Page 66 of Calling the Shots

I nod, not trusting my shaky voice. I feel so dumb, letting her get to me like this. Like she did back in high school. I thought I’d evolved, but apparently not. And neither has she, that’s for damn sure.

“Want me to get her tossed?” Mack flexes his fingers, knuckles cracking, and I shake my head.

“No. That will just cause a scene,” I whisper, feeling better already now that Mack’s by my side.

“Hey, Mack,” Jamie purrs, wiggling her fingers at him as she sidles up to us. “You look nice. Tres handsome.”

Guess she picked up some French when she modeled in Europe.

Mack winds his strong arm around my waist, pulling me close to him. Supporting me. Squaring up to her, we’re a united front.

“I’m only half as attractive as Gracelyn, but I tried.”

Typical Jamie, she tosses her head back, laughing hysterically. Like that’s the funniest thing she’s ever heard in her whole miserable life.

“You’re so cute,” she trills, batting her fake lashes at him. Bile rises in my throat and my hands shake. I clasp them together in front of me and pray she doesn’t notice the tremor.

“Great game last night, by the way. Y’all make it so easy to get out there on the field and shake our tails for you.” She wiggles her hips side to side, as if she actually has a tail.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

“I had a lot of motivation. I knew Gracelyn was watching.” He winks at me and my entire body flushes, heart soaring. “Coach Carter actually needs us.” His fingers grip my hip, pulling me away from the table. “Bye, Jamie.” Then he ushers me away from my archenemy.

“Thanks,” I murmur, relaxing the further away I get from Jamie.

“You bet. She really is terrible.”

In spite of my massively hurt feelings, my lips tip into a smile.

“Right? It’s not just me.”

“Nope. She’s giving serious mean girl vibes. And I’m a clueless dude.”

“Eh, I wouldn’t say you’re clueless. What’s Coach Carter need?”

“Nothing. I made that up to get away from her.”

I smile at him, my heart swelling. “Anyone ever tell you you’re the best?”

“Only my nana.”

“She’s not wrong.”

“You ready to get out of here? There’s only ten minutes left. I don’t think anyone will notice if we dip out early.”

“Absolutely.”

With his strong arm wrapped around me, we walk out of the cafeteria, leaving behind the flashing lights and the thumping music. Ears ringing, we spill into the dark parking lot and a shiver rolls through me when the cool night air touches my skin.

“You cold?” Mack shrugs out of his jacket and eases the silky fabric over my shoulders, not waiting for my response.

“Thanks.”

He helps me into the truck and we drive to my house, country music playing softly in the background, his hand on my knee.

Back home, I unlock the door and we step inside. Mack wastes no time, unzipping my dress, unwrapping me like a precious gift. The satin garment slips to the ground until I’m standing in only heels and lingerie.

“So damn sexy.” He falls to his knees, unbuckling my shoes, and I step out of them. His rough, calloused palms trace up my thighs, all the way to the hot, pulsating center. He kisses through the panties, pulling the tiny scrap of fabric down my legs. Then he resumes worshipping my body—licking through my wetness, his tongue stroking and laving, sucking on my clit. The soft prickle of his stubble tickles my skin and my eyes flutter closed, body swaying. Pushing me higher and higher, closer to the edge.

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