Page 99 of Home Game

“But something is wrong.”

Her head moved against my chest in a nod.

“What can I do?”

“Nothing.”

That word cracked my heart. “I can’t do anything if you won’t let me.”

Her head lifted and blue eyes solemnly stared into mine.

I tried again. “I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong.”

She swallowed hard. I could tell she was on the verge of speaking. I held my breath.

The apartment alarm beeped, indicating that someone was coming in. Zoey’s eyes went wide with fear.

“It’s just Bianca,” I whispered, as a resolute expression settled on her face. She would not tell me.

A soft knock sounded on my door.

“What?” I called, my tone sharp.

“Ryan? It’s Bianca.”

I hated how Zoey sat up in bed, her body filled with tension.

“What do you need?”

“I thought you’d like to know that Zoey’s bedroom door is open and she’s not in her room.”

Zoey’s eyes went wide. She frantically shook her head at me. She didn’t want Bianca to know she was in here.

“She’s in here with me,” I spoke towards the door.

Nothing but silence from the other side of the door. Zoey, in mock horror, buried her face in the pillow.

“If I go out there and fire her ass, will that make your problem go away?” I whispered.

Zoey lifted her head and her eyes were sad. “No.”

I didn’t know what to do, so I lifted my head and touched the side of her face. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she pressed her face against my hand.

I wanted to kiss her.

No. I needed to kiss her.

I slowly moved my head towards her, but was cockblocked by myphone alarm. I lost the moment. The day was beginning. And I still did not understand what was going on with Zoey.

“I need to get to the gym before practice.” I also needed to get in the shower and jerk off. At least twice.

“Can I come watch your practice?”

I couldn’t think of anything I’d like more than to have her close by, so I could keep my eye on her. “Sure. We can go to IKEA right after.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Even the mention of IKEA didn’t warrant a reaction out of her.

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