Page 75 of The Off-Limits Play

Her shoulders slump as she crosses her arms.

He softens. I can’t hear what he’s saying, but I can tell by the way he’s reaching for her that he’s obviously apologizing and?—

Nope, she’s not having it.

Flicking his hand off her arm, she glares at him, her lips moving fast before she spins on her heel and struts away. Rather than chasing her, he stays put, watching her walk off with a sad frown.

Hmmm. I wonder if they’re boyfriend and girlfriend. I got that vibe, but maybe it’s just a date gone wrong. If that’s the case, I guess he’s saving himself a lot of angst by not going after her.

Speaking of date…

I turn away from the forlorn running back and scan the room for a wide receiver I am desperate to see. He didn’t reply to my latest string of texts, and I’ve been worried that he’s gonna bail on me.

If he does, I will track that boy down. I need to see him, touch him, be with him again. He probably has zero idea how addictive he is. Maybe I can spell it out for him when he finally gets here. Or I might just show him.

A sharp zing zips through me. It’s all heat and desire. A heady rush that makes me instantly smile.

Turning the other way, I keep an eye on the front door, watching a tall guy walk in with his petite girlfriend. “You can do this, lil’ mouse.” He kisses the top of her head as they walk past us, followed by a good-looking Latino guy and his willowy girlfriend.

“It’s okay that I’m here, right?” Her green eyes are all big and worried. “I’m not even a student, but I didn’t want Mick to have to do this on her own. I can tell she’s been nervous because she’s been annoying everyone in the house.” She winces while her boyfriend laughs.

“She has been a pain in the ass today, but Ray, it’s fine. You’re a good friend, and it’s totally okay that you’re here.” He stops her, gently guiding her to face him so he can look her up and down with an appreciative smile. “You look beautiful, cariño.” His voice is all husky and soft. I can’t see her face anymore, but I bet she’s smiling.

She leans forward to kiss him and I step back against the wall, hoping they don’t notice me watching.

It’s so weird. I used to be the one in the middle of a party, only vaguely aware of people’s eyes on me. Nick and I would always be the center of any dancing circle. We’d be the loud and proud couple hyping everyone up.

Now I’m standing in the corner, watching the world pass me by while I wait for a guy who doesn’t even want to come in the first place.

Oh, how my life has changed.

As my gaze darts toward the loud laughter coming from the circle of girls at the bottom of the staircase, I do wonder if I’m missing out. I should go over there and join in. The girl who invited me is leaning against the railing. I’m sure she’d make space for me.

But I don’t know.

I’m out of practice. A year in invalid isolation has changed me. And I can’t decide if that’s a good or a bad thing.

Creeping along the wall, I move closer to the entrance, my chest squeezing when I spot Carson stomping up the front steps.

Yes! He came!

He hasn’t seen me yet, and I bite my bottom lip, smiling as he glances—more like glares—around the porch before stepping into the house.

Whoa.

Something’s off.

His face.

He looks?—

My chest gets tight and I rush toward him, not even caring that we’re not supposed to be seen together.

“Carson.” I reach out to take his hand, but he tucks it into his jacket pocket before I can touch him.

There’s something dangerous in his gaze, and my stomach jitters. I need to get him out of here.

Tipping my head, I indicate for him to follow me outside. He doesn’t move but watches the path I take around the house. He won’t be able to see me anymore, but he’s not stupid. He’ll figure out that I’m waiting for him in the shadow of the trees lining the path to the backyard.

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