Page 102 of Penalty Zone

“This is crazy. I hear it right here.” He presses his head against the wall to search the small space.

I search for my phone in a lame attempt to direct light into the space. Our clothes are tangled in the comforter on the floor, and I dig through them for my phone.

“Shit, I accidentally called you.” I fumble my phone, almost dropping it.

“Wait. Holy shit.” Austin reaches down and holds his phone up in triumph.

“Where the hell was it?” I ask, hoping we’ve put the awkwardness behind us.

“It was flat against the frame, and when you called, it lit up and I could see it.” He brings the phone to his chest, holding it with both hands.

“Cool.” Now we’re staring at each other again, and I’m panicking, trying to think of something to say.

Austin breaks eye contact and zeroes in on his clothes on the floor. “I gotta go.”

“But—”

“I can’t do this right now. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He’s dressing like the room is on fire. “You know that, right? I’ll talk to you later. After I get my head together.” Austin doesn’t look at me as he runs out the door.

“But this is your room,” I say to the closed door. Sighing, I get dressed and look for any evidence of our night together.

Austin is a methodical planner who doesn’t like surprises. I can understand why this has thrown him. In a city where everyone gambles, I wouldn’t have bet on last night ever happening. I’ll give him the space he needs, and if he doesn’t want me, it’s not like I can force him.

I’ll be whatever he needs, and if it’s a friend, that’s fine.

Forgetting the feel of his body in mine might take a millennium, but that’s my problem. And it’s going to be difficult not to notice his magnificent ass in his dress pants.

Friends first, and we’ll figure the rest out.

Waking up naked in Vegas. I laugh out loud. We’ve become a cliché.

I hope I’m not the biggest cliché of all by falling for my straight best friend because last night changed everything for me.

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