Page 45 of Play It Sinful

I’m sure Ashley will say I cheated, but she never told me I could bring only one type of food. I’m in my head, thinking of possible responses if she gives me shit, and don’t pay attention to my surroundings. It’s my bad luck that I bump into the same group of girls I met when I was helping Ashley with her art supplies. They’re walking down the hallway in my direction, and there’s no avoiding them.

They smile at me, and the one in the middle pipes up, “Oh, hello there. Isn’t it our favorite hockey player?”

“Hi,” I reply in a friendly tone but without the smile.

“We have to stop meeting like this,” she says.

“No kidding.”

I would have kept walking, but they’re blocking my way.

“Maybe you should ask me out instead.” She takes a step forward and touches my chest.

Yikes. I’m used to girls flirting with me, but I’m not keen on them invading my personal space. I take a step back. “Sorry, my girlfriend doesn’t like to share.”

Did I actually refer to Ashley as my girlfriend? Hell.Isshe my girlfriend? All we’ve established so far is that we won’t hookup with anyone else while we’re seeing each other.

My response does one thing though—it wipes the smile off flirty girl’s face.

“Oh? Is it serious?”

Like I’m going to tell you anything, random chick. I walk around her. “Have a nice afternoon, ladies.”

I continue toward Ashley’s room, but I’m aware that the girls in the hallway are watching me. Shit. They probably want to see who I’m visiting. I shouldn’t have said anything about a girlfriend. I don’t know if they know who Ashley is, or that she’s my stepsister. There’s nothing I can do about it now.

I knock on Ashley’s door, and say, “It’s me.”

“The door is unlocked.”

I walk in quickly and close the door behind me. Ashley is on her bed with a sketchbook in her hand. She’s wearing an oversize sweatshirt, micro shorts, and fuzzy socks. I can’t help that my gaze lingers on her legs.

“What did you bring?”

“Well, one is obvious.” I lift the pizza box. “It’s meat lovers.”

“My favorite.”

My brows arch. “For real?”

“Gee, Sean. Where were you during all our Sunday night dinners in the summer? That’s literally the only pizza Kenzie and I ate.”

The heat of shame spreads through my face and ears. I’m glad that the blinds are closed and the twinkling lights on the wall are the only source of illumination. The sun hasn’t set yet, but it’s already dark outside, thanks to the storm clouds.

“What’s this smell?” I ask to change the subject.

“Oh, it’s a vanilla and raspberry scented candle.” She sets her sketchbook down, but she doesn’t close it. Maybe I can sneak a peek tonight. “What else did you bring?”

“Burgers, tacos, and salad.”

She gets out of bed, hopping on one foot. “When you said you got me, you really meant it, didn’t you?”

I shrug. “I figured it wouldn’t hurt to increase my chances, and I do remember you were a carnivore.”

“I believe you called me a bloodthirsty savage once or twice.” She smirks.

I shake my head. “Don’t remind me of my dark days, will you? How’s your ankle?”

“Hurting, but I don’t want to take the pain meds unless I’m dying. I hate the side effects.”

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