Page 23 of Beneath the Stands (Sugarlake 2)

Jeremy glances my way, a smile splitting his face. “See ya later, Coach. Again, it’s an honor. I can’t wait to soak in everything you’ll teach me.”

Normally, I wouldn’t be so thrilled with someone shouting my accolades from the rooftops—thinking I’m something I no longer am—but I can’t find it in me to mind this guy’s hero-worship. I can tell it makes Becca uncomfortable, which makes it delightful for me. I smirk as he leaves the court.

Her eyes narrow, the grin she had for him dropping off her face. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing’s funny. I like him. He clearly has fantastic taste.” I gesture to myself.

She flips her hair, smoothing down her tank. “I agree. He has an eye for beauty.”

“Wow. Humble.”

“Who said I was talkin’ about me?”

I step closer, passing her the ball. Our fingers brush, and mine flex to keep from reaching out. I dip my head to catch those jade green eyes. “Come on now, Becca. You know you’re beautiful.”

I didn’t mean to say that out loud, but I don’t want to take it back. It’s true. She’s a siren. Once she steps into the room, there’s no looking away. I wish I could look the hell away.

Her cheeks bloom the prettiest shade of pink and my inner beast roars. Jeremy may have gotten her smile, but he didn’t get her blush. She steps closer, the basketball pressing into my stomach. Her tongue jets out, wetting those sinful lips. My mouth waters as it remembers the taste.

“Eli,” she whispers, leaning in closer, her lashes fluttering. For the first time, I notice the light dusting of freckles along the ridge of her nose. I have the strangest urge to count every one.

“Eli.” Her breath teases my lips, my mouth parting in response. “Jeremy isn’t—”

His name is a splash of icy water on my heated body. I wince, stepping back. “Right.” I slide my hand through my hair. “He’s a lucky guy.”

“No, I…” She stops mid-sentence, shaking her head. “Yeah. He is.”

I nod, trying to appear unfazed. Calm, cool, and collected. Inside, I’m a mess. The thought of never touching her rips through my chest cavity, slapping my heart. It’s not enough to break, but the bruise hurts all the same.

Somehow, I regain control and make it through Becca’s lesson. I spend the rest of the day counting down the minutes until preseason, when these one-on-ones with her will end.

I call Connor on my way home. “What up? You doing anything tonight?”

“I was planning on taking it easy. My workout killed today, I can barely move. Why, what’d you have in mind?”

“I was just thinking you could come over and chill. Maybe… bring a couple girls?”

He chuckles. “Your hand not cuttin

g it anymore?”

He’s joking, but his words hit a little too close to home. “Something like that.”

“Oh, you know I’m always down to help you out in that area. I have my sometimes chick on call. I’m sure she has a friend she can grab.”

“Your sometimes chick?” I laugh. “God, you’re disgusting. It’s a miracle you get laid.”

“All my ladies know the deal. Besides, I treat them with the utmost respect. I’ve never had a complaint.”

“Maybe not to your face.”

“The only thing they give my face is their pussy.”

“Whatever you say, man. I just got home, so text me when you’re heading over.” I chuckle, hanging up my phone.

He shows up an hour later with his “sometimes chick” Ally, and her friend Sarah, who I get along with surprisingly well.

Sarah’s gorgeous with her long, strawberry-blonde hair and sweet smile. My usual type, which is probably why Connor brought her. But I’m not into it, no matter how much I try to be.

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