Page 51 of Second Down Darling

“Or something,” he says with asmirk.

Yeah, that’s not gonna endwell.

Thomas looks like he wants to tell me more, but I make an excuse to move to the other side of the weight room. The less I know about Roxy’s love life, the better. So when Coach goes ballistic because one of his players messed with his daughter, I can claimignorance.

That night, when I get home, I feel at peace with this idea of Charlotte going out with Kyle. She’ll have a fun night, get wined and dined, and come home to me. We’ll watch old sitcoms and eat pizza. Maybe play somechess.

It’ll be fine. I’m totally cool withit.

Until she waltzes out of the bedroom in a sexy-as-fuck black dress that makes my heartstop.

19

CHARLOTTE

“You look great, babe,”Roxy says as she adds the finishing touch to my smokyeye.

“So great!” Buffysqueals.

I might’ve been a little judgmental about Buffy. She’s actually really nice. I mean, she definitely wants to bone Jake, but she isn’t snarky with me like Yvette and Matilda. And if Jake wants her, well, there’s nothing I can do aboutthat.

“Thanks for letting me borrow another outfit,” I tellRoxy.

Roxy is bustier than I am, but the wraparound dress is stretchy, and I was able to tie it super tight so the front wassnug.

“I’m glad someone’s going to wear it. I bought it for homecoming, but my date decided to be a dick, so he can fuck rightoff.”

Ezra is a dog. He can definitely fuck off, but I don’t say anything because Buffy isn’t privy to what’s going on withRoxy.

Roxy snaps her fingers. “Wait. Did you take your birthcontrol?”

My face heats as I let out a nervous laugh. Despite my big talk, I’m not sure I could go from being a virgin to having sex on the first date, but it’s good to be prepared. “Yes,Mom.”

To be honest, Rox is a hundred times more considerate than my actualmother.

We step out of my bedroom just as Jake comes home. Duke hops up and down excitedly, and Jake reaches down to pethim.

When he stands upright, I give him a wide smile, but he freezes when he sees me. Then his jaw goestight.

Self-consciously, I pat down the dress. “What? You don’t like myoutfit?”

His eyes travel down my body and back up again before he turns away. “You look great. Have fun on your date. Is Asherasleep?”

That’s it?That’s all he’s going tosay?

Buffy trots up to him to give him a rundown of her afternoon withAsh.

Roxy and I look at each other as they head into thekitchen.

All the excitement I’d had about tonight circles the drain. “Do I look bad, Rox?” I whisper. Honestly, I really liked having a reason to get dressed up. Kyle seems nice and all and I’m sure he’s a sweet guy, but I thought having a practice date before homecoming seemed like a good idea. Especially after I’d asked Jake if he wanted me to cancel, and he told me I shouldgo.

Which makes me think our homecoming “date” in two weeks is really a “hang out with Charlotte ’cause she’s my buddy” kind ofthing.

Maybe it’s even a pitydate.

Ugh, shoot menow.

“No.” She glares at Jake. “He’s probably justjealous.”

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