Page 104 of Game Plan

We finished eating and discarded our food wrappers. I linked our arms together after we put on our jackets and traipsed toward the exit. “Fine. I’ll be your wing woman.”

“Deal. In exchange, I’ll ask my mom to send us her newest recipe. She’s making appetizers these days. Her latest creation is some mushroom thingy with herbs and bacon. It’s supposed to be decadent.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to try them. When she opens that catering business, no doubt it will be a huge success.”

We climbed down the staircase to the main floor, coming face to face with a bunch of male athletes.

Donovan’s eyes brightened. “It’s like we’ve arrived in heaven.”

“Come on, Don Juan, let’s get out of here. We have classes to attend.”

“Just a minute, girl. Let me enjoy the view for a little longer.”

I tugged at his sleeve, laughing.

When I spun forward, I hit a muscled wall. His scent made me weak in the knees. Driftwood and pine. A warm hand locked around my arm, keeping me upright.

“Mel.”

“Mase.”

“How are you doing?”

I swallowed. “Good. You?”

Donovan came to stand next to me, extending his hand. “Donovan. You can call me Don.”

Mason met his palm with his. “Mason.”

I found my voice. “Mase, Don. Don, Mase.”

“Nice sausage,” Donovan said, referencing the hot dog episode, or at least, I hoped deep down he was.

I gasped and whispered through gritted teeth. “Stop.”

He flashed me a thousand-dollar grin and winked. “I have places to be. We’ll catch up later.” He kissed my cheek and sauntered away. Before he pushed the door open, he watched me over his shoulder and mouthed, Kiss him.

Unbelievable. I shook my head, feeling hot all over.

“You okay?” Mason asked.

“Sure.”

“You’re a bit flustered.”

I cooled my burning cheeks with my hands. “It’s nothing. How are you doing? Sorry, I haven’t been present lately. A lot is going on. Are you still…huh… abstaining?” I cringed at my choice of words, but I had no idea what to say without raising suspicions.

“Good. And yeah, I do.”

I tipped one eyebrow.

“I swear. The pool therapy really helps. Thanks for suggesting it.” Mason wasn’t jittery right now, so I believed he was telling the truth.

“Mase, I only want what’s best for you.”

Our conversation was so awkward I could barely recognize us. From an outsider’s point of view, we must have looked like strangers to each other.

“As much as I would like to stay here with you and catch up, I gotta go. My team already left.” He gestured toward the gym where his teammates had disappeared while we were talking. “Bye, Shepard.”