Page 30 of The Stud

“Play pool.”

“Alone?”

“Sometimes.”

“Why?”

“Why am I alone or why do I play pool?”

“You’re probably alone because of whatever bunny smell you forgot to bathe off you before coming here,” I easily jab, grateful to see another small snicker shake his French blue jacket bearing shoulders. “But I meant why do you play pool? There are a shit ton of other –much more social– activities you could get into.”

“I do not mindnotalways having to turn my charm on.”

“That implies you can turn it off.”

“Are you saying you believe me to benaturallycharismatic?”

“I’m saying I cannot answer questions like that without legal counsel present.”

Much louder and livelier laughs flood the room making it practically impossible to divert my gaze elsewhere.

Not that I really want to.

It’s such a toe-curling sight.

Before he can comment on my open mouth ogling – and I totally am – I resume control of the conversation and hit the camera button. “How about you give those that stopped doom scrolling to watch this the reason why you like to play pool at the P.A.L. event.”

“I will givethem thatand footage of me finishing this match, if you give me your word thatwecan play the next round together.”

“Blackmail.”

“Bribery.”

“Extortion.”

“Incentive,” Frosky haughtily chortles. “I have had the great pleasure of meeting you, Arden Hoss. When it involvesme,” his tongue steals a deliciously slow lick of his lips, “you will only participate if you’re on the PK.”

Who’s still tracking my hate stats?

Yeah.

You.

Put this shit on there too.

Fuck him for knowing my fucking plays when it comes to my greatest pain in the league.

“I um…” lowering the phone casually occurs, “didn’t plan to stay once I got what I came for.”

“Perhaps it isIwho needs to be covering their beverage.”

There’s no stopping my mouth from cracking wide in surprise.

“And why not?” he proceeds to ask around his own snickers. “Why wouldn’t you want to stay?”

“I don’t belong here,” escapes before I can stop it.

“A charity event where athletes from all leagues are raising money for children simply by drinking alcohol, talking stats, and competing at shite most haven’t indulged in since Uni?” The sarcastic expression that crosses his face is attached to a sardonic head tilt. “Pretty sure you fit in better than most of the people contractually obligated to be here.”

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