Page 150 of The Illicit Play

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Shit, it’s hard to concentrate when all I can think about is Blake and how to fix things between her and Wily.

She was still asleep when I left this morning. So was Wily.

From what I can tell, things are still pretty frosty between them, and I’m not sure how to fix it.

I really need to?—

I stutter to a stop when I round the corner and find Teah waiting outside Athletes Hall. There’s a little spot in the sunshine where she used to stand and wait for me.

And now she’s waiting for Mac.

My stomach sinks and I clench my jaw, looking away from her pretty face. She’ll always be beautiful. She putsin the effort to be just so, and I always appreciated that about her. I love her style. She’s got a great sense of fashion and knows exactly how to highlight her best features.

Blake’s like that, too, although she seems to do it with way less thought.

An image of her makeup-free with her blonde curls in a messy ponytail hits me. She was so raw and unchecked in the forest… and she was fucking gorgeous.

Swallowing, I move forward, knowing I’ll cross paths with Teah and having to be okay with it. I need some lunch if I’m gonna get through afternoon classes and a weights session.

Teah glances up from her phone just as I pass her.

“Hey, Grady.” Her smile is instant, like she’s forgotten we’ve broken up.

Shit, it’d be so natural to pull her against me and kiss her hello.

But she’s not my girl anymore.

“How are you?”

“Uh… yeah.” I shrug.

Her nose wrinkles, her eyes telling me she knows I’m anything but good.

I glance away from her. Damn, it’s all so familiar. She knows me better than anyone, because I let her all the way in.

“How was your spring break?” she asks, her voice cautious, like she can tell it wasn’t great.

Well, she’s wrong.

“It was amazing.” I force a smile. “Went hiking and had…” My voice softens. “I had the best time.”

“I bet you did.” She grins. “You and the forest have always been one.”

My lips twitch before rising into a genuine smile. “Yeah.”

“Well, I’m glad that part went well. How was the rest of it, though?” She touches my arm. “Are you okay?”

I nod, then for some reason end up spilling, “Things are a bit rough at Football Frat.”

“Oh no, what happened?”

“Wily’s pissed off with me.”

She blinks in surprise, her glossy lips parting. “I heard about his injury. That’s awful. But… why is he mad at you?”

I wince. “Because he saw me making out with his sister.”

“What?” She laughs. “You didn’t. Grady Newman. Bro code!”