Page 132 of The Score We Never Settled

“Fuckin’ disgusting,” Riley mumbles over his beer. “I’m movin’ floors.”

“I’m movin’ hotels,” Theo quips. “Because the last time you fucked someone, idiot, you got us in the media.”

Davis leans against the bar top and shrugs. “I didn’t know she was gonna be a freak. That’s those brunettes for ya. Especially the innocent-lookin’ ones. And the one I’m eyeballin’ tonight…” He shakes his head and bites down on his lower lip. “Yeah, you might wanna move blocks, my boys.”

Good to know.

Because the last thing I wanna do is listen to him fucking some rando while I’m trying to talk to Layla.

Which has been a minute.

Fishing my cell phone out of my jeans, I texted her after the game, but she didn’t respond right away. So I figured she was in the shower or eating or something.

But when I power my screen on, I’m happy to find her name on there.

LAYLA JEAN: Congratulations, Briggs. I’m so proud of you.

BRIGGS: Thanks, Short Stop. You gonna show up naked on our video call tonight?

LAYLA JEAN: Sounds like it’s been earned. Wanna ring me now?

BRIGGS: I can. Need about ten minutes, tho. I’m at the bar with the boys, celebrating. But the hotel is right down the street.

LAYLA JEAN: I can wait. Celebrate, you deserve it.

BRIGGS: I’d rather celebrate with you.

“Do you think I should go with white wine or red?” Davis asks out loud. “I’m buyin’ her a drink.”

I ignore him because who the hell cares?

“You just said she was playing hard to get,” Josiah reminds all of us. “How about you leave her alone and let her come to you?”

Davis rolls his eyes. “That’s the point of playin’ hard to get, stupid. Theywantyou to chase them.”

LAYLA JEAN: Well, take your time because I’m waiting.

BRIGGS: Did you order food?

“Davis, man, why are you such a moron?” Riley asks as if he’s really going to get a reasonable response. “We’re just trying to celebrate and then get some shut-eye. We’re headin’ out tomorrow, and it’s gonna be a long series with Louisville. Julian Erza is back from that concussion, and he’s ready to play.”

“I ain’t worried about him, man. He can’t hit a sinker to save his life. We have his number.”

LAYLA JEAN: Wine.

“Alright, so red or white?”

“White,” Theo gripes out. “Geezus, now get lost.”

BRIGGS: So, we really are celebrating.

LAYLA JEAN: Sorta.

“Let me go double-check,” Davis declares. “I want her pussy in my face by the end of the night, so I don’t want to mess this up.”

BRIGGS: What does that mean, Short Stop? I’ve been waiting to talk to you all night.

“You’re gonna do that anyway,” Riley discloses. “All you need to do is open your mouth.”