Page 24 of One of Them Girls

“I’ve got to go. Thanks for the video games and pizza. Talk to you later?” I smile up at him.

He leans in, hugging me to his chest before placing a chaste kiss on the top of my head. “Text me when you get out of class.”

“Will do. Bye, Jack.”

“Yeah, bye Ace.”

I smile to myself as I shut the door. Ace. Jack called me that after our fourth round. He said I was an Ace at shooting, then demanded we play teams instead. I think his ego was getting wounded by all the ass-kicking I was doing.

Too bad for him. My brother always taught me to win. Never concede, even if it’s to stroke a man’s ego.

A pang hits me in my chest.

Ryan.

God, I miss him.

Shaking off my somber thoughts, I head to my room to quickly change. As I open the door, Rebecca accosts me.

“Where have you been, missy? Doing the walk of shame at noon.” She tsks her tongue.

“I stayed over with Jack and Xavier,” I tell her as I quickly undress before dressing again.

“Two men at a time? Damn, you’re such a hussy,” she teases.

“Not two men at once, you dumbass. We were playing video games ‘til late, and I fell asleep.”

She gives me a knowing smirk as I turn to face her. “So whose bed did you end up in?”

Rolling my eyes, I give her a quick hug. “I don’t have time for this. I’m already late. See you later!”

I rush out of the room and practically run to humanities. I offer a small smile in apology as slip into class ten minutes late. Thankfully, my professor doesn’t stop teaching as I make my way to my seat. Once there, I take a deep breath before pulling out my laptop.

I’m taking notes furiously when my phone vibrates in my pocket. Glancing up at the professor, I take a chance to glance at it quickly.

Avi: You made an impression on Jack. He’s been bragging to all the boys about his “Ace”.

My heart races. I don’t know why he does this to me. Typing out a quick response, I leave my phone on my knee.

Me: Haha. I’m surprised he’s telling anyone he got his ass kicked by a girl.

Avi: Oh, he isn’t telling them who Ace is. He is, however, signing you up for a tournament with all the guys and betting his basket on you.

I smile. Jack is a sweet guy. He reminds me a lot of Ryan in that way.

Me: For Jack, I may be willing to take on a hoard of guys.

“Miss Davis. Please pay attention.” I cringe as my teacher calls me out.

I slip the phone into my pocket, about dying when it vibrates again. I can’t tell you what was taught the rest of class because I was so focused on what he said.

The moment class is over, I rush out into the hall, pulling my phone out of my pocket.

Avi: Should I be jealous of this newfound friendship with Jack?

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.

Jealous?

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