Page 30 of The Surprise Play (Nolan U Football #3)

ELIZABETH

I can’t believe I said yes.

What was I thinking?

The word just slipped out, and the delighted smile on Wily’s face was impossible to deny. I couldn’t turn around and change my mind.

So here I am, twenty-four hours later, in a right panic while I try to figure out what to wear.

He’ll be here in fifteen minutes, and I’m still standing in my underwear, staring at my open closet and feeling at an absolute loss.

I should bail.

Don’t you dare!

But what if Jade finds out?

I close my eyes, cursing myself for thinking about her.

She’s not my boss, and she can’t tell me what to do.

I can go out with Wily if I want to!

Fear rips through me, one quick swipe that makes me clutch my belly and give my soft flesh a squeeze .

You’re going.

I nod, trying to swallow the boulder in my throat, and inch a little closer to my closet.

All of my clothes are hanging up neatly or folded in the cubed shelving beside it. All I have to do is reach forward and take something out.

But what?

Biting into my lip, I start to jiggle on my feet, the urge to pee suddenly swamping me. This always happens when I’m nervous.

Running to the bathroom, I relieve myself before wrestling my underwear back on.

I went for those super-tight pants that hold everything in.

They’re like a modern-day corset, coming up to just below my bra line.

Mom bought them for me for Cousin Leo’s wedding.

I got lots of compliments from family on my dress that night, so it’s worth wearing them tonight, right?

It doesn’t matter how uncomfortable they are.

Wriggling around, I snap the fabric into place along the top of my thighs, then rush back into my room when I hear a text come through.

Wily: Wear something warm. It’s cold out tonight.

I blink, frowning as I reply.

Where are we going ?

I chew on my lip while I wait… and wait… and finally get a response.

Wily: It’s a surprise. See you in ten.

Checking my watch, I’m actually relieved he’s going to be a few minutes late because I am still not dressed!

“Warm,” I murmur to myself, walking back to the closet and pulling out my one pair of baggy woolen pants. They come in at the waist, which works well for me tonight with this straitjacket underwear I’ve got on.

Pulling them up my legs, I brush down the fabric, checking my reflection and feeling pretty good about the choice. All I need now is a warm shirt and a sweater.

I throw on a plain, long-sleeved black thermal and then add my cable-knit sweater, tucking in the front part like I saw this pretty girl do once.

Tipping my head, I study the look, untuck it, then study it again.

I think I change my mind about… three hundred and thirteen times before Wily knocks on my door.

Expelling a soft gasp, I spin away from my reflection, my sweater haphazardly tucked into the front of my waistband and probably looking ridiculous. But I can’t leave Wily standing in the hallway.

With trembling hands, I turn the bolt and slowly open the door.

And there he is.

All tall and beautiful, in his jeans and winter coat, his broad body taking up the doorway as he grins down at me.

“Bought you flowers.” He holds out a colorful bouquet—cheerful reds, yellows, and oranges.

“Gerberas.” I smile, taking it from him and shaking my head in wonder. “You bought me flowers.”

“Of course I did.” He eases past me while I continue to stand there staring at this unexpected gift.

His body bumps against mine and he steadies me with his hand, gazing around my room before looking back at me. “This is a date, right?”

“Y-yeah. I just…” I let out a nervous, choking laugh and admit, “No one’s ever bought me flowers before.”

“Really?” Wily’s head jolts back like I’m outright lying. “Never?”

I shake my head, wondering why he’s so surprised.

“What about prom? You didn’t get a corsage or something?”

My cheeks flare pink and I shake my head, biting my lips together.

I’d rather die than admit that I went to prom my junior year with my cousin Leo, and it was a disaster.

He ditched me by the punchbowl and ended up dancing with a bunch of other girls, then got caught in the stairwell full-on making out with my stats teacher.

He was already in college, and I’m pretty sure Miss Hemsworth got the lecture of a lifetime from our school principal, but she didn’t get fired.

I ended up hovering near the food table and nibbling on treats, tapping my foot to the beat and begging time to freaking hurry up.

Needless to say, I skipped senior prom.

It would have been a million times worse with the likes of Jade, Katrina, and Carmen there. I just couldn’t put myself through it.

My parents and I spent the evening with the karaoke machine I got for my birthday that year. We had a blast.

“Well, that’s a sin right there. Pretty girls deserve pretty flowers.”

I tense, eyeing him with confusion.

“What?”

“Are you mocking me?” I murmur.

He frowns, obviously trying to figure out what I mean. “N-o. Why do you think I’m mocking you?”

My cheeks flush and I shake my head, softly mumbling, “I’m not a pretty girl.”

Oh shit? Did I just say that out loud?

I wince, hoping he didn’t hear me and keeping my eyes trained on the bouquet.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.” I shoot him a smile, then glance back down, not moving until he’s standing right beside me and tipping my chin up.

He looks me over like he’s studying a piece of artwork. I swallow, trying not to be unnerved by his perusal. Brushing his thumb across my cheek, he leans down and lightly sniffs my face.

“What are you doing?” I tremble.

“Just wondering if you’re wearing that perfume again. I seriously love that stuff.”

A soft giggle shakes out of me, and I lean away to look at his face. “You… want me to put it on?”

“Hell yeah.” He winks and takes the flowers out of my hands. “You got a glass or something I can put these in? ”

“Oh, um… in the bathroom. You can use my toothbrush mug.”

“Sounds good. You get your smell on while I sort these out.”

Disappearing into my bathroom, I watch him go, still shaking my head at how bizarre this all is.

The hottest man I have ever met just gave me flowers, called me pretty, and is about to take me on a date.

Is this even real?

A small part of me is just waiting for that moment where reality kicks me in the face. Like it did for Josie Grossie in Never Been Kissed , when she thought her ultimate crush was picking her up for prom, and instead he egged her in the face.

That’s never happened to me, but I was always paranoid that it would.

And now I’m putting myself in the perfect position to be pranked and humiliated.

Not by Wily. He wouldn’t do that to you.

Squirting on my perfume, I replace the bottle and try to believe myself as I turn around and watch Wily walk back in with my flowers.

He puts them next to my bed, then takes a big sniff of the air. “Mmmm, yes, baby. That smells fantastic!”

Demolishing the space between us in two easy strides, he wraps his arms around me, lifts me off my feet, and buries his nose in my neck.

“Shit, I could snort you like a line of cocaine.”

“Uh… please don’t?” I give his shoulders a light, uncertain squeeze and try to ignore the tingles racing through me as Wily laughs and places me back on my feet .

His eyes are sparkling with amusement as he holds out his palm. “Shall we go, my lady? Your carriage awaits.”

I’m about to place my hand in his when his words register and I pause in midair. “Please tell me you didn’t get a carriage.”

He barks out a loud laugh. “Your Ram 1500 awaits.”

It’s impossible not to giggle. It’s even harder not to place my hand in his and let him pull me out the door.

Oh my gosh.

I’m going on a date with Wily Wilson!

His arm snakes around my back, tucking around the side of my waist as he walks me to the elevator. We’re nearly there when I remember my winter coat, and we have to race back to grab it. He also asks if I have a beanie and gloves.

Seriously, where is he taking me?

He won’t say a peep, fighting a grin as he helps me put my jacket on, then pulls the beanie down to cover my ears.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Taking my hand, he leads me back down the hallway again and this time we make it to the bottom floor.

As soon as we step outside, Wily wraps his arm around my shoulders again, gathering me close to his side. I’m forced to put my arm around his waist to keep my balance, but I don’t mind so much.

He feels good.

I notice a few surprised gazes when we walk to his car, my body flaring as I try to avoid eye contact.

Wily, on the other hand, seems oblivious. He’s currently telling me about football practice this afternoon and how he’s enjoying the lighter sessions.

He’s walking beside me, acting like this is the most normal thing in the world.

He really has no idea, does he?

Tonight, he’s making the impossible possible, and I’m still struggling to believe it.