I can’t help a quick, snorting laugh.
Slapping my hand over my mouth, I spin away before Tobin can see me, then find Zoey right at my feet.
“You play my team.”
“Okay.” Taking her hand, I let her lead me across the grass and quickly find out that this is not really football.
This is… get the ball and try to reach the other end of the field without anyone catching you.
Nix manages to coax Tobin into the game after some heavy-duty hassling, and soon all three of us are as sweaty as the rest of them.
Out of breath, I rest my hands on my knees and suck in some lungfuls of air after my reckless sprint down the field. Like I was ever gonna catch Tyrell with his big, long strides.
It was nice to hearing him laughing as I chased him, though.
He really does have a great laugh.
“You good?” He stops beside me, resting his large hand on my back.
“Yeah,” I puff, sucking in another breath before standing tall.
His hand slips away, and I’m surprised by the rush of disappointment that flitters through me.
I have no idea what that’s about, and I step to the side, disconcerted by whatever the hell is happening in my stomach right now.
Out of habit, I glance at my watch, then have to remind myself that I swapped shifts at work so I could go on this date tonight. I don’t have to rush off anywhere, but for some reason, I’m suddenly desperate to leave.
“Well, we should head out.” I catch Tobin’s eye, and after a micro-moment of confusion, he picks up my silent SOS signal and backs me up like the true friend he is.
“Okay, well, that’s enough sweat for me for one day.”
“But not enough balls,” Nix murmurs, then laughs when Tobin tries to punch her in the arm. “What? Did you not just tell me before that you have a date with your boyfriend tonight?” Her laugh is gleeful as she jumps away from Tobin. He startschasing her toward the playground, and I jog backward, waving goodbye to the Football Frat crew.
“Thanks for letting us play.” I point to Zoey.
She grins back at me, hugging the ball to her chest and waving goodbye. Wily has her in his arms, and she looks like a happy girl as she blows me kisses and shouts, “Byeeeeee!”
“See you tonight.” Tyrell raises his hand, calling after me. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”
And there goes that weird hitch in my chest again.
“Yeah, I’ll, uh… I’ll be ready.”
Spinning before he can see my smile slip away, I race after my two crazy roommates and try to shake off this feeling.
I don’t even know what this feeling is!
Man, I really hope this guy Tyrell’s lined up for me is a winner, because I’m not sure how many more of these double dates is healthy for me. I love spending time with Tyrell… but am I enjoying it a little too much?
CHAPTER 18
TYRELL
I show up just before seven o’clock, the way my mama taught me to.
“Never be late, Tyrell. You respect other people’s time, you hear me?”
I always heard her. Mama made sure of it.
