Page 26 of The Off-Limits Play

But then I realize they’re his teammates.

That tall guy—he’s Wily Wilson. Dad talks about him all the time. And maybe the shorter guy is Grady Newman? He’s the running back and a damn good player.

They wouldn’t be going over there to beat on Carson. They’re probably backing him up.

I watch for a second longer, and yep, that’s exactly what they’re doing.

Mr. Handsy is all regret now, and I let out a soft snicker as I push the door open and walk outside.

This evening did not go as planned, and as gutted as I am with the ending, I’m still proud of myself for coming out tonight.

I can’t let this incident put me off.

Pulling out my phone, I order an Uber, then reply to a text from Gramma while I wait. She’s so funny.

G-Dawg: Add Fatal Attraction to your list. That bitch be crazy! But there’s nothing like a female lead that can scare the shit out of you.

Me: Thanks. Will do.

I add in a laughing emoji, then feel my insides shrivel when she asks me…

G-Dawg: Watchu doin’ tonight? Please don’t say boring homework.

As much as I want to tell her the truth, my grandmother is notorious at letting things slip. She’d be so proud of me for getting out there, but if I tell her where I am, she’ll want to know deets, and then somewhere down the line, she’ll be having an innocent chat with my mother, and in a bid to stand up for me, she’ll probably let it slip that I was out at a bar, playing pool with some meathead and then wasn’t big enough or strong enough to get away from him. She’ll want to know who helped me, and ugh… Yeah, it’s just better to keep this one to myself.

So, I text back a bored GIF and hope that’s good enough.

G-Dawg: You’re too damn good. Go be a badass, girl. Live a little.

I smile.

Me: I’m working on it. Good night, old lady.

I finish with a kissing emoji and get back a few of her standard GIFs that make me smile. Until the door opens behind me and I flinch, hoping it’s not Mr. Handsy coming to annoy me again.

When I see who it is, my insides relax and tense at the same time. I didn’t even know that was possible, but it turns out quiet knights with grumpy scowls obviously do it for me.

Not sure how I’m going to negotiate this one, but go figure—the idea of interacting with him again sends a buzz of anticipation right down my spine.

CHAPTER10

CARSON

Wily stops me from smashing the asshole’s face in. I have no idea who he is or how he knows my name. He probably recognizes me because I’m a Cougar or something. But I don’t give a shit about football when all I want to do is see this guy bleed.

“Not worth the bench, man,” Grady softly reminds me.

I growl, which seems to be the only sound I’m capable of right now, before shoving the guy back into the table. He winces, reaching for his hip, and I’m satisfied to know I hurt him just a little.

What a shitgibbon.

I can’t believe Nylah agreed to play pool with him. I need to go and check on her, make sure she’s okay.

The red haze that was obscuring my vision before is starting to fade and I glance around, wondering where she went.

I created that space for her to leave, but did she legit walk right out the door?

Fuck.

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