AllFreeNovel
Share Us
And I love him for it.
“Okay.” He dribbles to the mid-court line. “Make it, take it?”
I nod, stripping my t-shirt off and tossing the ball of fabric toward the bleachers. I’ve already worked up a sweat.
Holden’s eyebrows shoot half-way up his forehead as I crouch a few feet away, my gaze falling to the ball he’s holding.
I love school.
I’m a people pleaser. Making my parents and teachers proud has always driven me. So has the goal of getting into vet school.
But I miss playing basketball. Regret giving it up as easily as I did.
I hate and love how it’sHoldento me.
At times, it’s been an unpleasant reminder. It’s also another love we share, aside from our feelings for each other.
He’s better than me. Always has been and the gap in our respective skill levels has only widened over time. I quit in eighth grade. Holden is one of the top college players in the country.
He feints left, but I’m ready. I mirror his movements, knocking my shoulder against his chest as I reach for the ball.
I spin and dribble. “Don’t let me win!”
“You’re the one who took your shirt off to distract me.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m wearing a sports bra. It’s not like I’m naked.”
“Fine.”
My mouth goes dry as he yanks his shirt off one-handed, tossing it toward mine.
And I sorta see his point. His shorts sit low on his hips. His broad shoulders, ripped stomach, the carved V, the line of dark hair disappearing into the waistband? Allverydistracting.
“I’m still going to win,” I inform him, exhibiting a confidence I don’t feel.
Holden smirks. “I thought you didn’t want me to let you win?”
“I didn’t say anything about youlettingme.”
He shakes his head but is enough of a gentleman not to rattle off his stats. We both know I don’t have a chance of winning against him. But I like that he’s pretending I do. And competition is a necessary distraction from his body.
“Okay. Your ball.”
Fingers trail across my bare stomach as he moves into position with his back to the basket.
“That’s a foul,” I inform him.
Holden’s laugh is low and throaty. “You can’t play and ref, Cas.”
“Why not?”
“It’s a conflict of interest.”
“Don’t you trust me?” I bat my eyelashes.
“With my life? Absolutely. To play ref without cheating?” He grins. “Nope.”
“Rude.”
