Page 113 of Playing Dirty

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I did anyway.

Our eyes met.

He didn’t smile.

Didn’t react.

Just held it for a second too long before looking away.

Like he’d already decided something.

That bothered me more than it should’ve.

Mason

I saw her before I wanted to.

That was becoming a pattern.

She was at the entrance with Caleb.

Again.

Close enough that it didn’t look like anything.

Far enough that it still did.

Jace followed my gaze instantly.

“Oh,” he said softly. “You’re doing that thing again.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You’re staring.”

“I’m not.”

He laughed. “Sure.”

Coach called us over.

We started warmups.

I tried to lock in.

It worked.

For about thirty seconds.

Then I looked up again.

She was still there.

Same spot.

Different posture now.

Arms crossed slightly.

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