Page 35 of The Off-Limits Play

But it’s like I’ve made it my mission without even realizing.

Glancing back, my lips twitch when I notice him mouthing the line, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya…”

He knows the lines!

Adorable.

Biting my lips together, I resist the urge to tease him and end up having to lean against his shoulder again, just so I can’t see his face.

He tenses like he did last time, but it only takes a few minutes for him to relax, and then he’s even shuffling a little lower in his seat so my head isn’t at such a weird angle.

See. He is a sweetheart.

He just doesn’t want the world to know it.

I see you, Carson McAvoy. I see you.

But I can’t exactly tell him that.

I may not have much experience with guys like him, but I get this instinctive sense that it wouldn’t take much to scare him off for good.

I’ve asked around a little on campus. Not in a really obvious way—hopefully—but I’ve heard comments like “badass” and “reckless.” Then I was talking to a girl I sit next to in psychology the other day, and she was telling me how Carson’s like a campus bad boy, a total man slut, and to steer clear. I then had to pretend that I wasn’t interested in him.

“I just heard his name and was just trying to figure out who he is,” I lied.

She snickered. “He’s athletic with this raggedy blond hair and a face that could be on the cover ofGQ. But the guy’s an ass, and I’m surprised the Football Frat guys put up with him.” She shook her head. “There must be a slither of something half decent in there somewhere, because Zander and Wily will defend him to the end, and none of the Football Frat dudes have kicked him out yet, even though his ass probably deserves to hit the curb. I definitely don’t see what they do.”

I wanted to ask her more, find out specific examples of what he’d done that was so bad, but then class began and I never got my chance.

On the way out, she gave me a vague “He gets drunk and does idiot stuff,” but that’s all she said, and I couldn’t go interrogating her and giving myself away.

All I know is that I think I see what his roommates do, and playing my cards right is essential if I want to hang out with him again.

And why do you want to hang with him again? Seriously, Ny… is it even worth the effort?

The bag rustles in his lap, and then an orange gummy bear appears before me. Taking it from his fingers with a little grin, I easily conclude that yes… it’s totally worth it.

CHAPTER14

CARSON

Zander was late for practice again, although maybe he had good reason to be. Holy shit, the stuff he told us in the locker room before we ran out onto the field was a fucking acid trip. I can’t believe the shit he got caught up in at Kelsey U. No wonder the Titans wanted him dead at Saturday’s game.

Thank fuck I stood up for my buddy on the field. It caused a bit of a stir, and I could have been kicked out of the game, but no one treats my captain like a punching bag without some serious retribution. I would protect his ass until I couldn’t.

By some miracle, Coach didn’t bench me after that, and now I know why.

Those two went through some shit together at Kelsey U. No wonder they’re so close. I’ve always thought of Zander as Coach’s favorite. It pisses me off at times, especially when Jones has it in for me.

Fuck. He’d flip a switch if he knew where I was yesterday afternoon.

And where I’m planning to be tonight.

So, just don’t go!

I close my eyes, walking off the field after practice and wiping sweat off my face as I try not to think about howThe Princess Brideended.

As soon as the credits started to roll, people began filing out of the theater. I stood up, following the crowd and having every intention of walking to my bike.

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