Page 22 of Puck Block

He turns and looks over his shoulder. He grins, and this time, I can’t help but let my mouth curve. “I sure did. I bet you taste better, though.”

A clipped laugh leaves me, and I quickly try to brush past him, all while pulling on the straps of my bag. His grip is tight, so it doesn’t let up. Instead, he jerks it, and I slam into his chest. “You gotta promise me something if I’m going to do this for you.”

His cologne engulfs me, and my mouth runs dry.

“Don’t let some guy break your heart,” he whispers.

My bedroom feels infinitely smaller with the sobering look in his eye.

I give him a half-smile. “As if I’d let some guy get close enough.”

My back? Maybe. My heart? Never.

Our heavy moment is fleeting. Ford drapes his arm over my shoulders, and we walk to the stairs together. “Good girl,” he whispers in my ear. “Why do you think I’ve been calling you Heartbreaker all these years, babe? I’m glad to see it has stuck.”

My stomach tumbles down the stairs before us. I keep my steps steady, but I’m so starved for a guy’s attention that Ford calling mebabesends me into a tizzy.

His arm drops when we reach downstairs. Naturally, he stops to flirt with my sorority sisters before we head to his car and climb inside.

“Seatbelt.” I roll my eyes again but do as he says. Once the seatbelt clicks, Ford takes off toward the auditorium.

“Have Claire drop you off at The Bex after practice. And before you try to walk there or refuse a ride, she’s aware that Dr. McCarthy doesn’t want you to drive.”

He knows me too well.

“Why The Bex?”

“You and I have some things to iron out, so The Bex, me and you, seven-thirty sharp.” The car comes to a stop, and we’re suddenly out of time.

“What things?” I ask, reaching for my bag.

“If I’m going to help you with your little exploration, we’re going to need to set some rules in place.”

“Rules?”Great.

Ford unlocks the car door and lets go of my hand.

“What kind of rules?”

He winks at me. “See you in a bit.”

I open the door and step out. Ford doesn’t drive away until I’m safely inside.

Even though I’m reluctant to hear these so-called rules, I’m sort of looking forward to meeting him at The Bex.

For once, Ford might be on my side.

See ya later, celibacy.

[ 10 ]

FORD

I sitin silence while Emory scarfs down a cheeseburger and fries from across the table. I’ve hidden something from him twice now, both times regarding Taytum, and after she and I have our team meeting, I’m going to be hiding a whole lot more.

“Why did you want to come here if you aren’t going to eat?” Emory wipes his mouth on the back of his hand.

I glance to my untouched plate and pull a handful of fries into my hand. I stuff them in my mouth and flip my hands. “Better?” I ask through a mouthful of mushy potatoes.

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