Page 64 of Changing the Play

“Nothing to say, Ben?” I ask, surprised he’s been soquiet.

“Nope. Why? Do you want me to tell you how hot you sound too? Is the good professor not doing a good job praising you?”

Darcy turns a glare on me. “Look what you started.”

Parker hums. “Ugh. You two idiots have me horny.” They lean in close to Ben, grossing me right the fuck out when they whisper, “Should we take over West’s bedroom?” in Ben’s ear.

“Ew. No. You’renotfucking in my bedroom.”

I expect Parker to make another smart-ass comment, but instead I get narrowed eyes and a curious eyebrow raise. “So, areyoufucking in your bedroom, then?”

“Shut the fuck up, Parker,” Darcy snaps before I can respond.

My jaw drops open in shock. What the hell is wrong with him?

“Jesus. You’re so mean to me,” Parker pouts, flipping Darcy off before climbing off Ben’s lap and settling beside him on the couch instead. “Let’s watch football, since you want to be all grumpy.”

Darcy continues to glare at the back of Parker’s head, and after a few seconds, he rounds the couch and sits down. I squeeze in between him and Ben. If we’re all going to keep hanging out here together, I’m going to need a chair or something.

By the end of the first quarter, it’s clear something is wrong with Darcy. I have no idea what it could possibly be. He has to know I’m not into Parker. I mean, sure they’re attractive, but I can’t really see anyone but Darcy.

The thing that’s getting to me, though, is that I’m not sure he feels the same. Hell, I’m pretty convinced I’m in love with him and not only does he keep making excuses for not having sex with me, but he cursed at Park for what, I felt, was an innocent question. Okay, so maybe notinnocent,but it also wasn’t said with malice, at least that I noticed.

Not to mention, anyone with eyes can see that Parker isn’t interested in me. Not really. I think they just genuinely enjoy fucking withDarcy. He’s making himself an easy target too. Parker obviously likes causing mayhem, and Darcy plays right into it.

The longer I stew on things, the more irritated I get and by half-time, I’m just as grumpy as Darcy. He leans into me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I lie.

He nudges me in the side. “Are you sure?”

“Yup. I’m fine.”

Ben snorts. “Says no one ever when they’re actually fine.”

“Well, in my case, I mean it,” I fire back. And I am. Except maybe, I’m actually not because truly, what is Darcy’s problem?

Everyone falls silent. Darcy’s tense beside me. Quiet too. Normally, he’s jumping up and down, yelling at the TV and generally acting like a crazed football fan, but apparently not today. Fuck. I hate this.

The Bills are up. No surprise there since they’re playing the Pats. But at the end of the third quarter, Parker stands. “Well, I think I’m gonna get out of here. Ben?”

Ben jumps up. “I go where you go, Park.”

Parker rolls their eyes, but there’s a small grin on their face. “You two need to work your shit out. It’s so awkward here today.”

“I agree,” Ben says. “And you were worried about my relationship with Park making things weird between you and Darcy. You’re the only person I know who can get laid and come out grumpier than when you went in.”

Well that’s fucking rude. I chance a look at Darcy to find him studiously avoiding my gaze. Fucking perfect. It’s probably best if they go anyway. Seems we have some shit to work through.

Darcy tells them goodbye and they leave without another word. They probably couldn’t wait to get out of here. Hell,Iwant to get out of here.

“Why are you so mad at Parker?” I ask, trying to think back to where everything first went wrong.

“I’m not.” The set of Darcy’s shoulders and the way his arms are crossed over his chest don’t instill much confidence in the response.

“I have no idea why you’re lying, but maybe we should go with the truth.”

Hazel eyes fly to mine. “Iamtelling the truth. I’m not mad at Parker.”

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