You don’t need to distract me; we’re on the same team,he all but growls through our link.
I laugh softly and drop my fingers.All right. I guess I’ll have to wait to feel you up.I grin even as I say the words; I love messing with him. And if there’s anything he’s shown me in the last two weeks, it’s that he’s as drawn to me or into me as I am into him.
Riley,he growls in a huff.I want your hands on me every moment of every day. But if you want to focus on this game, you’d better stop touching me and talking to me that way.
But it’s so fun,I send back, running my fingers through his hair once again.
He stands suddenly and turns, so that he’s looking down at me. My heart speeds up at the look in his eyes. They’re definitely lighter, a sign that his wolf is very much present. He steps so close, we’re chest to chest; but we’re not touching.I have no problem picking you up and carrying you off this field in the sight of everybody and having my way with you inside the privacy of my bedroom. But I don’t think you’re quite ready for that. But you keep it up, keep poking the bear, it’s going to happen.
I feel my entire insides heat to a nearly combustible level at his words, but I force myself to play it cool.I think you mean wolf,I say, keeping eye contact the entire time.
He growls and steps forward, and I anticipate whatever he’s going to do. Suddenly, Zane is there. “Hey, knock it off, you two. We have a game to play.”
My brother’s voice is like a cup of cold water to the face. My head jerks back, and I feel my face heat. There’s no doubt in mymind that everybody just watched our heated exchange. Good thing I don’t care. I grin up at Reid. “You ready to snap?”
His eyes darken this time, and I watch as his eyes drop to my lips. For one breathless moment, I think he’s going to do it; I think he’s going to kiss me. But then he tugs his ball cap further down his head and turns back around.I’m always ready to snap around you.
I grin at his words.Same, Reid. Same.
Before either of us can say anymore, he snaps the ball. Thankfully, I remember what I’m supposed to. I get the ball behind my back just as Quint passes behind me. He takes the ball and runs with it. He's fast; sometimes, I forget how fast he is. He gets all the way down the field and scores. “Yes!!” I run to the middle and give Quint and Reid high-fives, and then we play defense. They score on the next three possessions. Sadly, we don’t. They end up beating us, but we put up a good fight.
“Good game, everybody,” Zane calls out.
“Great game. What’s for lunch?” Tessa asks, dropping to the ground. “I’m starving.”
“You’re always starving,” Quint says with a laugh.
Tessa gives him what I assume she thinks is an evil glare, but on her, it barely even looks like a frown. Slate stops in front of her and pulls her to her feet. “Let’s get something to eat.”
“Oh, I think I love you.”
I laugh at her words, but she’s not laughing. She’s dead serious. I hide my smile as I walk past the two of them. I’m so glad they found each other. Slate needed Tessa in his life, and I’m so happy he found her. I glance over at my brother and Evie and think the same thing for them. They’re so happy, and they’re so good for each other. My brother’s going to make an amazing alpha when he takes over for my dad some day, and Evie will be just who he needs at his side. I picture them having several kids. “What are you thinking?” Reid asks, showing up at my side.
I smile up at him. “Just at how perfectly matched Slate and Tessa and Zane and Evie are.”
“And us?” he asks, looking down at me.
I look up at him. “I think we’re a pretty good match. Do you?”
“I think you’re my perfect match.”
“Aw, thanks.”
“I’m serious, you know.”
“I know.” My voice is serious now; all trace of humor gone. We walk back to the house together. “Do you think I’m ready for tomorrow?” I haven’t talked about it much, but now it’s so close. I’m nervous, like really nervous for basketball to start tomorrow.
He catches my hand and turns me to face him. “You’re going to do great. You’re ready.” But there’s something in his face. I know him too well to miss it.
“What are you not telling me?” I ask directly.
He hesitates only a moment. “Just that the coach is pretty intense. I’ve heard about her over the years. Just don’t let her get to you, okay?”
Chapter 18
Riley
Reid’s words stay with me the rest of the day yesterday and into today. I can’t say they haven’t affected me, but I’m trying not to think about it as I head into the gymnasium now. I’ve known of Coach Parella for the last few years. I know she’s hard. She’s been known to throw clipboards during games when she gets mad. She’s intense and driven, but she’s also the most winning coach in women’s NCAA division one basketball. I’ve dreamed about this day for a really long time, and now it’s finally here. I’m equal parts excited and terrified. Another girl walks in at the same time and holds the door for me. “Thanks.” There’s something about her that gives the same vibes I’m sure I’m giving off. “Freshman?” I ask.
