Page 14 of The First Play

I force a smile. “Hey.”

“Great game tonight.”

“Yeah, you said before.” I point my thumb at the field.

The corners of his eyes narrow, and my insides are already squirming before he asks, “Where are you off to now?”

“Um…”

“Oh, go easy on him, Brett,” Mom butts in. “He’s allowed to blow off a little steam.”

“I just don’t want him going crazy. I know what guys are like after a game.”

“He’ll be sensible.” Mom pats my chest. “Won’t you, baby?”

“Yeah, of course.” I clench my jaw. The tension riding through me is headache inducing.

Dad’s eyes are like laser beams, burning right through my skull. “Fine. Go and have some fun celebrating with the boys, but I want you home by midnight.”

“He’s staying with me tonight, and he can be home by one.” Mom gives my father a saccharine smile.

He narrows his eyes at her before huffing and spinning away, grumbling over his shoulder, “He’s mine next week.”

I sigh while Mom gives me a glum smile. “Ignore him. He’s always testy after a tough week at work.”

How the hell does she know what his week was like?

I so don’t get my parents.

All I know is that this week-on/week-off bullshit is exhausting. I go from one pressure point to the other. In Dad’s house, it’s like being at military school. And Mom’s place is manipulation central.

Thank God I’ll be living in a dorm next year. Yes, even if I go to Brighton and it’s only thirty minutes away, Iwillbe living in a dorm!

Mom pulls me down so she can kiss my cheek, then tells me to have fun. “Turn the porch light off when you get in, baby. I’ll already be asleep.”

“Will do.” I straighten my jacket, relieved she didn’t ask for details about where I’m going tonight.

Both my parents assume I’m heading to Noah’s for video games and pizza.

But…

Spinning on my heel, I head toward my car, my smile growing a mile wide when I spot a twitchy blonde perched against my back bumper.

Olivia is hovering nearby, obviously keeping an eye out for me, and as soon as I’m within hearing distance, I catch, “Okay, sweets. Have fun.”

She gives me a little wave, then scoots off, leaving me alone with a blushing Sienna.

“Hey.” I grin down at her.

“Hi.” She smiles back, standing tall and smoothing down her skintight jeans.

Damn, her legs are long and lean and… fire. She’s fire. What I wouldn’t give to skim my hand up that taut denim, round the perfect curve of her ass.

Look up, you idiot! Stop thinking about her ass!

I force my eyes back up to her face. The breeze is blowing her fine hair across her cheek. She captures it, tucking it behind her ear before I get the chance.

For some weird reason, my heart is racing.

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