Page 14 of The Illicit Play

I didn’t fall in love with her instantly. Sure, I was attracted to her. Who wouldn’t be? The girl’s a hottie, and she knows how to dress that body of hers in all the right ways.

She’s got an amazing laugh. She’s kind and smart and…

Damn, I miss her.

I miss having a girlfriend who I can share my life with.

I miss texting her when something funny happens or I get a good grade on a test or assignment. She was always so awesome at celebrating with me.

I miss picking her up and taking her out on dates.

I miss holding her hand as I walked her to class.

I miss her in my bed.

Shit.

I sigh, shaking my head and trying not to relive the last time she was in my bed, that uncertain look on her face just after we’d made love. I didn’t know what it meant… and when I asked her if she was okay, she said yes.

She fucking said yes!

Only to break my heart two days later.

I know what that look meant now.

She knew.

I lay on top of her, fucking clueless, but she knew it was the last time we’d ever be doing it. Because she was just trying to find the right time to dump me.

“Fuck!” I spit out the word, burying my fists in my pockets as I head down the dark street and make my way to Offside.

I don’t even know why I’m going there.

To get drunk?

Not really my scene. I’ll have the odd beer, but I’m not a big drinker. It’s not that I’m opposed to it, I just don’t love the idea of not being in control of my senses. I’ve seen Carson lose it way too many times. Stupid shit happens to drunk people, and if I’m wasted, who the hell is gonna step up and help the other guy, you know?

Checking the street, I wait for two passing cars before crossing to the other side.

Bring on spring break.

I need fresh air, forest, some quality time with people who aren’t gonna break my heart or do my head in.

Thank fuck for Carson, Tyrell, and my dad. They are gonna be the perfect balm. They’ll keep me distracted,and I can have a break from all the shit that’s eating me up.

Pulling the big wooden door open, I step into Offside, glancing around the sports bar and taking in the action.

It’s the usual energy for a Wednesday night—not too busy, but still pumping with the regular crowd and an indie artist who is getting his turn onstage. I watch him for a second, shuffling farther into the room before looking at the bar. His sound is pretty cool, like a mix between Jason Mraz and Adam Levine.

Yeah, I can dig this.

Walking around the first pool table, I make my way to the bar, figuring this is the perfect distraction… until I angle my body to avoid a pool cue in my eye and find myself looking at the last girl I need to see right now.

CHAPTER 5

BLAKE

The dining room table is surrounded as everyone from Football Frat joins in on the meal. Everyone except Grady Newman.