Page 114 of Text Me Baby One More Time

I’m a liar.

The saddest part? We both believe what I’m saying.

* * *

It’s nearlytwenty minutes later when there’s a tapping at the door.

“Clark?”

“Oh thank fuck,” I mutter, pushing off the wall. “Joe, dude, I never thought I’d be so happy to hear your voice.”

“Say that again, just a little louder. I don’t think the microphone caught that.”

“I lied. Go away.”

“No!” Denny shouts, running to the door and yanking on the handle. “Please let us out!”

“Not until Clark tells me I’m the best shortstop on the team,andthat I have the biggest dick.”

“Your cock is massive and you’re the best shortstop!”

“Thank you, sweetheart, but I need to hear it from Clark’s mouth.”

“That was the sickest thing I have ever heard leave your mouth, and you talk a lot of shit,” I tell Denny quietly. “You need to take it back.”

“Fine, I take it back, butyouneed to say it. I’m starting to feel like I’m suffocating in here. If that’s the price you have to pay then pay up.”

“Clark? I’m needed back at the party. It’s now or never.”

“Say it,” Denny pushes.

“Fuck,” I groan. “You’re the best shortstop on the team and you have the biggest dick!”

Joe cackles and turns the knob, pulling the door open. His grinning face fills the doorway.

“’Sup, buttmunch?”

I grab Denny’s hand and shove past him.

The applause starts, the noise filling the otherwise empty hallway.

Several guys from the team are standing out there, all hooting and hollering as Denny and I make our shameful exit.

“Way to go, Clark!”

“Yeah! Nice going!”

“You’re the real MVP!”

Denny being Denny, she starts high-fiving and fist-bumping the guys, apparently feeling real goddamn proud of herself.

Fucking hell.I duck my head and pull her forward as fast as I can.

When we get to the last player, Denny yanks herself out of my grasp and turns to the crowd.

“I’d like to take this moment to address some rumors you might have heard about Shepard Clark—rumors spread by me.”

They all listen with rapt attention, amused smiles on their faces.

---