Page 159 of The Off-Limits Play

When Sienna called to confirm the babysitting gig I’d totally forgotten about, I nearly used it as my perfect excuse to bail, but Jolie was standing right there looking all worried and Sienna was telling me I should go, and the decision was ripped away from me before I could even make it.

And now I’m standing in front of the full-length mirror on the back of Jolie’s closet door and wondering if this green dress is a good choice.

Last time I wore this thing, I?—

Snapping my eyes closed, I try not to think about Carson’s breath against my skin, his fingers brushing my clit, and then how hard and fast he took me against that empty conference room wall.

Placing a hand over my stomach, I try to control the flutters rocketing through me.

He won’t be there tonight, and although Darian will no doubt be with Ben when they pick us up, he’s not my date or anything. I made that abundantly clear. I’m just going with the basketball crew, and we’re gonna dance and have fun… celebrate their win.

I watched them play this afternoon, and they were amazing.

All of them are such strong players, and they demolished the Barracudas, 78–65.

Jolie and Charli were on their feet for most of the game. I tried to get into it, too, but even through all the hype, I couldn’t stop picturing Carson. I swear he was looking at me as I escaped from that game in Texas.

What was he thinking when he saw me?

Was he glad I was leaving? Or gutted?

Argh! This is so infuriating.

Mom says the pain won’t last forever, but it definitely feels like it will.

“You look gorgeous.” Jolie sweeps into the room, standing beside me and looking absolutely stunning. The front half of her hair is swept back in an intricate braid. It took me ages to do. Her hair is so fine compared to my sister’s and kept slipping through my fingers. But we got there in the end, and she looks so beautiful.

I smile at her, brushing my thumb lightly over her cheek and double-checking the false eyelashes she’s testing out. “You look amazing too.”

“Thanks for all your help. I love what you’ve done with my hair and makeup. You’re so good at this stuff.”

My shoulder hitches. “I’ve always loved it.”

“Now, which shoes should I go with?” She pulls out the two pairs of heels we picked out last night and tries on one of each, playing flamingo girl while I assess each in turn.

“Go for the silver ones. They match the dress better, and Ben is so tall, having the extra height will bring your lips that much closer to his.”

She giggles. “Loving that idea.”

Turning for her bed, she takes a seat and puts on the second shoe while I adjust the straps of my dress, then brush my hands down the silky fabric. My fingers are trembling. I fist them to try and control the shakes.

Why am I so nervous?

It’s just some dance with some guy I’m not even that into.

“Hey.” Jolie stands, taking my hands in hers. “Don’t worry. Darian’s a really nice guy.”

“I just don’t want to send him any mixed signals, you know? I’m really not in a place to?—”

“We know. It’s okay. The guy might be a ladies’ man, and he does have some prick-ish tendencies, but he would never force you into something you didn’t want to do. I’ve told him you’re coming off a bad breakup, and he promised me his only mission tonight is to try and make you smile.”

“That’s…” My lips twitch. “Cute.”

“So, do me a favor and give him at least one.” Her pleading face is adorable. “Just one itty-bitty little one.”

I laugh at her high, squeaky voice and am about to nod when there’s a knock at the door.

My stomach pinches up tight while Jolie lets out a giddy squeal and skips over to answer it.

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