Page 32 of Flag On The Play
We’re at his place. His massive, party-perfect house with the open kitchen, decked-out sound system, heated pool, full bar, and enough room in the backyard for a game or a small festival.
He’s thrown some epic parties here.
“Nah,” I say, cracking open a beer. “She’s probably working anyway.”
What I don’t say is that I check Heaven’s social feed every night she performs. What I don’t say is that I still think about the way she felt pressed against me during that lap dance or the way her voice cracked just slightly when I walked away from her last week.
I really thought we had a chance to figure something out.
But she’s so damn bitter. So convinced I’m the villain in her story.
I’ve spent weeks trying to prove I’m not that high school prick anymore.
But maybe that’s the problem. Maybe I shouldn’t have to prove anything.
I’m not the same guy, and she refuses to see it.
“Roxy and Delaney are coming,” Jace says, tossing the football one last time and catching it with a smirk. “You gonna be cool with that?”
I laugh, taking a swig of beer. “Considering I’m a grown-ass man, yeah. I think I’ll manage.”
Music thumps from the speakers, people are filtering in, and the energy’s climbing fast. There’s already a crowd in the pool, girls dancing near the bar, and the grill is smoking up some steaks. It’s the kind of night I usually live for.
I’m leaning back against the bar, mid-sip, when I hear someone say, “Damn, that one’s trouble.”
I look up.
Roxy and Delaney are walking in, and they look like they came straight out of a photoshoot. They’re confident, gorgeous,and dressed to destroy egos. Theo whistles, already moving toward Delaney like he’s been waiting all night.
But they’re not alone.
Behind them, a step slower is Nova.
My body reacts before I can even think. My back straightens, jaw clenches, beer forgotten in my hand.
She’s wearing a short, strappy black dress that fits her like it was painted on. Her hair’s curled and wild, her lips blood red, and her heels are just high enough to make her legs look like something out of a wet dream.
And fuck, she sees me.
Those piercing blue eyes hit mine, and there’s a flicker of something there. Uncertainty, challenge, or maybe it’s the alcohol already warming my blood and making me imagine shit.
She turns back to say something to Roxy, who laughs and loops an arm through hers. Delaney waves to Theo, and they start weaving through the crowd.
I can’t stop staring. Can’t even pretend to.
Jace sidles up next to me, tracking where I’m looking. “Huh,” he says. “Guess she’s not working after all.”
“Nope,” I mutter, unable to stop the slow, stunned smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Guess not.”
I take another drink, eyes never leaving her.
Well, well, Nova Wilde.
Guess this game’s not over after all.
Nova and Roxy weave through the party, turning heads, and for a second, I forget how to breathe. Nova’s eyes scan the crowd until they land on the bar and back on me.
She and Roxy step up beside me like this isn’t a minefield, like we aren’t two steps away from sparking a forest fire with a single word.
