’s been in the shower for twenty minutes already. I hope she’ll be out soon, or I’ll need to reheat everything.

The coffeemaker dings, indicating that the coffee is ready. The only other sound in the kitchen is the knife hitting the cutting board as I start cutting cucumbers. Suddenly, I pause, my hand freezing in midair. I hear voices coming from the living room. Who’s here?

I rush out of the kitchen, and when I hear Layla’s voice in the hallway, everything in me drops.You’ve got to be kidding me.This is the worst situation ever—she’s going to assume there’s something going on between Dylan and me. And I’d bet everything I have that she won’t be convinced otherwise.

As I step into the hallway, Dylan closes the front door. She’s wearing the black tee I gave her to put on after her shower. Her face lights up with a smile as she lifts a box of donuts in front of her. “Layla brought you these. She was on her way from preschool drop-off and wanted to stop by.”

“Uh-huh,” I mumble, rounding Dylan and opening the door. As I hurry down the stairs, I see Layla’s car speeding away from my house.

Just what I fucking needed.

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