Page 24 of Love Puck

But why?

Why the fuck did anything I say or do affect her at all? She’d dumped me.

Twice.

But honest to God—she was shocked.

And fuck me all to hell—I hated myself for talking to her like this. But she was the one forcing my hand.

Then she surprised me and leaned in. “After everything we shared, yes, I deserve your ear for one minute.”

That hit me directly, smack-dab, in the chest. If she’d fired a cannon a few feet away—it couldn’t have hurt this much.

My eyebrows shot up, and my jaw fell open. “Are you serious? That’s the biggest load of bullshit I’ve ever heard. You don’t deserve one second of my time after what you’ve done to me. This is bullshit.” I pointed at her face. “Leave me the fuck alone. I’m finished with you.”

I turned around and walked away.

6

Cash

“We had a great fucking week, man,” Trey said and then guzzled half of his large water bottle back.

Beau grinned and agreed, “That was the best we’ve played.”

Trey wiped his mouth and nodded. “Yep, let’s see what that fucker has to say about three wins on the road.”

That fucker was, of course, Marco.

The show was set to start any minute. His constant mocking about our play hadn’t exactly been well received by the guys. But this week, he’d have to eat his own shirt. Because we tore it up on the road.

I had to admit, I was looking forward to Marco—not—laughing at us tonight.

The opening song started blaring through the TV. It surprised me how nervous I was to watch us on screen tonight. Nervous in a good way.

For once.

We’d made some great plays that people were still talking about.

And that felt fucking awesome.

The other good thing was not being anywhere near Jillian all week. Not having to see her and actively ignore her was a relief.

She’d knocked on my door a few times before I’d left with the team.

And no, I didn’t answer.

I did have some self-preservation left.

Not a lot.

But some.

We got back late last night. I was in bed, and I thought I heard a light knock on my front door. But I stuck my earbuds in and shut my eyes.

Of course, I could try my best to avoid Jillian during the day.

But.

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