Page 30 of The Off-Limits Play

He doesn’t respond. I even raise my eyes, silently demanding an answer, but that stubborn ass stays silent and unbreakable.

After a huff, I flick my arm in the air and practically snap at him, “I’m going to go to the afternoon show every Sunday in November.” His gaze slowly tracks to my face, so I put on a smile. “If you happen to be there on one of those Sundays, then maybe I’ll let you sit with me.” I wink, and his forehead flickers like I’ve just done something painful.

I jolt my head back and am about to ask him what his problem is when my Uber pulls up.

“Whatever,” I murmur. “Maybe I’ll see you, maybe I won’t.”

I spin to jump in the car, but Carson’s arm darts out, stopping me before I can even open the door. His fingers curl into the crook my elbow.

“You haven’t even checked the license plate or make and model. Is this the Uber you ordered?” He looks pissed at me for not being more careful, and my cheeks flare with heat as I quickly look at my phone, then verify the information.

The driver gives me a friendly smile and a thumbs-up, not seeming to mind that I’m checking him against his profile. But then his expression falters, his forehead crinkling with obvious worry, and I glance over my shoulder and spot Carson scowling at him.

“Get her home safely,” he orders.

“Oh stop.” I laugh at my bodyguard, gently shoving his shoulder. “Don’t scare the poor guy.”

Carson moves back, looking me over, his expression momentarily softening, like he’s giving me a peek behind his blackout blinds.

Thought so.

All bark and no bite. Just like my dad.

“I’ll see you around, Carson.”

“You shouldn’t.”

He’s frowning again, and all I can do is smile at him and whisper, “But I will.”

CHAPTER12

CARSON

Her smile is adorable and addictive… and fucking dangerous.

Shutting the door for her, I watch the Honda Accord pull away from the curb and have to force myself to spin and walk back into Offside.

Shit, she’s a piece of work… in all the right ways.

But I can’t go messing around with the coach’s daughter.

It’s not worth it!

But you’re totally going to the Lido next Sunday, aren’t you?

I try to talk myself out of it, I swear I do, but she fucking clings to the edges of my brain, traveling with me to the away game, then teasing me throughout the week. I spotted her twice on campus and even turned the other way, but sure enough, the Sunday she told me to be there…

I fucking am.

You’re an idiot!

I warn myself as I park my bike, then walk the block to get back to the theater.

You shouldn’t be doing this!

I nod in agreement, but my legs keep moving forward. I try to justify my actions, telling myself I need this after last night’s brutal game.

It was a killer.