Page 57 of Scoring Chance

“A kiss would make me feel better.”

I choked back a laugh. “You’re crazy.”

His opened his eyes and pouted. “Please.”

I shook my head, not hiding my smile. “You must be in more pain than I thought if you’re this delusional.”

“Come on, Amelia. It’s a dying man’s wish.”

“You’re not dying, Tony.”

“You don’t know, Tiny. This could be the end for me. Do you really want to live the rest of your life knowing you turned me down? You’d let me die without the one thing in the world I want?”

His voice and strength made a miraculous return.

“No way.”

He smirked. “Fine. How about a date first? Then we can work up to a kiss.”

“You know I can’t date players.”

His eyes narrowed. “Says who?”

“Me,” I challenged.

“You got a boyfriend?”

Nope. I thought there was a chance of something between me and Derrek, but after the forties party I lost hope. He had every opportunity to tell me or show me how he felt and had said nothing. I needed to let go of my crush.

Maybe a date with a basketball pro wouldn’t be the worst thing. I gave Tony’s hand one final squeeze before pulling away. “No, I don’t.”

I could feel his eyes on me as I moved around the room, pretending to be putting things away. “Then why turn me down?”

I pushed my hair out of my face and sighed. When I faced him, he was propped up on his elbows. “There’s someone isn’t there?”

There was no point in lying. Who was he going to tell? Maybe the rest of the team, but it didn’t matter. They might even stop asking me out if they knew I was interested in someone else.

I finally broke down and met his pensive gaze. “Yes.”

His eyebrows shot up. “But he doesn’t want to commit?”

“No, I don’t think he’s interested in me, period.” I dropped my eyes to the floor and waited. When he didn’t say anything, I peeked up. He was staring at me like I’d grown an extra head.

“What idiot wouldn't be interested in you? Tell me who it is. I’ll take care of him.”

I laughed him off. “It’s okay. I guess we’re just destined to be friends.”

“No man wants to be just friends with you, Tiny.”

“The pain is really messing with your head.”

He glared at me. “Don’t do that. Don’t discount what I’m saying. If this guy is too dumb to see how lucky he is, then you walk away.”

I smiled and nodded. “You’re right.”

His eyes narrowed. “That was too easy.”

“No, you’re making perfect sense. I shouldn’t wait around hoping he’ll notice me. I can still be friends with him, but I should move on. For my own sanity.”