Page 16 of Their Cruel Play
“That’s all I want.”
He lifts his gaze to mine. “Good. This stays between us then?”
“Caden knows.” I rub the back of my neck. “The others might suspect something, but no one will say anything about it.”
When I notice the slight panic on his face, I rush out, “We deal with things on our own.”
“Yeah, that’s the other thing.” Darius leans back in his chair. “Pranks are part of high school, but that shit could get you guys in a lot of trouble. Especially when the kid is left nude in public.”
A smile tugs at my lips, but I try to keep it from forming. “Yeah, I get that. Good thing we weren’t part of it then, right?”
Darius rolls his eyes. “Just keep that shit to a minimum during the season. I’d hate to have to bench you guys.”
Now I smile because there’s no way Coach would bench us. “You haven’t been here long. That’s not the way things work.”
“I’m getting that.” He rubs the back of his neck and releases his breath. “I also wanted to give you a head’s up.”
“On what?” My brow furrows.
“During P.E. second period, I overheard some guys discussing your girl.”
I straighten. “Who?”
He shakes his head. “I came in for something. I know the football players and some other guys at the school, but I wasn’t familiar with this group.”
“What did they look like?” I lean forward. Any information is good information. I can find out tonight who’s in second period P.E. Fuck, no I can’t. It’s game, then party, then stay at Caden’s house, and I’m not missing one second with Harper.
“Rich, white kids.” He shrugs and gives me a cocky smile. “You all look alike to me.”
That makes me smile. I like Darius. Fuck, I liked him a lot this summer, but I also know what’s best for me and for him. That means drawing a firm line.
“Fit kids, like they do sports even if it’s not football.” Darius shrugs. “No one stood out. Sorry.”
“I appreciate the head’s up. Anything else, Coach?” I meet his dark eyes.
He gives me this look of regret. Yeah, something could have been between us. We could have grown into something more, but this isn’t the right time or place. He has his career to look out for, and I have Harper and the guys.
“I expect you guys to destroy the competition tonight.”
Smirking, I rise. “Hell yeah.”
He stands and holds out his hand to me. I shake it. Maybe I needed some resolution to this as well. I draw away, not letting it linger. Things might still be awkward between us, but at least we’re on the same page.
Whatever this was is over.
Harper
Me:
What time are we meeting?
Sidney:
During warm-ups. Kickoff is at 7 so quarter til
Me:
Near the concession?
