Page 84 of Miss Me Not

"Yeah, don't be a dick, Pete," Trish said, rolling her eyes at me. "He can be such an idiot," she whispered, linking her arm through mine. "I really am glad to meet you. I haven't ever seen D this happy. Try not to hurt him, okay?" she added as we joined the others.

Her words made my stomach drop like someone had poured a gallon of cement down my throat. Did she really just warn me? Her warning was too late of course. It was inevitable I would hurt him.

"Ready for some fun," Dean said, joining us.

"Uh, I think I'd rather watch," I said, realizing they wanted me to join in on their game.

"Nice try," one of the other girls said, smiling at me. "I tried that excuse the last time John brought me to one of these get-togethers," she went on, indicating a taller guy off to our left with a mess of golden locks that fell across his forehead. "I'm Courtney, by the way," she said, holding out her hand.

I shook it, grateful she wasn't a hugger. "Nice to meet you. Seriously, though, I know absolutely nothing about football."

"That excuse won't fly here. Believe me, I tried it. All you need to remember is, if anyone hands the ball to you, run for the end zone as fast as you can," she said, pointing to the far end of the field.

"Seriously?" I asked.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. Plus, don't tell John, but it's actually a lot of fun."

"Madison, no fraternizing with the enemy," Trish said, coming over to drag me to the team I had obviously been drafted to. "You're going down boyee," she said to Courtney in an over-the-top gangsta voice.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Trishy. They don't call me lucky for nothing," Courtney called after us.

After joining my team, I was dismayed to learn that Dean was on the opposing team. I started to fume when I looked over at him for help and he merely winked at me. Mother of F, it was bad enough I had to play a game I knew nothing about, but being on my own sucked major ass, I thought to myself as I decided the alligators for torture were still a viable option.

I forced myself to pay attention in our huddle so I wouldn't commit some football faux pas, but all I got out of it was to run if you had the ball and block the other players if you didn't. The first play was relatively painless since Dean's team had the ball first. A couple of guys on my team tackled Dean before he had run more than a few yards with the ball he had caught. The next play was a complete disaster when I failed to tackle him, allowing him to dance into the end zone.

My teammates booed and hissed at Dean's maneuver.

"Nice, you knew I wouldn't tackle you," I hissed at Dean as he jogged over to me triumphantly.

"Have to take any advantage I can get," he said chuckling before brushing a soft kiss across my cheek.

Before I could think to respond, he was back with his teammates who all high-fived him in celebration.

"Madison, you need to make those tackles," Pete griped when I joined my team.

I merely nodded, gritting my teeth. Whatever, ass hat. I thought as I resisted the urge to give him the one-finger salute. If he wants someone tackled, he could do it himself. >"Would you like to see inside the house?" he asked, pulling into the narrow driveway.

"Do we have time?"

"Sure, it'll only take a few minutes," he said, putting the jeep in park.

Climbing out, I stretched my cramped legs, pausing to admire the picturesque scene around me. Large trees stood tall and straight around the house, like soldiers, while every other type of Florida vegetation seemed to peek in just beyond the clearing where the house sat. Unique-looking, handmade benches sat around an oversized iron firepit in the middle of the yard. A tire swing hung from the large gnarly branch of an old oak tree off to the left of the firepit, while two swings hung from the branches of another tree. The overall appeal of the yard was every bit as magical as our tree at school. I loved everything about it from the large trees that surrounded us all the way down to the old tire swing that I yearned to try out at least once. I wanted to stay here and never leave.

"It's breathtaking," I said, turning to him with bright eyes as he joined me on my side of the vehicle.

"Yes, it is," he answered, never taking his eyes off mine as he stepped closer to me.

I had the distinct impression he wasn't talking about our surroundings like I was. My breath quickened as he gently placed his hands on my hips.

"Friends," I reminded him softly, trying not to freak at his close proximity.

"Friends do this," he teased lightly, stepping closer.

"Um, we're not friends with benefits," I said, attempting to take a step back. His hands on my hips detoured my retreat as they anchored me in place.

"You look so beautiful. Did I tell you that already? Like you belong here," he said huskily, never taking his eyes from mine. "You make this place even more special."

"I thought The Hulk ride was your special place on Earth," I teased, trying to make light of the moment.

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