Page 135 of The Play Maker

Isabella peels off one of her under-eye patches, flicks it into the trash, then looks at me with that glint in her eye. “So… how’s it going with Austin?” she asks, wagging her brows.

My cheeks go hot. I stare down at my cup. “It’s good.”

Aurora gives me a look. “Like, walking funny good or…”

“Oh my God,” I groan, but I can’t stop the laugh that slips out.

Isabella grins. “Look at you. Blushing like crazy. It sure took you guys long enough.”

Aurora rolls onto her side, propping her head up with her hand. “I knew that whole ‘kissing as an apology’ thing was bullshit.”

I shake my head, but I’m smiling. I can’t help it. I smile like a maniac any time I eventhinkof Austin.

“Have you told him about Six yet?” Isabella asks, making my smile disappear.

My chest tightens. “Uh… no,” I admit. “Not really.”

Aurora’s head whips around. “Wait. Seriously? He still doesn’t know?”

I shake my head, chewing the inside of my cheek. “I mean… I told him I had a crush on someone when we first started hanging out. But I never said who.”

Isabella raises her eyebrows. “Do you think that’s a good idea? Keeping it from him?”

“I’m not keeping it from him,” I say quickly. “It’s just… complicated. We never even met in person. And it’s not like anything really happened.”

Aurora’s expression softens. “But he mattered to you.”

I nod, my fingers twisting the edge of the blanket in my lap. “Yeah. He did.”

My phone buzzes, and I know it’s Austin before I even glance down.

Austin:

how’s girls night? you miss me yet?

Me:

It’s good. Aurora brought Reese’s. You’ve officially been replaced.

Austin:

baby, please don’t make me get jealous over candy.

Baby.

My cheeks warm and my stomach flutters like crazy at the nickname.

Me:

You’d probably pick Reese’s too if you had the choice.

Austin:

nope. Reese’s don’t stand a chance. I’d pick you every time. you’re sweeter, hotter, and way more addictive.

I press my lips together, trying to swallow the smile tugging at the corner of my mouth.

Isabella looks up from her phone, arching a brow at me. “It’s Austin, isn’t it?”