Page 13

CARSON

Her smile is adorable and addictive… and fucking dangerous.

Shutting the door for her, I watch the Honda Accord pull away from the curb and have to force myself to spin and walk back into Offside.

Shit, she’s a piece of work… in all the right ways.

But I can’t go messing around with the coach’s daughter.

It’s not worth it!

But you’re totally going to the Lido next Sunday, aren’t you?

I try to talk myself out of it, I swear I do, but she fucking clings to the edges of my brain, traveling with me to the away game, then teasing me throughout the week. I spotted her twice on campus and even turned the other way, but sure enough, the Sunday she told me to be there…

I fucking am.

You’re an idiot!

I warn myself as I park my bike, then walk the block to get back to the theater.

You shouldn’t be doing this!

I nod in agreement, but my legs keep moving forward. I try to justify my actions, telling myself I need this after last night’s brutal game.

It was a killer.

The Kelsey U Titans were out for blood. Some beef with Zander. But we all paid a price. Getting tackled by their defense was like being hit by an 18-wheeler. We hobbled off that damn field, and I even endured an ice bath last night. I hate those things, but my muscles are grateful this afternoon.

I woke up feeling not half bad.

Can’t say the same for Zander. The house was so fucking quiet this morning, it was eerie.

Zoey wasn’t down in the kitchen, babbling her usual undecipherable nonsense and grinning up at me with her toy “amimals.” I fucking love the way she says that, but I’ll never admit it to anyone.

It’s good that she and Sienna have moved out. It’s right.

But Zander was cut up, man. I wanted to say something. Tell him it’s all for the best. But he looked so fucking miserable when I saw him that I couldn’t say anything.

I don’t know what the fuck went down after that game to make Sienna flee. They were so loved up it was sickening. And now she’s gone. Taken Zander’s baby girl with her and just disappeared. For his sake, I hope they manage to work it out.

But relationships can be shitty things.

Which is why I tend to avoid them.

Yet another reason why I shouldn’t be going to the Lido right now.

But my feet don’t stop, and I’m soon rounding the corner and following a small sign with a finger pointing me toward the most obscure movie theater ever. It’s old, run-down, and tucked away down a brick alley. I pop out into this cobbled courtyard like I’m entering a secret garden… of nerds.

Glancing around, I spot the insane amount of cosplay and nearly bail.

I really don’t need to do this. And watching whatever fucking sci-fi movie this is going to be?—

You know what movie it is! Look around you!

My lips dip as I take in the costumes and quickly figure out that it’s a fantasy-themed afternoon, and I’m about to sit through The Princess Bride.

It’s a pretty decent movie. I like that guy who’s out to avenge his father, and the Dread Pirate Roberts is cool, but shit…

do people have to dress like the characters?

If Nylah’s decked out like Buttercup, I’m gone.

Scanning this crowd of overly excited moviegoers, I can at least comfort myself with the fact that I’m not gonna cross paths with anyone I actually know. I doubt this lot would sit through a football game.

Stepping sideways, I avoid getting poked in the leg by some guy’s plastic sword and make it into the building unscathed.

Why are you doing this? Just turn around and go!

But then I catch a glimpse of her long black hair.

My eyes trail down her body, and there are those super sexy jeans of hers.

I love the way they hug her ass. Damn, she’s got a great ass.

Remembering the way that douche at the bar palmed those perfect butt cheeks makes me frown, and I quickly step up behind her before someone else can.

I don’t want anyone trying to make a move. The world is full of assholes and fuckers, and I’m not gonna let any of them touch her.

Even you?

Shoving my hands into my pockets, I avoid all temptation and stand watch over her while she lines up to get her ticket.

She doesn’t know I’m here yet. She’s on her phone, giggling at something on her screen. I glance over her shoulder and notice a string of The Princess Bride emojis.

Who the hell is G-Dawg?

I frown, hating that some other guy can make her smile like that. I can’t even see her face properly from this angle, but I know she’s smiling because she’s still quietly laughing.

Maybe I should clear my throat, let her know I’m behind her.

Fuck off! Just shut up and make sure no one touches her ass!

The line grows behind me as we inch forward, and then it’s her turn to purchase a ticket. I want to offer to buy it for her, but then it’ll be like a date, and I can’t fucking date this woman. So I clench my jaw and resist the urge.

She’s so warm and friendly to the chick in the ticket booth.

“You look so great!” She beams. “Valerie is one of my favorite characters in this movie. She and Miracle Max are the best.” She laughs, and I try not to enjoy the sound so much.

“Where’s your costume, then?”

“Oh, you know. Didn’t get myself organized in time.”

“Well, keep an eye on the schedule. We’ve got some great movies coming up, and it’d be awesome to see you in costume for one of them.”

The ticket lady seems to recognize Nylah. How many times has she come here this month?

And does she come by herself every time?

My insides hitch with something weird, and I’m instantly grateful that I couldn’t resist today.

“Thanks so much.” Nylah takes her ticket, and she’s still smiling when she spins and notices me.

Her lips part, and then her smile changes to one of outright glee.

Fuck, she’s beautiful.

“Hey.” She touches my arm, then laughs. “Why didn’t you tell me you were standing there.”

I swallow and frown down at her. “I’m sorry, do we know each other?”

She laughs and shakes her head. “My mistake. I thought you were this really hot guy I know, but on closer inspection…” She looks me up and down, her nose wrinkling as she shakes her head.

I narrow my eyes at her and mouth, “Lame,” which just makes her laugh harder as I step up to the counter. “One, please.”

“Yes, sir.” The ticket lady grins, and I refuse to notice the little look she shares with Nylah. I won’t give in to the kick that hit me right in the chest when Nylah called me a really hot guy.

She thinks I’m hot!

Would you stop celebrating? You’re not supposed to like her. Who gives a shit what she thinks of you!

Grabbing my ticket with a mumbled “Thanks,” I head straight to the concession stand and order a large soda and a tub of popcorn.

“Throw in a packet of gummy bears, too, please.”

“Oooo. Gummy bears. You eat candy?” Nylah bobs beside me, looking like an excited kid when the guy hands her the bag.

I snatch them out of her hand. “I eat whatever the fuck I want.”

She grins up at me. “Just don’t tell Coach, right?” Snatching the bag back from me, she spins away and starts walking into the theater.

I hang back, cradling my popcorn and scanning the crowd, checking for any familiar faces as I slowly trail Nylah. I allow a few bodies between us so people don’t think we’re together.

The food isn’t the only thing I have to keep from Coach right now.

Fuck, why are you doing this?

Because I can’t help it!

Because she thinks I’m hot.

Because she snatched those gummy bears right out of my hand with a smile that could knock me flat on my ass.

I don’t have a choice here.

I’m fucking following her into the theater, and if anyone sits between us, I will manhandle those fuckers right out of the way.

She heads right for the middle-middle, and thankfully no one follows her down the same row. I plunk down beside her, resting my drink in the cupholder between us, then hand her the popcorn and snatch the gummy bears back.

“Hey.” She gives me a fake pout, her cute face bunching.

I snicker and open the packet, stealing one bear before handing them back to her.

“That’s more like it.” She grins, rifling through the bag until she’s got a green and an orange one. “They’re the best flavors,” she explains, as if it’s so obvious.

“Wrong,” I counter, snatching the bag back and digging out the strawberry and raspberry ones. I pop the two candies in my mouth with a smug grin.

She just shrugs. “Guess we’re always meant to share gummy bears, then. You take the red ones, and I’ll have everything else.”

Her smile is about as bright as the screen illuminating her face.

I look away before I have the urge to kiss her.

Too late! You want that mouth on yours, no question.

But that ain’t gonna happen.

I am not doing anything more than keeping her company at the movies. That’s it. Discussion over.

To prove my point, I sit as straight as I can in my seat and shake my head when she offers me some popcorn.

“You don’t like popcorn?”

“Not really.”

“Then why’d you buy such a big tub?” She snickers.

I slowly turn my head to look at her. I don’t say anything, and a smile is soon tugging at the edges of her mouth.

“You’re sweet,” she murmurs, leaning toward me.

I stiffen, wondering if she’s gonna rest her head against my shoulder or some shit.

Fuck. This movie is gonna kill me. I can’t go getting snuggly and friendly with this woman.

Ask her about G-Dawg!

Maybe hearing about some other putz will piss me off enough not to feel anything soft and squishy around this chick.

“Who’s G-Dawg?” I suddenly blurt.

Her head pops back. “Excuse me?”

Oh fuck! I just gave away the fact that I was looking at her phone.

I try to hide my cringe, but my nose still wrinkles, my jaw clenching tight.

“You ass.” She lightly thumps my arm with the back of her hand. “You’re not supposed to read off other people’s phones. When did you even…? Oh. You were behind me in the line. You little creeper.”

My nose wrinkles again, and I look away from her. When the fuck is this movie going to start?

Nylah eyes me up for a minute, and I keep looking straight ahead, willing the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie Month image on the screen to fade away and turn into advertising or trailers… or the fucking movie that we’re here to see!

After a painful beat of Nylah staring me down and me refusing to look, she sighs and mutters, “She’s my gramma.”

“What?” I spin. Okay, fine, I’m looking now. I have to! “You call your grandma G-Dawg?”

“Among other things.” She grins.

All I can do is gape at her like she’s deranged.

Laughter pops out of her perfect mouth as she points at me. “Your face right now. What do you call your grandparents?”

“Nothing. They’re all dead.”

“Oh.” Nylah’s smile drops to a stricken look that’s weirding me out. “I’m so sorry.”

I shake my head. “Three of them were dead before I was even born, and my grandfather and my mom weren’t exactly on speaking terms.” I shrug. “Think he died when I was like seven or something. I didn’t have to go to the funeral, so…”

“Oh my gosh.” Nylah runs her hand down my arm.

“I’d be destroyed if my grandparents weren’t around.

Especially G-Dawg. She’s my girl. We text most days.

” Her expression buckles, her teeth brushing her bottom lip before she gives me an uncertain frown.

“Is that super lame? Like one of my best friends is my grandmother?” Her mouth makes a funny shape as she cringes.

“That’s not lame,” I quickly assure her. “You’re lucky.”

And there’s her smile again. “I am lucky,” she murmurs as she nestles back into her seat, her head hovering dangerously close to my shoulder. “And Carson?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t be a creeper.”

“Yeah.” I nod, embarrassment flushing through me, bad enough that I mutter a quick apology.

The word “sorry” doesn’t come easy, but there I go, saying it like it doesn’t hurt to admit I’m a jerk.

Shit. What is this chick doing to me?