Page 51 of Cocky Player

“It’s nothing.”Just the ending, maybe, of hope I’d had for something more.I had thirty minutes in the car on the way home to mentally kick my ass for being such a terrified moron.I was skittish with reason.But somehow I knew, I could trust that to Connor.Why I had no idea.He was gruff and brash, bold and enormous.His size alone should have sent me running and yet it was that and the way he’d treated me gently that drew me to him.“Can we talk about it later?You have company waiting.”

“He’ll be fine.If you need me…”

“I don’t need a babysitter, only some time to think.”

“Ew.Thinking?That sounds dangerous.”

“It’ll be fine.”

“Sure?”

“Yup.”

“Are you lying to me?”

“Possibly.”I shoved a finger toward the direction of the door.“Go.Get out of here.I’ll figure this out.”

“Okay, okay, but tell me one thing.”She lowered her voice and concern washed over her.“Did he hurt you?You know…”

I hugged my crazy friend.“I love you, and no, he wouldn’t do that.”

“I love you, too.I’m always here for you, you know that, right?”

“Always, gingersnap.”

She growled at the stupid nickname I’d heard her family call her once.She hated it, and in return, she nicknamed me something equally horrible.

“See you later, shortcake.”

After Gina left, I grabbed my pajamas and ducked into the hallway bathroom for a quick shower.The heat and steam did little to relax me or help me clear my mind.

I knew what I needed to do.What I should have done an hour ago.I shouldn’t have hesitated and instead, the fear I worked so hard to move past for so long made everything topsy-turvy.That wasn’t what I wanted at all.

Returning to my room, my wet hair was wrapped in a towel, and I’d barely taken the time to dry off before throwing on my tank top and short shorts that were now sticking to my back and thighs.

I could fix this.If only he’d let me explain.

I’m sorry about tonight.I texted to Connor before I could back down.I like you too.I don’t need two weeks.

Then I fell asleep with my phone in my hand, waiting for a text that never came.

Eighteen

Connor

Brenna Kemper mademe as dizzy as an upside-down roller coaster.I spent my night replaying how everything went to shit, and so fucking mad at myself for throwing myself out there to look like a fool, only to realize that I’d pushed her too hard too fast.

Stepping back was best for both of us.Two weeks without her would have me forgetting all about her.Maybe then I’d be able to get into the mindset of continuing a physical relationship with her without my stupid heart getting involved, or we’d call it quits completely.

Regardless, I cared about Brenna enough, wanted to keep getting to know her enough, that I was willing to put the ball in her court.

When her text came in, I had no idea how to respond.

The strange smile I wore so frequently around her, more so than with anyone else, appeared and like an idiot, I had instantly opened up her text to replyGet your ass back over here then.

And paused.

She could change her mind in the morning after a night of sleep.So I’d wait.I’d give her the space she needed, and maybe more so, the space I needed to get my head together.

---