Page 38 of Make the Play

That’s what he said. I don’t know exactly what that means, but I do know that I don’t have the power to stop it. I can’t say no to him, and I don’t want to. I’m playing with fire, and I can confidently say that one of us, possibly both of us, is going to get burned, but this connection is too strong to ignore.

ChapterEleven

Knox

I’m sure the food was great, but I didn’t really taste it. Instead, I had the taste of Corie’s skin on my lips from where I kissed her temple. It was a risky move when anyone could have looked through the glass door and seen me, but I couldn’t not do it.

That’s how it is with her.

I know it’s wrong. I know I have to stop, but I can’t. No matter how hard I try to keep my distance, something about her keeps reeling me in. Basically, I’m fucked. Well and truly fucked. I’ve never had a woman consume me like Corie does. If I were ever lucky enough to touch her—I mean, really touch her like I crave to do—I know there would be no turning back.

Dangerous.

That’s what she is. That’s what this situation is, and I still can’t stop. There’s a big part of me that doesn’t want to stop. I know how that sounds, and I’m crossing all kinds of lines, but there’s something different about her, about whatever this is, that ignites between us whenever we are in the same room together.

“Bro, good call on the pastries,” Landry says.

We’re all sitting outside at the patio table. Our bellies are full—well, everyone’s but Landry’s. I don’t think he’s ever full. The stars appear as day turns to night, lighting up the night sky.

“It’s a celebration,” I tell him. I don’t look to my right, where Corie is sitting with Sloane next to her. They’re both at the end of the table, their chairs shoved close together.

“Baby Reynolds is a Rampage!” Baker calls out.

Everyone cheers and looks her way, which means I can, too, without making it obvious. Turning slightly, I take in her smile and flushed cheeks.

Beautiful.

“She’s always been a Rampage,” Landry grumps, shoving another bite of a chocolate-drizzled croissant into his mouth.

“Yeah, but now she doesn’t need you,” Foster tells him. “She’s a Rampage all on her own.” He’s sitting to the right of Corie and holds his fist out for her. “Leaving big brother in the dust.”

Her head falls back in laughter, and I want to capture the sound so I can always listen to it. Foster grins, proud of himself for making her laugh, and while I appreciate the fact that she’s happy, I’m also really fucking annoyed that it’s because of him. I know that’s a contradiction, but it is what it is.

“When do you start?” Reid asks.

“Monday.”

“Nice.” He nods. “Welcome to the Rampage family.”

Landry grumbles under his breath, and we all laugh. The guys keep saying it to get a rise out of him. It’s just too damn easy.

Corie smiles again, and I watch as she shivers.

“We should start a fire,” I say, standing and tossing my empty water bottle into the outdoor trash can.

“It is getting chilly out here,” Sloane agrees.

I start my journey down the steps to the fire pit to get it started. I’d offer her the hoodie in my truck, but that’s pushing it. Besides, she lives here. She can go up to her room and grab one of her own. This is the only way I can ensure she’s warm without making it obvious.

By the time I have the fire lit, they’ve all joined me. Everyone takes a seat, but we’re still short two. I’m honestly surprised Landry has not taken care of that now that she’s home and Sloane is always here. I would mention it to him, but if there’s a chance for her to be on my lap, I’m keeping my mouth shut.

“All right, boys, who wants me?” Sloane asks.

Landry groans because Sloane is like a sister to him. “Not it,” he says, holding his hands up.

“I got you,” Foster says, patting his leg.

Sloane wastes no time making herself at home on his lap. The two start talking, and I look away, searching for Corie. She’s standing a few feet away. I stare until she feels my gaze and turns to face me. It’s mere seconds, but it’s long enough for one of the other guys to offer, and I’ll be the only one she’s sitting with tonight.

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