Page 81 of The Game

“Don’t do that!” I still need to talk to her, but the noisy sports bar is not the place for it.

“Oh. Okay.”

“I mean. I still want to see you, but not there. Are you going to be home later? Can I stop by?”

“Mmm.” I can almost hear her nibbling on a strand of hair like she always does when she’s deep in thought. “I’m going to meet my group at the library to work on our facilities design project. Tomorrow?”

“Okay. I’ll text you. We can figure something out.” My schedule is depressingly clear with hockey practice and training off the schedule.

“Later. Have fun, but not too much fun. How tragic would that be if you ran off with the girl who bought you at the auction I was running? No thanks.”

“I would never do that to you, Jazz.”

My tone must be more serious than was called for because she laughs. “I was kidding. I know you wouldn’t do that.”

“Yeah, right. Sorry. I’m getting up in my head. L... Later.”

“Bye.”

Holy shit. Did I almost say the L word to her? Way too soon for that. Even if I’m feeling it. But now would be terrible timing. She deserves a romantic date and flowers and the moon or some shit. Not her desperate boyfriend telling her he loves her while his life is crumbling around him.

I can’t go on this farce of a date now. Charlene will have to deal. At least she shoved her number on me before Jazz got between us at the auction.

Chapter 29

Sleight Of Stick

Jazz

Nobody should be atthe library this late on the weekend, but this project is like forty percent of my facilities design grade, so I can’t afford to do less than my best. A lot of the grants I’ve applied for hinge on keeping my grades at the top level, but at least we’re finally finished.

Rob pushes up from the table a step behind Molly, and Trin lifts her head up from where it was resting on her hands, blond curls spilling out over the table.

“Is this thing finally a lock?” she asks. “I never want to look at another blueprint again in my life.”

I kind of agree, but the thought being able to understand the design process and read the prints for my own business one day has a certain appeal, but it’s still tough for someone with no design experience.

“I think we’ve got it. Solved that problem with the placement of the bathrooms so we’re solid. We can submit it to Petrie on Monday and then we’ll be in good shape to pass this class with a high A.”

“Thank fuck. You coming, Jazz?” Rob holds out his hand to me.

“Nah, I gotta stay for another half an hour or so. I need to finish up my case study for environmental management.”

“I’m finished mine. Want to swap when you’re done? We can proofread each other’s work. Make sure everything looks good.”

A second set of eyes is always helpful, and Rob does good work.

“Sure, that would be great, Rob. Thanks.”

“We can meet up tomorrow to trade papers, unless you want me to hang out here until you’re finished.” He’s hovering over me, and I know I’ll be too distracted to do my best work if he’s waiting for me.

“No. you go on. I’m sure you’ve got better places to be on a Saturday night. Text me tomorrow and we can figure out a meetup.”

His smile brightens up. “You got it. Can’t wait to see you.

I’m nibbling on a strand of hair when another shadow looms over me.

“Forget something?” I look up, expecting to see Rob, and instead it’s a familiar blonde.

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