Page 59 of Pieces

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” I say, an idea forming in my head before I can overthink it. Typing quickly, I send her another text.

Hudson

Thanks for coming. It meant a lot. Hey, some of the guys are throwing a party tonight. Just a small one, nothing rowdy. Would you want to come? It’d be great to have you there…you know, as my newest friend.

I hit send before I can second-guess myself. Whatever happens, I’m glad she was here, but I know I’m pushing my luck. She’s texted me a few times this week, saying she’s feeling sick in classes, so chances are she doesn’t want to hang around with a bunch of adrenaline-filled athletes. And honestly, I’d be just as happy if she wanted to watch more trash TV together instead.

Two minutes later, my phone buzzes again.

Daphne

Are you sure it’s okay? Like am I allowed to party with a secret baby on board? Obviously no drinking, but… I don’t know what I’m even saying…

A grin spreads across my face, and I fire off a quick reply.

Hudson

I’ll protect you both. I’m not drinking tonight, so I’ll come get you. Be at your place in fifteen x

When I pull up outside her dorm, I send her a quick text to let her know I’m here. Moments later, the door opens, and she steps out, her black fuzzy soft jacket thing snug around her. I get out of the car to meet her halfway.

“Hey,” I say, smiling as I open the passenger door for her. “You look great.”

Her legs look endless in those black pants, and I can’t wait to see how perfect her butt looks.

She laughs softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, and a flash of pink catches my eye on her wrist. A scrunchie, I think. I want to steal it, to have something of hers. “Thanks. I’m still not sure this is a good idea, though.”

“If it’s not, and you’re uncomfortable, we’ll leave. Deal?”

Nodding, she climbs into the car. As I settle into the driver’s seat, I glance over at her. “You’ll be fine. I’ve got you.”

The drive is short, which is a good thing, because she’s wearing that same perfume she wore the night we met, and it’s messing with my head and my body.

When we get to Benny’s, the crowd is going strong. I park and walk her inside, keeping a hand on the small of her back to guide her through the throng. Miles spots us first, his eyes flicking to Daphne, and then to me, his grin widening.

“Look who finally showed up,” he teases, clapping me on the shoulder. “And you brought the real MVP.”

Daphne chuckles, a little color rising into her cheeks. “I don’t know about that,” she says as she glances up at me.

“Trust me, you are,” I say quietly.

“Yay, you’re here!” Quinn says, pulling Daphne into a hug, which she reciprocates despite the surprise.

“I couldn’t miss a party after that win,” Daphne says.

“Will you dance with me later? Indie never dances and Miles has two left feet. I love the man, but seriously.”

I’m about to throw in a joke about Miles, but the thought of Daphne on the dance floor, surrounded by my teammates, along with strangers hands that don’t belong anywhere near her, hits me sideways. The idea of someone else’s fingers on her waist, even accidentally, sets my jaw tight.

“We’re gonna get a drink,” I say, forcing my voice to stay even.

Daphne looks at me, then back at Quinn. “Find me later.”

When I tug her hand, she follows. There’s zero chance of that dance floor being graced by Daphne tonight.

Making our way to grab drinks, a group of girls crosses our path. One of them steps closer, her hand lightly touching my arm as she leans in. “Hey, great game tonight,” she says, her smile lingering just a little too long.

“Thanks,” I reply politely, stepping slightly to the side so I’m closer to Daphne. She watches the interaction with raised eyebrows but says nothing.

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