Page 32 of Trick Play

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Cal

At Piper’s nod, my gut sinks. I knew this was likely to happen, especially when she didn’t really respond to my suggestion of a round two, but I thought I might have the opportunity to convince her.

Thanks to my little sister, all chance of that has evaporated. Piper’s dressed and picking up her shoes and coat and gathering the remaining condoms to stuff back into her purse.

Fucking Ellie forgetting her shit, knowing that I had a date tonight and that I’d called the house until at least midnight. And fucking Simon for bringing her back here like it’s no big deal. Like I don’t clear out for them on the regular. You don’t see me sneaking back home for shit I forgot while they’re fucking in Simon’s room. What if we’d been in the living room? Or the kitchen? What if she’d come home while I was the one in the bathroom?

We’re going to have to have words about this. Just because I haven’t done this before doesn’t mean I won’t again. I glance at Piper where she’s bending over to zip her boots up to her ankles. If I get my way, this will become a regular occurrence. Because if anything, tonight only made me want her more.

But I’ve pushed my luck as far as it’ll go tonight, and I know when to admit it’s time to back off.

Pulling a long sleeve T-shirt out of my drawer, I yank it on, then grab a sweatshirt. I sit on the bed next to Piper to pull on my socks, leaning over to her and kissing her shoulder.

She turns to look at me, wariness and surprise warring in her face. But she kisses me back when I lift my lips to hers, her tongue tangling with mine for a second before she pulls away, standing and putting her coat on.

Another pang of disappointment echoes through me. I’d thought maybe she’d change her mind—or let me attempt to change her mind—when she responded like that. Tonight was electric, and while I’m not usually one to drag things out with a chick, after that, I’m willing to make an exception. Especially since being with her not only means more ofthatkind of sex, but should also mean I’ll be starting again once her brother loses his shit.

But no. She’s clearly determined to leave.Don’t take it personally,I tell myself.She said she has lots of homework and can’t stay out late.

Rifling through my coat pockets, I find my keys and phone, and sure enough, I have two unread texts, one from Simon and one from Ellie, both telling me she needed to pick something up and to stay in the bedroom until she texted with the all clear.

I guess they tried at least. Stifling a sigh, I straighten and offer Piper a closed-mouth smile. “Ready?”

She nods and picks up her purse, holding it in front of her like a shield as she goes through the door I hold open for her.

The drive back to campus is as silent as the drive from the restaurant to my house, but it feels different. That silence was thick with anticipation and excitement. This one just feels … final.

When I stop in front of the dorm’s entrance, I put the car in park and lean across the console, catching her before she can open the door. With my fingers under her chin, I bring her in close for another of those soul-shattering kisses.

After we break apart, she sucks her lower lip into her mouth, like she’s savoring the taste and feel of me on her lips, her eyes opening slowly to meet mine, and all it does is make me want to kiss her again, suck that lip into my own mouth, see how she’d react if I nipped it with my teeth. She liked when I used my teeth on her nipples and nipped and sucked my way down her body. I want to find out where else she’d like my teeth, where she prefers only my lips or tongue. But I won’t get to map that out tonight.

“What’s your schedule the rest of the week?” I ask before she can completely come back to herself and run away without agreeing to another meetup. I’ll be damned if I don’t get another taste of what we had tonight.

“Um.” Her eyes narrow as they peer into mine, like she’s searching for something, some deeper meaning or ulterior motive. “Look, Cal—”

I blow out a breath and sit back in my seat. “Seriously?”

She huffs and crosses her arms, leaning against the door to face me. “What?”

I roll my eyes at her. “Is this the beginning of the ‘let’s just be friends’ speech? Or the ‘I’m too busy for a boyfriend’ one?” I shake my head. “It doesn’t even matter, really. Because it’s complete bullshit. You can’t tell me you don’t want a repeat performance.”

At least she has the decency not to deny any of it. Dropping her eyes, she picks at a piece of fuzz on her dress. “Iambusy,” she insists quietly.

“So am I. I have a full course load and a demanding major, so it’s not like I’m just taking easy classes, either. I have plenty of homework on top of football.”

She nods and spreads her hands in front of her, her shoulders climbing to her ears. “So you get it. You see why this can’t be more than this between us.”

“I see no such thing,” I respond, eyes narrowed. I’m not going to let her slip away this easily. Not when I’ve had her demanding I do filthy things to her body and moaning on my cock. That’s too good to give up without even trying. Plus, seeing her repeatedly is the best way to cement the other part of my plan. “I’m not proposing anything serious or overly time-consuming. You had fun tonight. Admit it.”

Her cheeks color, and she fights the smile that’s pulling at her lips. “I admit nothing.”

I shake my head. “You’re impossible.”

“And that’s why you like me.” She’s lost the fight with her grin, and it’s taken over her face.

“I admit nothing,” I fire back at her. She’s right, though. I do like her.

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