Page 10 of Stealing for Keeps
“Is there a rule against hooking up during the season or something?” I look from Barrett to Rowan. The last thing I need is to do something stupid and get cut. I’m already on thin ice after showing up late today.
“No, no. You’re all good. He just gets bent out of shape with my dares sometimes.”
Rowan’s brows lift. “You nearly sent Chad to the emergency room after you bet him two hundred dollars that he couldn’t surf the hood of your truck.”
“That was unfortunate,” Barrett says. “I didn’t account for his terrible balance, and that massive pothole came out of nowhere.”
I have an uneasy feeling in my stomach.
“But he was totally fine. And the new guy here just has to get a girl to kiss him or embarrass himself trying.”
Not just any girl. The hottest one at the party and the one I almost ran over trying to rush to practice. But I do love a challenge.
My new teammates are watching, and I have a feeling they aren’t going to stop until I’ve completed my dare. Might as well make my move.
She’s sitting on the back of a parked four-wheeler with the brunette.
As I approach, her friend notices me first and elbows her in the side.
Her mouth pulls up into a half smile that’s playful but mocking. “Well, look who it is. I must say, the glitter was a good look on you. You sparkled all the way across the field.”
Glitter jabs. I’m getting used to those. And if she’s joking around, then maybe she’s already forgiven me.
“Hey. I’m Austin. I didn’t catch your name earlier today.”
“Oh, you mean when you were running me over?”
Or not. “I’m so sorry. I was late, and I should have been looking where I was going. And if it’s any consolation, the guys are never going to let me live it down. They’re calling me Disco and asking for makeup tips.”
She lets out a small laugh. “That does make me feel a teensy bit better.”
There’s another beat where she seems to consider if she’s going to tell me her name or not. Finally, she says, “Claire.” She tips her head to the side. “This is Lacey.”
I glance over at her friend, who’s smilingbigas she watches my interaction with her friend.
“That was quite a beating you took,” Lacey says. “Didn’t anyone warn you about Barrett?”
“Yeah.” I rub the back of my neck. “I swear he cheated, but I don’t know how.”
Claire’s laughter tinkles in the air. “He definitely cheated. He always does.”
“Would you believe me if I said I was taking it easy on him?”
“No,” she says adamantly. “Just like I wouldn’t believe you came over here just to apologize. What’d he dare you to do?”
My jaw drops.
“Oh, please. It’s obvious. He doesn’t do anything without betting on it. Plus, everyone is staring at us.” She glances behind me.
I turn, and she’s right. My teammates’ expressions range from excited to impressed. Except Rowan, who looks almost nervous. I offer a reassuring smile.
“So what is it? Do you have to get my number? Maybe ask me out on a date? We might as well get this over with.” Her bored tone borders on annoyed. If I had to guess, she’s the object of many dares.
“I have to kiss you.”
“Kiss me?” Her brows lift in surprise, then she laughs. That doesn’t bode well for me. “And if you don’t?”
I don’t plan to find out.
