Page 8 of The Player I Can’t Pick

“Yeah, but trust me, she makes sure we don’t forget it.”

Nicole smiles.

“Skyler is married to Zach, and they’re expecting a little girl any day now. Miller married Lindsey and adopted her nephew, Eli. He’s probably going to be a professional athlete like his favorite uncle.” I point at my chest proudly.

She laughs. “You’re his favorite?”

“Obviously.”

“What about the others?”

“Logan is married to Bree, and she’s pregnant. Penn is a doctor and married to Aria.”

I hesitate before continuing. “Ozzy lost his wife a few years ago. He’s had a hard time, but I think he’s finally starting to move forward.”

Nicole places her hand against her chest. “That’s awful.”

“Yeah, but he’ll be okay. I’ve noticed a difference in him lately.”

Before she can ask me anything else, I bring up the question that’s been bothering me all night. “Why are you on a dating app?”

She lets out a breath. “I just finished finals, and I haven’t dated in a while. I thought it might be a good way to meet people.”

“And?”

She looks away. “I wasn’t expecting anything serious. Maybe a one-night stand.”

My hand slides higher on her thigh before I can stop it. I squeeze gently. “Is that what you want?”

Her lips part. “Uh…”

I shake my head. The thought of her kissing that asshole from the bar makes something dark and possessive twist through me. “I want to kiss you, Nicole.”

Her lips form a perfect O, and I smile at her stunned expression. “Is that okay?”

She blinks before nodding. “Okay.”

I lean in and cup her face with my palm. She stares at me with wide eyes, and the need to press my mouth to hers is almost overwhelming. I’ve never wanted anyone as badly as I want her right now.

Just before our lips touch, she pulls back. “Am I being pranked?”

I hold back a groan of frustration and let my fingers slide into her hair. “Pranked? By me?”

She nods, looking unsure.

“Honey, I’m not pranking you.”

Her eyes search mine. “You really want to kiss me?” She lifts one shoulder. “I mean, I know I’m totally kissable, but you’re Guy Brody.”

I wrap my hand around the back of her neck and stroke my thumb over her racing pulse. “Yeah, you’re totally kissable.”

I lean closer until only an inch separates us. “And there’s no prank. I want you.”

CHAPTER 4

NICOLE

Guy Brody is about to kiss me.