Page 74 of The Rookie

Griffin leans back against the edge, stretching an arm behind me, casual as ever. “Oh, nothing.”

I press my lips together, stealing a glance at him from the corner of my eye.

“Just looking at the stars,” I say, nonchalantly.

twenty-two

. . .

Griffin

After our littlehot tub adventure, I’m lying flat on my back, staring at the ceiling like it owes me answers. The room is quiet—too quiet—except for the faint buzz of the air conditioner and the rustling of Avery shifting in her bed a few feet away.

I close my eyes and try to will myself to sleep. It doesn’t work.

How am I supposed to sleep after tonight? After the hot tub, after her lips on mine, after the way she looked at me—like I wasn’t just some cocky kid, but someone she was actually seeing?

And now here we are, back in the room. Separate beds. The air between us so thick I canfeelit.

She’s probably already asleep,I tell myself.

But then I hear her sigh softly and turn over, and I can’t help but smirk in the dark.Wide awake, too, huh, Sinclair?

I pull out my phone, scrolling aimlessly, trying to distract myself. But then I remember the photo I took of us earlier. My thumb hovers over the screen for a second before I say screw it and send it to her.

Me: Look familiar?

A moment passes. My phone buzzes.

Avery: You’re a stalker.

I grin, glancing over at her bed. She’s turned toward me now, her phone screen lighting up her face. She’s trying to look annoyed, but I can see the way her lips twitch.

Me: Don’t flatter yourself. Just reminiscing on a beautiful night.

Avery: Wow. Original. How many girls have you used that line on?

Me: Just you, Sinclair. You’re special. Do you really think I’m that much of a manwhore? I thought we talked about this. Remember when you couldn’t name a single girl I’d slept with?

Her phone screen stays lit for a moment longer as she types.

Avery: Must’ve hit your head in the hot tub. And come on, Knox. You’re literally a star athlete at a football school. You think I’m really that naive?

I chuckle, typing quickly.

Me: I might be a star but I have my sights set. And as for hitting my head, Can you blame me? You’re a menace in that dress.

There’s a long pause before her reply comes through.

Avery: Menace? So you’re saying I looked good.

I blink at my screen, the grin slipping just slightly.

Me: You looked more than good. Honestly though? I preferred you out of it.

I hit send before I can overthink it, and immediately my chest tightens because that feels too honest. Too real.

Her phone lights up again, and I wait, holding my breath like a damn teenager.

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