Page 82 of False Start

“Punishment post?” She frowned sympathetically.

I nodded.

I’d rewatched the video, spending way too long admiring Trent than I’d ever admit. After plastering emojis over all the private bits, and an extra emoji over Trent’s abs because to be frank, those were every bit as lust-worthy as the rest of him, I still hadn’t decided whether to submit the video for points.

“So…” Tom prompted. “Are you gonna post it now?”

I should have kept Trent around. I didn’t know how to vie for extra points. My cheeks heated at the thought of admitting we’d gone naked.

“We were sort of hoping we could get some points for the stop.”

Tom shook his head. “No can do. You’re lucky I didn’t dock you for losing your book.”

“What if we went down…” I winced. “Naked?”

Ashley spluttered out a laugh into her drink, and Mike and Hayden whipped their heads toward me.

“Both of you?” Tom asked.

I nodded. “We took a video. One that I edited.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t want to see Trent Vogt’s junk.” Tom’s nose wrinkled.

“I do!” Ashley said.

“Me too, actually,” Hayden said, grimacing slightly at Mike’s offended frown. “Just out of curiosity.”

Tom sighed, his chest rising and falling as he worked his jaw. “Alright. Show me the video.”

I unlocked my phone and handed it to Tom. He set it on the table and pressed play. I leaned away as the rest of the group crowded in to watch.

I’d edited the video down to a little over a minute and every second felt like a lifetime. A couple of laughs sounded from the group, and I searched the bar for Trent, failing to find him among the crowd of printer professionals in business suits and sheath dresses.

Just as well. He didn’t need to see the video either. If Tom wanted me to post it for points, that was a hard no, and Trent wasn’t around to argue with my decision.

“Well,” Tom’s voice cut through my thoughts, and I turned back to the table. “That’s funny as hell.”

“I’m not a great swimmer.” I rubbed the back of my neck, shifting on my feet.

“And it’s so sweet.” Hayden clutched her hands to her heart. “Trent dove right in there after you.”

“I wouldn’t have minded getting rescued by Trent,” Ashley said with a lifted eyebrow.

“Fine, you met the penalty stop requirements, and I’ll give you three extra points.” Mike handed back my phone. “Five if you post it.”

“Three would be great,” I said, fingers already itching to erase the video.

“The offer stands until tomorrow, in case you change your mind.” Tom leaned back in his seat and took a swig of his beer.

I smiled politely, but there wasn’t a chance in hell that I’d post the video. Three points were plenty.

“Can we watch it one more time?” Hayden asked eagerly.

Mike shot his girlfriend an annoyed look before turning to me. “You’ve definitely earned a drink. What can I get you?”

“I’m not picky.”

“Margaritas!” Hayden said, wrapping an arm around me. “Two each, because that bar is mobbed.”

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