Page 51 of Calling the Shots

Oh boy.

My eyes meet Gracelyn’s in the mirror and I try not to laugh at the sheer look of horror twisting her pretty face.

“Well, I’m planning on hitching a ride with Cam and Sloane. They’ll be in town for the game.” Gracelyn pops a hand on her hip and taps her toe in agitation.

“Oh, right. I’ll tell Layla to find another ride then and tag along with you three. Then you won’t be a third wheel.”

Gracelyn’s nostrils flare, and I’d love to duck out of the conversation right about now. But unfortunately, I’m stuck here, trapped by the cape and a half-cut head of hair.

“Actually, I’m not going to be a third wheel.”

“Really? You’re taking a date?” Gracelyn’s mother narrows her eyes at her daughter.

“Yeah, I have a date.”

I suck wind, almost choking I inhale so hard.This is how Gracelyn’s going to tell her mother we’re dating?

“Gracie, you’ve been holding out on me!” Her mother squeals with delight, beaming. “Who’s the lucky guy? Have I met him? You need to have him over here for dinner.”

Gracelyn snips the scissors closed with a decisive snap, the sound loud in my ear. One hand rests on my shoulder as she locks eyes with me.

“Mack, do you want to stay for dinner?”

CHAPTER17

GRACELYN

Well, that was one way to break the news to my mother. Direct and to the point.

I catch a quick glimpse of Mack in the mirror, his expression blank.

Maybe I should have run this by him first.

It’s fine, my mom was going to find out anyway.

“Uh…” Mack stammers.

I’ve never seen him at a loss for words and if I wasn’t low-key freaking out inside, it would be kinda funny.

“Sure, I can stay.”

“Great.” My mom rubs her hands together with delight, her face lighting up like it’s Christmas day. “I’ll get started on dinner then.”

She beams at the two of us one more time before spinning and gliding out of the room, humming softly.

I huff out a long breath, shaking my head. “Sorry about that. We probably should have discussed if and when we were telling people about us. I don’t even know if we’re exclusive…” My voice trails off, heat flaming my face.

“Probably should have talked about it, yeah. But it’s absolutely fine, Gracelyn. Better to get everything out in the open.” Mack’s deep voice is calm and steady, the low timbre soothing my amped-up nerves. He locks eyes with me in the mirror. “And I’m exclusive, at least. I’m too old to play games. Other than football.”

Whew. I didn’t just blow it. Everything’s fine.

Warmth spreads through me at his reassurance and my entire body feels lighter with the weight of sneaking around lifted off my shoulders.

“Good. We’re on the same page then. Because I’m not seeing anyone else, either.”

“So no more frat bros for you?” Mack teases.

“Why? Were you jealous?” I run my fingers through his hair, resuming the cut.

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