Page 160 of The Off-Limits Play

“Hey, beautiful.” Ben’s voice is so tender it makes my heart melt. “Wow, you look amazing.”

“Thank you.” Jolie beams up at him, and then her face disappears from sight as she leans forward to kiss her man.

I inch around behind her, catching the end of their romantic greeting, and spot Darian standing awkwardly behind them.

He raises his chin at me, then rolls his eyes. “We get it you guys. Chill.” Nudging Ben, he pushes past him, disrupting their kiss and walking into the room to greet me. “M’lady.” He bows, then pulls a single red rose from behind his back.

“Thank you.” I take it, sniffing the petals with a soft smile. “That’s sweet.”

“I know. I’m a really sweet guy.” He winks at me, then holds out his elbow. “Now, enough with the romantic shit. Let’s get going and see how many heads we can turn when we shake it on the dance floor.”

I can’t help a soft laugh as I rest my hand in the crook of his elbow and let him lead me out into the hallway.

CHAPTER63

CARSON

Tugging on my jacket sleeve, I adjust it yet again and roll my shoulders. Fuck, I hate wearing a suit. Mom helped me pick it out, and apparently I look amazing and it fits perfectly.

It feels like a fucking straitjacket, and I can’t wait to get out of this thing.

But I want to look good for Nylah.

Mom told me I didn’t have to, but I called Coach Jones anyway and let him know that I’m ready to win his daughter back. He really appreciated my call and even wished me luck just before I hung up.

Felt pretty fucking good, actually, and Mom was proud. At least that’s what her beaming smile told me.

“Love you, babe.” She kissed my cheek and gave me yet another hug.

You know, I never thought I’d think this, but I’m gonna miss her when she leaves tonight.

Her bags are packed and waiting by the front door, and I’ve thanked Zander enough times today that he told me to shut up already.

“Who are you?” He laughed in my face. “You’ve never been this polite or grateful for anything.”

Giving him a pained frown, I blinked and rasped, “While I’m at it, I might as well say this part, too, then.”

“And what’s that?” Zander crossed his arms with a teasing grin.

“Thanks for not giving up on me.” My voice came out all croaky, and Zander’s smile slipped away, replaced with a look of admiration that I don’t think I’ve seen before.

“Got your back, man. Always and forever.”

We hugged it out for a beat, and then I walked away before I said something else embarrassing. I was grateful to all my friends, and I would let each one know in turn. But one sentimental moment per day was my limit, and I’d already be exceeding it when I said goodbye to Mom and then told Nylah how I feel.

Fuck, I’m strung out already and haven’t even left for the dance yet.

“We’re running late,” I call into the bathroom, waving away the plume of deodorant spray I just walked through. “Wily, seriously? Did you use the whole bottle?”

“Gotta smell good for the ladies, man.”

I roll my eyes and walk downstairs before I suffocate.

Mom’s waiting at the bottom, smiling up at me. “Wow. You look so handsome.”

With a soft grunt, I let her adjust my bow tie. Her eyes are all watery, and I gruffly mutter, “This better work. I feel like an idiot.”

“Yet you look like James Bond.” She smooths back my hair. I’ve put so much fucking gel in there to try and tame my wild locks. I don’t know if it’s worked.

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