Page 152 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

Which normally would piss me off because I fucking love soccer. I love the smack talk and the adrenaline. I love the sweat and the aching muscles. It’s exhilarating and fun, and the little family I’ve made here is like my personal haven.

Which is why taking off after TK is as natural as catching a ball at the net. He’s infuriating and odd, but he’s my teammate, my roommate, and my friend if you squint. Taking care of each other is what we do.

But I still remember that last kiss in the pool room. I remember his soft words.

I like you.

And how I just wanted to kiss him again and again until his meekness was gone and he would know that I don’t give a shit. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s nothing to feel guilty over.

I don’t feel guilty for not liking him back, not that way at least.

I don’t get what TK is into about me, but honestly, I’ve never gotten TK. Not truly. He’s an oddball and a half. Who happens to taste incredible and makes the most sinful, arousing sounds.

Now is not the time, Dash.

He’s sitting on the bench in front of his locker when I make it inside. His back is to me, and his head is in his hands. I can’t tell if the shake in his shoulders is anger or something else.

“Teddy.” I take up the seat beside him, facing the door so I can’t see his face. “Didn’t know you had that much ass in you.”

He scoffs, but I hear a hint of a chuckle underneath. “Kai’s just good at pushing my buttons.”

“I’d like to think I’ve figured out a few of your buttons.”

TK’s cheeks flame, and he pushes at my shoulder. “Shut the hell up. And I don’t need you here; I’m fine. Go back to practice.”

I shake my head. “No can do, Sunshine. You need a clean bill of health before I’m relieved of Teddy duty.”

“Is that what Kai said?”

I shrug and lean my shoulder on his. “It’s what I’m saying.”

He’s silent for a bit, but that’s better than shouting and throwing punches. Though, I’m no stranger to those, and if he needed to get that out then I’d be here to work it out of him. Instead there’s quiet, animated breaths full of more emotion than I thought someone’s breathing could have.

Why does TK always have to be so surprising?

His hand lands on top of mine where it’s resting on the bench, and he squeezes my fingers tight.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Laughter pours out of him, the dry kind. “Hell no.”

“What do you want?”

TK tips his head back, hazy blue eyes searching my face. “To take it back.”

I frown. “Take what back?”

He closes his eyes, a heavy breath sinking his shoulders. “Nothing.”

“If you don’t tell me, I’ll just give you a purple nurple until you do.”

That cracks him up so hard he ends up pressing his forehead to my shoulder while he catches his breath.

“You’re ridiculous,” he says.

I like being ridiculous. And difficult. And goofy.

“And you’re a dumbass.” Wisps of hair tickle my cheek as I rest against him. His fingers tighten around mine, and when he rubs his eyes into my shoulder he smears a faint wetness over my skin. “I’m not asking you for the whole sob story. Just to let me make you feel better.”

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