Page 18 of Trick Play

She huffs out a laugh. “Okay. See you tomorrow, then.”

CHAPTER TEN

Piper

I’m stupidly nervous as I get ready for Cal to pick me up for dinner. I should be reading. I should be able to pick out an outfit, put it on, and get homework done while I wait. Instead, I’m flipping through my hangers agonizing over what to wear.

It’s not like this is arealdate. I lost a bet. A stupid, stupid bet, over how attractive I find him.

Pausing with my hand on a hanger—this dress is hot, but it is way too cold outside to wear it—I let out a sigh. Bet or not, it feels like a real date. Because why would he want to go out with me if he’s not attracted to me? Even if Gray’s right about Cal—that he just sees me as some kind of challenge—that’s really not the worst thing in the world. I go out with him, I put an end to the chase and let him catch me, we both get whatever this is between us out of our systems, and we move on with our lives.

Then he won’t be a distraction for me anymore. I get a release from this tension that’s only gotten worse since that evening at Eli’s house.

I see no problems with this plan.

Okay, since I’m admitting this is a real date, I feel more justified taking time to pick out an outfit—I finally settle on a slinky knit sweater dress that clings to my curves—style my hair—soft waves flowing around my shoulders—and do my makeup.

When I come out of the bathroom, Dani gives me a wolf whistle fit for a football stadium. She stands and clasps her hands next to her face. “I’m so proud of you,” she says wistfully.

Laughing, I reach for my jacket. Cal’s already texted me to let me know he’s waiting in the parking lot as agreed. “For going on a date?”

She nods. “Yes. And on a weeknight, no less. I’m surprised you didn’t tell him you have too much homework.”

“I tried that,” I tell her, busying myself with putting on my jacket and making sure I have everything I need.

“Well, I don’t know what he said to make you change your mind, but whatever it is, I’m glad. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, you know.”

“Yes, I’ve seenThe Shining, too. I’m aware. But even if I didn’t go on a date, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t end up chasing you through the halls with an axe.”

Dani cocks her hip and raises an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”

With a laugh, I nod. “For one thing, I likeyou. If I were chasing anyone with an axe, I’d hope you’d be on my side.” She looks thoughtful as she contemplates that answer. “For another,” I continue, “I’m not isolated and alone. I have you. We go out sometimes.”

Her thoughtfulness turns to doubtfulness. “While I appreciate the vote of confidence, I’m not sure I’m enough to keep you sane. I mean, Jack Nicholson had his family with him …”

Shaking my head, I turn and head for the door. “Well, since I’m going on a date, I think we can lay that fear to rest, okay?”

“Fine. I’ll give you that one. Oh, wait!” she calls out when my hand hits the doorknob.

I turn, eyebrows raised, wondering what else she has to say. But she doesn’t have anything to say at all. She disappears into her room and comes back with two little boxes in her hands. It’s not until she’s right in front of me that I realize they’re condoms. “Whaddaya think? Regular or Magnums?”

“What?”

She wiggles the boxes. “You made out with him. Did you get a good feel for his size? Or here.” She picks up my hand and slaps both into my palm. “Just take both. That way you’re prepared no matter what.”

“You think I’m gonna put out on the first date?”

“Pfft.”She crosses her arms and cocks her hip again. “Please. Why wouldn’t you? I mean, if he’s a total asshole, then sure, don’t. Obviously. But you’ve already kissed him.” She holds up a finger, clearly about to start ticking off her points. “And you clearly liked it, or we wouldn’t be here, right?” She waits for my nod before holding up a second finger. “But it’s Cal McAdam. He’s not known for his long-term relationships. If you don’t bone him tonight, you’ll miss your chance. And since your parents yanked you back home in April, you lived with them all summer, and you’ve been a hermit all semester, I’m assuming it’s been quite a while.” A finger goes up with each thing she lists until she’s run out and throws her hand in the air. “Have fun, that’s all I’m saying. And if you’re prepared to have fun, then so much the better.”

Laughing, I tuck the packages into my purse. “I’m just used to the guy supplying the condoms.”

She shrugs. “I mean, in an ideal world, they’d all be Boy Scouts, yeah. But this is the real world, Piper. Bring your own condoms, and then you know you’re covered.”

“Or he is, at least,” I deadpan.

Dani’s snort of laughter is the last thing I hear before closing the door. At least someone is rooting for me. Even if it is just my crazy roommate who’s perfectly content to push me to get dick from the hot, popular football player when she’s unwilling to put herself out there in the same way.

My nerves ratchet back up as I make my way down the stairs, my ankle boots clacking on the laminate floor of the stairwell. I stop at the door to the lobby, one hand on the bar to push it open, and force myself to take a deep breath. And another.

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