Page 57 of Truth or Tequila (Grand Slam 1)

“You having car trouble?” he says as I crack the window. He’s standing in the pouring rain.

“No, man, sorry. I forgot you were back there. We’ll get on the road again.”

He nods and heads back to his car.

“Soph, I know you’re feeling a little wary of Joe, but I’ve known him a while. He’s a good guy. If I’m not around, you can trust him. Really.”

She nods, but I can tell she’s not convinced. I put my hand on her leg as I pull back onto the road. She doesn’t try to move it. After a minute, she puts her hand on top of mine. I lace my fingers through hers.

“I trust you,” she says, smiling at me.

I squeeze her hand and let out a deep breath.

* * *

“Soph,” I say quietly, trying not to scare her. She jumps anyway. “What are you still doing here?”

It’s a little before nine. The league finally canceled our game. I didn’t think she’d still be in the office, but I found myself wandering up here anyway.

“Oh, hey. You scared me,” she says, looking up from her computer. “Did they cancel the game?”

“Yeah, it takes them a while to call it if we haven’t played the official five. They hate refunding tickets.”

“Is it still raining?” She stretches her arms above her head. She always wiggles her body around when she does that. It’s so cute.

“Soph, it’s pouring out there,” I say, shaking my head. “How are you getting home?”

She closes her computer and stands up. “Uh, I’m driving.”

“It’s been coming down in sheets for like two hours. I’m sure the roads have flooded.”

“I’ll be careful. I’m fine.” She doesn’t sound convinced. Her forehead crinkles up as she thinks about what I said.

“You remember that I’ve driven your car—”

“Jackson.”

“Yes, I’m sorry. I’ve driven Jackson. He’s not going to be fine in this weather. Will you please follow me to The Rock so I can drive you home?”

“Thank you, but I’m fine.” She throws her bag over her shoulder. “I only live fifteen minutes from here—”

“Fifteen minutes on a perfect day. You’re looking at another hour or so tonight if you’re lucky, and that’s if your car—”

“Jackson.”

“Yes, ifJacksondoesn’t drown in a puddle. C’mon, Soph. It’s late. It’s crazy outside. I’m driving you home.”

“Seb—”

“I’m not trying to get into your place. I know you’re not ready for that.” She tries to say something, but I hold up my hand to stop her. “No, it’s fine. I get it. But no matter how you feel, I care about you. And I want to make sure you’re safe tonight. Please let me do that.”

She nods. “Okay, just this once. Thank you.”

I stand back and motion her to go in front of me.

“Where’s Joe?” she says, looking back at me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without him. Doesn’t he follow you home after games?”

“Yeah, he usually follows me home to make sure no one tries to stop my car.”

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