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“It is so,” she eventually responds, and I’ve no clue if she means it or if it’s solely for the benefit of Stacy who’s still standing at my side.
She finally takes the hint and storms off with a mumbled curse, but I couldn’t give two fucks where she’s headed. Not when Declan is still staring up at me, neck craned, a sly little smirk tilting the edges of her mouth.
An image slashes through my mind—me, licking the curve of it, pressing my lips to every bend and bow. Parting it with my fingers, and with my—
I drag my gaze up to meet hers and abolish the thought. “What the fuck was that about?” I ask, but there isn’t any heat behind my words. An unwitting smile creeps over my lips.
Her gaze holds tight to mine, humor lighting her stare. “That is so weird,” she states. “It’s like… Iheardthe words coming out of your mouth, but they didn’t sound anything likethank you.”
Laughter works its way through my chest, until the sound is spilling from my mouth. “Thank you, Declan. Truly,” I respond, genuine in my appreciation. It’s obvious she noticed something amiss and chose to step in. What isn’t obvious iswhy.
“You’re welcome, Jude,” she returns, but her demeanor slips a few degrees as her gaze tilts sideways, landing briefly on Stacy before meeting mine once more. “I’m not sure your admirer bought it, though; she’s still staring.”
I don’t bother glancing over. Don’t bother paying Stacy any mind whatsoever. My gaze dips down to Declan’s mouth instead. “And what are we going to do about that, Little D?”
“What are we…” her mouth forms around the words, but nothing audible comes out. She blinks—once, twice, and again—before shaking her head as if freeing herself from a daze.
Watching her fluster and flush sparks something within me. Something I’m more inclined to act on as the minutes tick by.
“I mean,” she starts, blue eyes trapping mine, “I guess if we gave her a good show… there would be no denying it.” She laughs, but the sound is unsteady, breathy. “Or…” she says, licking her lips before pulling the bottom one into her mouth. When she releases it with a slow glide between her teeth, it’s a straight shot to my dick. “We could justleave.”Her little smirk has me teetering over the edge, and a smile takes over my face as I shake my head in bewilderment.
She’s fucking with me.
I toss my head back and laugh.
“Let’s get out of here, Little D.” I haul her over my shoulder, carrying her out of the party. Her laughter rakes over my spine the entire way.
______
We head upstairs at the Masons’, and I’m not ready to call it a night. Smart or not, I’m not ready to watch Declan walk away.
She heads across the hall, a similar set of words resting on her lips. “I’m not ready to go to bed yet.”
I break a smile, turning on my heel once I reach my door.
Goodnightis what I should be telling her, but against my better judgment, I offer, “You want to check out my setup?”
“Your setup?” she says, gaze narrowing before flaring wide with understanding. “Hold on—you play?” Incredulity laces her tone. “You play,” she repeats. “And you have a setup in your room, and this is the first I’m hearing about it. Wow, Jude. I’m starting to think you don’t consider me a friend at all,” she says, but it’s all in humor, her lips ticking up into a playful smile.
If I’m being honest, she isn’t wrong.
I’d like to consider her more than a friend.
But we’ve already solidified the fact that friends are all we intend to be. And, grating or not, it’s the right move for both of us, even if it feels wrong every damn time I’m in her presence. Never mind the fact that I’ve imagined too many scenarios beyond it—have had her face on my mind as I found my release too many times to count now.
I suppress a groan as she crosses the hallway and stops at the threshold of my room. Taking an intentional step backward, I invite her in, and she treads forward slowly. Her eyes track the things that occupy my space. Unmade bed, recently cleaned practice gear thrown on the chair at the corner of the room, the bathroom door, the setup at the desk to my left.
“Hey…” She turns, head tipped toward my bathroom. “If you have a bathroom in here, why were you using the one in the hallway that first night?” she questions.
Rubbing a hand at the back of my neck, I recall our first run-in. Her gaze raking over me from head to toe, taking me in,miraculously missing the way my towel started to tent at her perusal.
I clear my throat and respond with, “Shower was broken. Coach got it fixed shortly after, though.”
“Oh.” She laughs softly, a flush rising over her cheeks. “Makes sense. Must be nice to have your own—” the words die on her tongue as her attention snags on my setup once more. Her gaze widens, shock cutting through her features. “That’sNevernightI’m seeing—correct?” She spins around on the balls of her feet, facing me again. “You playNevernight?”she asks, equal parts stunned and intrigued.
“You’ve heard of it,” I respond, and a smirk tugs at the edge of my mouth.She’s heard of it.I shouldn’t be surprised, not with how skilled she’s proven to be, but she’s still managed to take me off guard.
“I have.Of course,I have,” she says. “Question is…” She stands at the center of my room, hands at her waist, gripping her sides through her loose tee. “Are you going to let me use your player?” Blue eyes flare wide with her question, daring me to refuse her.