Page 64 of Lavender and Linebackers

“Thank you for what?”

His eyes open, and he pulls back a little to find mine. They’re pained with a hint of gratitude.

“Thank you for giving me that. At least once in my life.”

Once in his life?

“Ryder,” I whisper, but he shakes his head for me not to speak.

What does he think I’m going to say? Because if I have my way, there will be many more kisses like this one. But as he stands up to his full height, I see all the bricks on all four of his walls slowly stack around him.

The moment is over, and by the tortured look on his face, there’s nothing I could say to change it.

Taking a step back, he gently cradles my head, runs his thumb across my cheek, and then walks straight past me and back toward the parking lot.

Team Chat

Darius: Please tell me y’all have seen the pictures of Rookie floating around with that cheerleader.

Rico: Oh, we’ve seen them. We actually saw them together last night, and let’s just say they were looking mighty cozy.

Ryder: What? No, we weren’t.

Darius: Sully, did you not have the fraternization conversation with him?

Sully: Of course I did, you dick. I know how to do my job.

Darius: So what’s the deal?

Camden: 68% of people will tell you that they think gossiping is bad. Maybe you should mind your own business and leave it alone.

Rico: Damn! Superman showed up for his boy today!

Camden: I mean, really, why do you care? And the only thing I’m showing up for is the picnic later.

Darius: Listen up, Boo. I married my high school sweetheart. I’m living my best suburban life. Got one kid and another on the way. My life needs a little gossip.

Ryder: There’s nothing to gossip about. You all know about the dumb campaign. We were required to be there last night.

Rico: Were you required to have your hands on her ass?

Titan:

Sully: What!

Ryder: What? I didn’t touch her ass. I’ve never touched her ass. Stop causing problems and stop trying to get me in trouble.

Rico: Just sayin. Her ass is mighty fine. Maybe you should put your hands on it. Otherwise, open season.

Ryder: Fuck off, Rico. I swear to God. If I catch you looking at her, we’re going to have problems.

Rico: See! Boy has it bad.

Jonah: Would it be terrible if he did? I think they look good together.

Rico: You’re only saying that because you’re all loved up with the hot doctor.

Jonah: Hot is definitely one way to describe her.