Page 22 of Racking Up Penalties
“Absolutely,” Tessa replies breezily, oblivious to the storm brewing between us. Her nonchalance throws me for a loop, but there’s a part of me that admires her for it. In the midst of this chaos, she remains herself, unfettered and vibrant.
I’ve never been more determined to come out on top.
I can feel the weight of Tristan’s eyes boring into my back, a silent pressure that screams louder than any words he’s struggling to hold back.
“Are you sure about this, Tessa?” His voice cuts through the room, a note of forced casualness not quite masking the undercurrent of frustration. “You don’t have to say yes just because they asked.”
But Tessa, bless her oblivious heart, simply beams up at us with those playful hazel eyes, completely missing the tension that’s coiled tight in Tristan’s shoulders.
I smile down at Tessa, while silently pledging to make damn sure my date with her outshines whatever Ethan has planned.
Tessa’s excitement is a living thing, carefree in a way I envy.
For Tessa, I can pretend that everything’s simple, that it’s just two people going out to have a good time. But beneath the surface, the reality isn’t nearly as straightforward.
“You two should probably get out there and send the next people in,” Tristan says.
He’s right, we’ve taken too long in here.
Ethan steps down and walks out with a wink. “See you tonight,” Ethan finally says, his tone smooth but his eyes still throwing daggers at me.
His eyes linger on Tessa for a second longer than necessary before he walks away, leaving behind a wake of tension that pulls at my insides. I fight the urge to punch him.
When Tessa turns to me, her gaze full of questions, I find myself grappling with the desire to just pour out everything that’s raging inside me.
“Is everything alright between you two?” she asks.
“Everything’s fine,” I assure her, the words automatic. We stand there, the silence stretching between us, filled with things unsaid and feelings unexplored.
Chapter 12
I finish up the last of the guys and I pivot on my heel to find Audrey approaching, her smile gentle and encouraging. Her brother Miles’ features echo in her face, that same kindness etched into her expression. She tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“Hi, Audrey,” I say.
“You did an amazing job styling today,” Audrey breathes out, her eyes flitting across the lineup of outfits. “Your attention to detail is insane.”
The pride in my project puffs up my chest a little.
A blush crawls up my cheeks at the compliment, and I can’t help but beam at her. “Thanks! It’s all about the little things, right? They can make or break an outfit.”
“Definitely.” She nods, her admiration soaking into every syllable.
Her praise is like a soothing balm to the chaos of my thoughts, the ones that keep circling back to Ethan, Tristan and Liam.
“I heard the photos have been coming out great. I can’t wait to see them.”
The clatter of footsteps breaks my concentration, and I glance up to find Tristan threading his way through the racks of clothes toward me. His sandy-brown hair is a tousled mess as if he’s run his hands through it numerous times, and those deep blue eyes hold a glint of pride that instantly warms me from the inside out.
Miles and Reed come up to get Audrey and she says goodbye. I give Tristan my full attention.
“Hey, Tessa,” he greets with that easygoing smile that never fails to set off a flutter in my chest. “This is truly impressive. You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Thank you, Tristan.” My words are a whisper carried away on a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “It means a lot coming from you.”
“I’m serious,” he insists, stepping closer. “They were lucky to have you.”
“Stop, you’ll make me blush,” I tease, but the heat creeping into my cheeks isn’t feigned. The air around us feels charged, every compliment stoking the embers of something I’m afraid to name.
