Page 32 of The Off-Limits Play

“Oh, you know. Didn’t get myself organized in time.”

“Well, keep an eye on the schedule. We’ve got some great movies coming up, and it’d be awesome to see you in costume for one of them.”

The ticket lady seems to recognize Nylah. How many times has she come here this month?

And does she come by herself every time?

My insides hitch with something weird, and I’m instantly grateful that I couldn’t resist today.

“Thanks so much.” Nylah takes her ticket, and she’s still smiling when she spins and notices me.

Her lips part, and then her smile changes to one of outright glee.

Fuck, she’s beautiful.

“Hey.” She touches my arm, then laughs. “Why didn’t you tell me you were standing there.”

I swallow and frown down at her. “I’m sorry, do we know each other?”

She laughs and shakes her head. “My mistake. I thought you were this really hot guy I know, but on closer inspection…” She looks me up and down, her nose wrinkling as she shakes her head.

I narrow my eyes at her and mouth, “Lame,” which just makes her laugh harder as I step up to the counter. “One, please.”

“Yes, sir.” The ticket lady grins, and I refuse to notice the little look she shares with Nylah. I won’t give in to the kick that hit me right in the chest when Nylah called me a really hot guy.

She thinks I’m hot!

Would you stop celebrating? You’re not supposed to like her. Who gives a shit what she thinks of you!

Grabbing my ticket with a mumbled “Thanks,” I head straight to the concession stand and order a large soda and a tub of popcorn.

“Throw in a packet of gummy bears, too, please.”

“Oooo. Gummy bears. You eat candy?” Nylah bobs beside me, looking like an excited kid when the guy handsherthe bag.

I snatch them out of her hand. “I eat whatever the fuck I want.”

She grins up at me. “Just don’t tell Coach, right?” Snatching the bag back from me, she spins away and starts walking into the theater.

I hang back, cradling my popcorn and scanning the crowd, checking for any familiar faces as I slowly trail Nylah. I allow a few bodies between us so people don’t think we’re together.

The food isn’t the only thing I have to keep from Coach right now.

Fuck, why are you doing this?

Because I can’t help it!

Because she thinks I’m hot.

Because she snatched those gummy bears right out of my hand with a smile that could knock me flat on my ass.

I don’t have a choice here.

I’m fucking following her into the theater, and if anyone sits between us, I will manhandle those fuckers right out of the way.

She heads right for the middle-middle, and thankfully no one follows her down the same row. I plunk down beside her, resting my drink in the cupholder between us, then hand her the popcorn and snatch the gummy bears back.

“Hey.” She gives me a fake pout, her cute face bunching.

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