Page 27 of The Perfect Steal

The game came down to the wire, the last shot being taken by Ben’s dad, and he missed. It was the best game I’d seen in rec basketball in a long time, and I was kind of sad there was another game after it instead of being free to go home.

In an attempt to talk to Nate a little longer, I stood from the table and walked out to the hallway, grabbing a drink from the drinking fountain. When I turned around, he was standing behind me, waiting his turn.

I stepped to the side, trying to figure out what to do with my hands so they wouldn’t be flailing. Should I wait and talk to him? Or should I just walk away?

Why was I being so weird now that he was right next to me?

He turned and smiled at me, wiping the water from his chin with the back of his hand. “How much longer do you have here?” He gestured back to the gym and then looked back at me. I could still see his light blue eyes in the dim light, and I let out an inward squeal.

“One more game. Monday nights are just two games, usually.”

“Do you want me to stay? I could give hilarious commentary on old men’s basketball.” He chuckled, and I laughed, catching myself before I snorted. That could’ve been rough.

Of course, I wanted him to stay, but with Hazel there, she’d for sure screw up any chances I had of getting through the night without gut-clenching embarrassment.

“You don’t have to do that. But it was fun watching you play.”

“Really?” he asked, his expression disbelieving.

“Really,” I said. “You looked like a natural out there.”

He shook his head. “I need tips from the master,” he said with a gentle poke to my shoulder.

I dropped my head, shaking it at the same time. “Not a master; that’s for sure. Just a girl who’s been playing for most of her life.”

The horn sounded in the gym, and I saw Hazel trying to peek through the doorway, probably looking for me.

“I have to go,” I said, not wanting to walk away.

Nate gave a nod. “Maybe text me when you get home, so I know you made it.” He ran a hand through his semi-wet hair and then scratched at his neck. Was he nervous too?

I grinned. “For sure.”

With a few jogging steps, I made it back to the table, turning back to see Nate leaning against the doorframe. Dang, he was cute.

“Did you talk to him?” Hazel asked, rolling her lips in as she waited for my answer.

I could only nod, hoping he’d left the gym by now.

Of course, Hazel squealed, clapping her hands together. “You have to go out with him!”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Colt hit Nate in the stomach before he turned to walk out the door. It was then I remembered that Nate had been grounded from his Hummer.

I could have driven him home!

Why wasn’t there a rewind button so I could go back and change my answer?

I hoped that wouldn’t be my last chance to spend time with him without homework getting in the way.

16

Brynn

I contemplated turning around and walking back into the high school. Nothing like being the awkward wheel to your friend group and their boyfriends. Everything had changed in the last few months with my friends pairing off, plus my living situation that never seemed to settle to below a simmer in the drama area. It was hard not to just want to scream.

“Come on, Brynn,” Kate said, her hand touching my elbow. “It's just lunch, and the guys are fun anyway. Besides, you need to eat. You probably burn double the daily calories as the rest of us. Are you ready for your game tomorrow?”

“Yep,” I lied, pasting a bright smile on my face. The thought of the game made my head spin.

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