“Why’d you insist that we had a date earlier today on the football field? Ry wasn’t your biggest fan until—” Now she is the one trying, and I’m the one cutting her off as my stomachheats.
“How do you know Ryan and Tatum? Didn’t youjusttransfer?” My tone is slightly clipped as I watch Cleo tilt her head in confusion.
My skin grows hotter as I remember how Ryan and Tatum were surrounding her and Georgia when we first entered the field. Or how cozy the three of them were. I’m a protective guy! It’s only right for me to make sure girls are safe and not harass—
“How do I know my younger brother?” She guffaws, holding her shaking belly as laughter consumes her.
Younger brother?Ryan is only 20 and if he’s her younger brother then does that mean that she’s older than Jace—
“I can see the wheels turning in your head, so I’ll just put you out of your misery. Ry and I are step-siblings, I’m a week older than him. Georgia’s a year older than us, and Jace is about five months younger than me, give or take,” she says, taking a bite of the large sandwich on her plate as if everything is simple. But it only leaves me with more questions, like why didn’t she start at Summerfield with everyone else? Or why is she here now? And why can’t I stop thinking about her and Marcelo—
“As for all other questions, and although I’d love to get to know you more, I think we should stick to moreprofessionaltopics. I was serious when I told you a few days ago thatthisis strictly business and not the funny kind.” Cleo’s face is serious as she wipes at the ranch on her lip, missing it a bit. My finger itches to wipe it away but I know that the action will probably result in my castration, and I like my guy down there safe and sound.
But she wants to get to know me more.I’d say that my work here is not done but for now, I’ll give her what she wants and comply.
“I already told you, you have my Scout's honor. I won’t break anything if you don’t. But don’t be tempted by my dashing good looks while we work together for the next few weeks.” I shrug, my exterior passive while my interior roars at me for being an idiot.
“Trust me… I won’t.” She chuckles, pushing a few fries onto my plate. I raise an eyebrow at the action as she shrugs. “They weren’t crispy enough.”
I fight the small smile that wants to break loose at the action and try to school my body into numbness as I watch her. If Cleo genuinely doesn’t want anything romantic with me, I won’t force it. But, when she’s ready, I’ll be here.
After my “date” with Cleo, I’m feeling giddy as I enter the house. Delilah and Jace are sitting on the couch with face masks on, watching a cartoon about a talking car. I shake my head and snap a picture at the sight before stalking off to find the mother bear of the house.
“For someone who doesn’t live here, you sure are here more than I am.” I chuckle as Derek jumps from his spot in front of the kitchen stove.
He gives me the nastiest look ever before turning back to the large pan filled with rolled cookie dough, more than likely chocolate chip and peanut butter.
“Deli’s dance studio is closer to this house; besides, I like your kitchen.” Derek shrugs, fixing the pink apron he’s donning. His shoulders hunch at the mention of Deli’s dance studio, and it takes everything in me not to cringe as I remembered the recital a few nights ago.
To everyone’s surprise, I was in facton time.I’d been there bright and early enough to see Derek and Delilah’s dance teacher nearly rip each others face’s off. I don’t know the logistics of his argument with the fiery pink-haired teacher, all I know is that she wasnothappy with Derek.
As if sensing my curiosity, Derek shoots me a warning glare which is all I need to know that this is not a fight for any of the uncles to help with.
“So, have you figured out what you’re going to do about Coach?” he asks, whirling to face me with flour dusting his nose. Derek grins wickedly as my body coils from the mention of our ironclad couch, Clef Jones. Otherwise known as Cleo Jones’ scary ass dad.
“What do you mean?” I ask, finding the loose string on my hoodie suddenly interesting.
“I mean, how are you going to go about flirting with the daughter of the man who holds your balls on a tight leash? I highly doubt he’d keep you alive if he knew what happened that night at the party.” Derek raises a brow at me. I sigh, throwing my head back.
Fucking Braxton can’t keep a secret to save his life.
“I don’t know much about her but I have seen her on social media and she seemed happy at her previous school. A girl with the lifestyle she had doesn’t just leave her dream school to be up under her dad without a good reason. And I’m not saying you’re not a good guy, Wilder, but you don’t have a great rep with women. If Coach finds out about you clambering after his only daughter—”
“He won’t. We’re only classmates.” I shrug, my chest tightening as Derek and I lock eyes. His eyes are soft and he looks as if he wants to continue this conversation, but instead shakes his head and sighs.
“Great. Because nothing good can come from whatever it is that the two of you did. Besides, this year is crucial for you. Scouts are watching you now more than ever.”
I know Derek means well but it doesn’t help the sharp feeling gracing my stomach. Sadly, he’s right in a way. Flirting with Cleo Jones, no matter how fun it is, isn’t something I can afford to do.
But then again… When do I ever listen to everyone else?
thirteen
Cleo
Unknown
you’re dead when i catch you
