Page 24 of The Surprise Play

I drink in her hungry gaze for a second, and my smile grows.

“Wily Wilson,” I introduce myself, noticing we’re still shaking hands. I rub my thumb over her soft skin before dropping her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Jade.”

“You too.” She winks and brushes her teeth over her bottom lip—the ultimate seductress move—before turning and walking away, her hips swaying as she leaves me wanting more.

Yep, that chick sure knows what she’s doing.

I stay where I am, appreciating the view, until she’s around the corner and I’m forced to get back to reality.

Fucking reality.

It’s weird for me to feel so dark. I’m not used to these internal rain clouds, but I’m still kind of pissed off that my last semester is going to be total shit. Once football is over, all I’ve got left is studying and prepping for the Scouting Combine at the end of February. I’m pretty pumped about attending. It’s a chance for me to show off my skills to NFL coaches and scouts. I’ll get noticed, because… well, they’re already noticing me… and then it’ll be whoever can win me first, I guess. I want to be fought over. I want to play so well that teams will be busting their guts to get me.

And then I can finally start the life I’ve been working toward since I was a kid.

Spinning around, I head down the concrete steps and spot a familiar figure walking thirty yards ahead of me. She has a stack of books clutched against her side, and her short legs are moving with purpose. I can tell it’s Tutor Girl immediately—that pleated skirt and cardigan? Yeah, no one else her age would be seen wearing that in this place.

She’s obviously lost in thought and hasn’t noticed me staring at her.

I should call out, grab her attention… apologize for being such a douchebag this morning.

Shit. I actually yelled at her.

I never yell at people, especially not girls.

With a resigned sigh, I pick up my pace and am about to call her name when I’m stopped by two friendly faces.

“Wily Wilson,” Ethan greets me like he always does. I give him my usual half hug, then bump Liam’s fist with my own.

“How are you guys?” I smile.

“Yeah, good. Season’s going well. Missing some of the senior players, you know how it is.”

“Baxter, man.” Liam shakes his head. “I didn’t realize how good he was. Now that he’s not playing, we’re noticing big-time.”

I nod, totally understanding that feeling.

Ethan lightly slaps my arm. “You’ll be missed at the end of this year. Shit, man, semifinal playoffs. That’s fucking epic.”

Grinning, I nod some more and agree with everything they’re saying, my eyes darting past them and noticing that Elizabeth Satchwell has disappeared around the corner the same way that Jade chick did.

Looks like I won’t be apologizing just yet.

You have her number. Call it.

The phone in my back pocket feels like it’s burning, and I start losing focus as Ethan and Liam keep chatting.

Do I actually want to apologize to Tutor Girl?

Maybe I should just leave it. She probably never wants to speak to me again anyway.

“So, what time’s your bus leaving?”

I blink, pulled back into focus by the question. “This afternoon. We’ll get there a day early. It’ll give us a chance to really prep for the game.”

“Well, good luck, man.” Liam holds out his hand, and I give it a quick shake before slapping Ethan’s palm and waving goodbye.

The hockey players saunter off, and I pull out myphone, tapping my screen with my thumbs and impulsively sending a short text.