Page 19 of Trapped and Tackled

Gripping my phone, I stomp from the living room and blink back the tears in my eyes. This is such a fucking disaster.

In the safety of my bedroom, I slam my door closed and sink to the edge of my bed. Dragging a hand across my eyes, I suck in a breath and read Talon’s message again.

A pity dinner date. Ugh, could I be any more of a loser?

My thumb hovers over the keyboard but I don’t know what to type back. I’m humiliated and frustrated. What do I say to save face?

Before I respond, another message appears.

Unknown Number: I’m craving tacos. Please don’t leave me hanging.

I can’t help the smile that tugs on the corners of my mouth. He’s funny too. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and I like that about him.

Sighing, I save him in my phone and tap out a reply.

Me: Alberto’s?

Talon: Is there anywhere else to eat a taco on a Tuesday?

Me: I’m free.

Talon: I’ll pick you up in thirty.

I confirm by giving his message a thumbs-up. Then, I hug my phone to my chest and drop backward onto my bed. Staring up at the ceiling, I try to regulate my breathing.

This isn’t a date.

It’s nothing. Just…tacos with a football star.

No big deal.

Mom knocks softly on my bedroom door and I sit up just as she enters.

“Leni,” she says, her expression filled with understanding.

“Talon’s picking me up for tacos,” I say before she can add anything else.

Her eyes widen and she smiles. “He is? Well, isn’t that lovely?”

I snort and shake my head, fighting my grin. I’m not sure when “lovely” became Mom’s go-to word but she certainly uses it to temper my emotions.

Mom catches my almost-smile. “It is,” she decides, nodding. “I’ll let you get ready then.” She backs out of my room and closes the door with a soft snick.

Shit! I need to get ready.

Rushing from my bed, I tug open my closet and flip through the hangers. Alberto’s is a low-key taco and tequila kind of spot. And yet, I don’t want to wear cut-off shorts and a T-shirt. But I don’t want to look overdressed either since this dinner date is…nothing.

Biting the corner of my lip, I finally settle on a simple, royal blue maxi dress and gold strappy sandals. I pull my hair back into a low ponytail, apply a minimal amount of makeup, and add some gold hoop earrings. It’s elevated summer casual. I could have come from shopping with Mom.

Pleased with my appearance, I grab a small crossbody purse, stuff my phone and some cash inside, and relocate to the living room.

Relief floods my veins when I spot the note from Mom.

Leni—I took Dad out for dinner! Have fun tonight. Love you, Mom

My mom is the best. I know she got Dad out of the house to save me any more embarrassment. At least now, I won’t have to suffer through Dad and Talon having some awkward exchange about me riding in his car to Alberto’s.

I wait for Talon in the living room and pull my phone out to randomly scroll through social media when a message comes through, stopping me cold.

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