Page 14 of Scoring Position

Nothing like a guy being a decent human being to make you realize how low the bar actually is.

“Oh. Okay,” he says. “And yes, I did the vocabulary assignment. I just have to do the quiz, and I’ll be done with the Physiology module.”

“Good job,” I say, and he smiles at the praise. “Do you have any questions or want to revisit any of it? Since this is a streamlined course, there isn’t a midterm. But all the stuff you just learned will definitely be on the final, which is a huge part of your grade.”

He shakes his head. “I think I’ve got it. The notes you gave me were really helpful, and I’ll use them when I study at the end of the semester.”

I guess my work here is done. The weekly assignments are always posted on Sunday evenings, but the quizzes don’t go up until Thursday. So, as far as this week goes, Ace has done everything he can.

“Well, I’ll see you back in Daytona, then,” I say, standing from my chair and turning toward the door. I don’t even get a single step before he shoots up and wraps his large hand around my wrist. Heat travels up my arm, and I freeze. Not because I don’t want him to touch me—but because it feels better than it should.

“Not so fast, Sweets. You owe me a night of fun.”

TEN

ACE

“Excuse me?”Lark says, looking at me like I just told her I wanted her on her hands and knees, legs spread wide on my bed. Which I fucking do, but she doesn’t have to know that. She yanks her arm from my hand, confusion written all over her face as I chuckle.

“You promised me a night of fun for every assignment I passed. My essay grade just posted while you were in the bathroom, and I got a B, so I’m cashing in.”

She eyes me like she doesn’t believe it. I turn, swiping my laptop off the bed and opening the student website, where my most recent grade is front and center in bold black font. As soon as her eyes home in on it, a bright smile blooms across her face. “Oh my God, Ace! That’s amazing!”

God, she’s fucking pretty. I could look at her all day.

I nod, a cocky grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Time to pay up, Sweets.” She rolls her eyes as I bend down, digging out the large bag I had delivered during our game. I knew that essay was good enough, so I made sure to prepare. Holding the plastic bag from the toy store out between us, I wiggle my brows.

“You’re scaring me,” she jokes. “What are you going to make me do?”

I reach in, pull out the contents, and lay them on the mattress while she watches.

“Board games and a video game console?” she questions. “I almost forgot how young you are.”

I scoff sarcastically. “At least I know how to have a good time, granny,” I quip. “I’m aware that it’s past your bedtime and all, but you made a deal. Now you have to play with me.” As soon as I say it, I realize how dirty it sounds, but I don’t take it back. I want us to be able to joke around with each other. It feels natural for me, and I want it to be the same for her. We may not be able to date, but a little harmless banter and flirting won’t hurt.

“Oh my God,” she says. “One game. Then I’m leaving.”

I throw my head back in mock exasperation. “Fine. But I get to pick, and you can’t complain.” She scans the options, finally relenting by sweeping a dramatic arm out as if to sayBe my guest.

I appear as though I’m thinking carefully, tapping my bottom lip for a little extra razzle-dazzle as she waits, shifting from one foot to the other impatiently. The truth is, I know exactly what I’m picking. My hip is going to hate me for it later, but I really want to get close to her again, and this might be the only way.

I reach forward and pick up the winner.

“Twister?” she says with a laugh. “Ace, you can barely walk. We’re not doing this. Let’s hook up the PlayStation instead.”

I look down at her, shaking my head confidently. “Nope. I worked really hard on that essay, and I deserve my reward. Are you really going to go back on your word, Sweets? That’s not a very redeeming quality. I’m so disa?—”

“Jesus Christ,fine,” she groans, cutting me off. “One game of Twister—and if you hurt yourself even more, I’m not helping you again.”

Fuck yes.

“You and I both know you’re not saying no to another peek at my ass, but whatever you have to tell yourself,” I reply, making her scowl as I open the box. I walk over to the table, pulling it out of the way before laying the mat down on the floor. It’s definitely a tight fit, but I’m determined to make this work. With any luck, the lack of space will cause us to get tangled up even more. Next, I take out the spinner, and she gives me a smug look.

“So much for your plan, smart guy. If we’re both playing, who’s going to spin for us?”

I hold it up in the air before flinging it over my shoulder. “You really are an old lady, aren’t you?” Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I open the spinner app and show it to her. “This spins once every fifteen seconds and tells us out loud what it lands on, so we don’t have to move once we’re settled on our colors.”

She huffs a resigned laugh, taking the scrunchie from her wrist and using it to pull her hair into a messy bun. Some of the shorter pieces that frame her face fall out immediately, and she tucks them behind her ear. I can’t help but notice the slope of her neck and the smooth skin that’s begging to be licked.I wonder if she tastes as sweet as she smells.Shaking my head rapidly, I try to rid myself of the inappropriate thoughts I keep having about her, but they never seem to go away. Playing a game where our limbs could end up intertwined probably isn’t the best idea, but I can’t think of anything I want to do more right now. Even if I do end up getting hurt further, it would be worth it.

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