Page 30 of Arrogant Puck

Her mouth.

Her fucking neck.

That whisper.

Those eyes.

It’s like my body’s got a kill switch and she’s the one who flipped it.

I let go, holding the feeling ofsomething. Cold water now.

By the time I’m dressed, it’s almost 7:45. Sweatpants. Hoodie. No lights on but the hallway.

I drop onto the couch and pull up the camera feed. One front camera, one at the gate.

And there she is.

Fifteen minutes early.

Sitting in her car.

Driver’s seat tilted slightly back, but she’s upright. Not relaxed. She’s looking at the house, then at her lap. Probably thinking of leaving.

She’s got on jeans. Her hair’s tied up. She looks small from this angle, like the car’s swallowing her.

I zoom the feed a little.

She’s biting the inside of her cheek.

I don’t move. I just watch.

And wait.

Chapter 11

I shouldn’t be here.

I’m parked outside Slater Castellano’s massive black gate like I’ve lost my goddamn mind. My hands are clammy on the steering wheel. The dashboard clock blinks 7:52.

Eight o’clock.

He said eight.

I’d told Riley about the offer, half-joking, trying to feel out if I could back away from this quietly. But Riley’s face had gone serious fast.

“If a player prefers to do private rehab, that’s his prerogative. We don’t argue with clients.”

Then he added, “If you’re not comfortable, I’ll go.”

That’s when I’d backpedaled. Said I didn’t know if Slater meant it seriously, that he’d probably just been messing with me. Being a prick.

Riley nodded, but I could tell he wasn’t buying it.

So now I’m here.

Sitting in my car, regretting every career choice I’ve ever made.

I should have learned from the situation with Tyler, but it seems like I really get myself into these situations. My heart jumps as memories of that night cross my mind.

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