Page 21 of Racking Up Penalties
“Probably a good thing,” Tristan adds.
“Right…” My words trail off as I turn back to Ethan, trying to focus on the task at hand. But my mind is elsewhere, torn between the three men who each pull at me in their own unique ways.
Tristan, with his deep blue eyes filled with a protective warmth that makes me feel cherished and safe. Liam, whose shy smiles and gentle demeanor have etched themselves into my daydreams since I first met him last year. And Ethan, with his flirty charm and confidence that somehow both unnerves and excites me, despite just meeting him.
Chapter 11
I lean back against the cold wall of the locker room that’s been turned into a fitting room, arms crossed over my chest as I watch him. Ethan’s laughing with Tessa, his brown eyes locked on her face, and every instinct in me tightens. The way he leans into her space, that damn charming smile plastered across his face, it gets under my skin.
She laughs, a sound like music, and it’s a punch to the gut. Why can’t he just back off?
I try to focus on something else, anything else. The rough texture of the brick wall pressing into my back or the taste of my mint gum, but it’s no use. My gaze inevitably drifts back to Tessa, her long red hair cascading over her shoulders, those playful hazel eyes lighting up with each compliment.
I want to be the one making her smile like that.
Where are JD, Luka and Alec when you need them? They told everyone to stay away from Tessa today and let her work but yet, here Ethan is, flirting with her.
I’ve liked Tessa for a while but I haven’t had the nerve to ask her out, yet.
It could make things awkward with JD, Luka and Alec if things go wrong.
Emma’s brother, Tristan, is here and he’s looking at Tessa the same way I probably am. I can only assume he’s interested in her if he’s here now, helping her.
Suddenly, it’s not just about going against my friends’ wishes; it’s about not letting Ethan beat me to the punch.
Ethan’s voice cuts through the charged air, confident and clear. “Tessa, how about you and I go out for a drink tonight?”
The question hangs in the space between us, and Tessa’s gaze flits to mine for a split second, a silent move that sends my heart into overdrive. Surprise flickers across her face, but it’s the tightening of Tristan’s jaw and the stiffening of his posture that ramp up the tension.
“Sure, Ethan,” Tessa replies after a moment, her tone light, betraying nothing of the undercurrents swirling around us.
My pulse throbs in my ears, and my mind races. There’s no way I can stand by and watch Ethan sweep in like this. It feels like he’s throwing down a gauntlet, and there’s a part of me—a reckless, daring part—that refuses to back down.
“Actually,” I interject, my voice stronger than I feel, “I was thinking Tessa and I could grab dinner tonight.”
Tessa’s eyes widen, a hint of confusion playing in their hazel depths as she looks at me. But it’s Tristan’s sigh, barely audible yet heavy with unspoken words, that pins me where I stand.
“Really?” Tessa asks. There’s an edge of something like excitement in her voice, and it’s enough to make me push past the fear.
“Really,” I affirm, locking eyes with her. “I’d like that.”
There’s a flicker of something in Ethan’s expression, annoyance, maybe even anger, but he quickly masks it with a cool smirk. The room feels smaller somehow. In this moment, it’s not just about Tessa; it’s a challenge, a silent battle of wills between Ethan and me.
“Okay, why not? I can do both.” She shrugs playfully, and her carefree response is like a lifeline thrown into choppy waters.
I’m shocked but she didn’t say no to me so I won’t be complaining.
“Tessa… I don’t think-” Tristan starts but I cut him off. I don’t want him changing her mind.
“Great,” I manage to say, though my voice doesn’t sound like my own. It’s too late for second-guessing. I’ve made my move, and whatever comes next, I’m all in.
Ethan and I share a tense look, an unspoken acknowledgment of the game we’re both playing.
She looks at Tristan, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief rather than distress. “I can handle myself, thank you very much.”
She turns to me then, a smile playing on her lips, and it’s like she’s not even aware of the gravity of the situation. “I would be delighted.”
“Delighted, huh?” Ethan murmurs, but there’s no missing the edge in his voice. He’s not pleased.
