Page 24 of His Team

Something shifts in the air as he stiffens a bit. He doesn’t like talking about his brother. Got it. I think of something else to talk about.

However, I stumble in his big boots and almost fall on my face. He catches me and tugs me into his chest. I look up into his eyes as my heart races.

His gaze drops to my lips. He begins to lean in, but I clear my throat and step out of his hold. He releases an awkward laugh and turns, then waves me forward.

“Hop on. I’ll carry you the rest of the way.”

“Dude, I have your shoes on. I’m not about to make you carry me while I have them on my feet.”

“Hop on, Amina.”

I frown and do as he says. I need to place distance between us. I’ve told this lie that’s hanging between us for a good reason.

He carries me the rest of the way as we continue our conversation. By the time we get to my building, I feel like I’m hanging with an old friend.

Once outside the doors to my building, he puts me down on my feet. I take my heels from his hands and drop them on the ground. Then I go to take his shoes off and step into mine.

He shoves his feet into his boots and stands staring down at me. It’s like he’s holding me in a trance. I can’t look away. He lifts a hand to tuck my hair behind my ear.

“I want to hang out again. When can I see you?”

“Cam … I can’t. I like you, but?—”

My phone rings, cutting me off. I pull it out and find Dez’s name screaming back at me. This is why nothing can happen between us. I need to be rid of Dez first.

I go to look up to finish my words, but Cam crushes my lips with his, cutting my words off. I grasp the front of his shirt with my hands as he wraps his arms around me. This kiss is better than the last one.

He inhales me like a much-needed breath. I’m left breathless when he breaks the kiss. His intense blue grays seem to only be blue now.

“You feel this connection like I do. Don’t shut me out. Let’s explore it.

“I was in a rush earlier because of the alcohol. Now that I’ve sobered up, I see that was some dick shit. I’ve dated the same girl since I was fourteen.

“I might not be great at this shit, so I’m going to slow down because I want to get to know you more. Let me have your number. We can talk or text or whatever.”

“Cam—”

“Take my number.”

“Why me? You’re about to be a star on campus. If you’ve been with one girl since you were fourteen this is the time to explore, not hook up with the first girl you’re attracted to.”

“I’m more than attracted to you. And you just proved my point. I’m headed for the major leagues and you’re still shutting me down. None of that matters to you.

“I just spilled all that to you on the walk here and you’re not giving me that look. You’re trying to run,” he says.

“What look?”

“That ‘Here’s the ticket. This one is going to be a bag. If I fuck him, he’ll be my meal ticket.’”

I laugh. “You’re serious?”

“As fuck. You would be surprised how often I get that look. My own girlfriend had it more times than I’d like to admit. You see me, Cam. I like that about you.”

“Cam, my life is so complicated. I don’t think I can give you more than friendship.”

“I understand complicated, believe me. My life is more than complicated. If that’s all you can give me, I’m willing to take that. I want that.”

“Even if no one can know?”

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