Page 158 of The Off-Limits Play

I give her a pleading look not to say anything, and she quickly zips it, smiling at Zoey in her arms while Wily walks over to Zander and plucks the other ticket from his hand.

“Looks like you won’t be needing this one anymore.” He grins, then bends down and kisses Sienna on the cheek. “Thanks, pretty lady.”

Zander glares at him. “Would you stop kissing my woman!”

“I can’t help it. She’s just so kissable.” Wily throws his arms wide. “How else am I supposed to thank her for this kind donation?”

“You say the words ‘thank you,’” Zander growls. “And I don’t recall her saying you could have that spare ticket.”

“Come on, we all know I’ll be Carson’s best wingman.”

“He doesn’t need a wingman. He’s going after one chick.”

“He needs a wingman.” Wily winks at me like we’ve got this, and all I can do is snicker and shake my head. “Anyway, I need the distraction.”

“From what?” Zander frowns.

Wily’s head twitches, his right shoulder hitching before he mumbles, “Nothing,” then slaps my arm and brings the attention back to me. “I’m your boy. I’ll help you get your girl back.”

I give him an edgy smile. The thought of talking to Nylah again is just as terrifying as it is appealing.

I need her. I miss her.

I want to see her smile up at me with those big brown eyes and?—

“Carson.” Mom touches my shoulder. I glance up, and she gives me a tender smile. “I need to know more about this girl. What’s her name?”

“Uh… Nylah. She’s Nylah.”

“And she’s a hottie.” Wily raises his eyebrow.

“Hey!” I snap at him.

“What? I’m only speaking the truth.”

“She’smyhottie,” I warn him, standing tall and pointing the ticket at his face.

“Not if you don’t go and do something about it.” His eyes start to twinkle, and I can’t decide if I want to throat-punch him or hug him for having my back.

Clenching my jaw, I look down at Mom, nerves scattering through me like wildfire when I softly ask, “Can you help me pick out a suit?”

Mom’s smile grows a mile wide, her eyes glassing with emotion. “It would be my pleasure.”

I let my lips relax, and they rise into a grin of their own accord.

Zoey giggles and I wink at her, this new sensation surging through my chest.

I don’t know what the fuck it is, but it’s light and fizzy, and even though I hate suits and seriously hate dances…

I love my girl.

And it’s time to stop pushing her away.

CHAPTER62

NYLAH

Okay, so I am having serious doubts about this winter dance.

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