Page 180 of Ruthless Court

“Keep it that way.”

“That’s what I’m doing.”

He bounces the ball to me.

I hit the next shot.

Vale moves beneath the basket, working on finishes and offensive rebounds. He crashes into one of our forwards, pulls down the miss with both hands, then fires the ball toward me.

I catch it.

Vale jogs closer and lowers his voice.

“What’s up with you?”

“Nothing.”

He glances toward the player guest section.

“You looking for someone?”

“No.”

The answer comes too fast.

Noah snorts beside us.

Vale’s mouth curves.

“Tell me you’re not looking for my girl.”

I stare at him.

He lifts one brow, enjoying himself.

“You know she’s mine now, right? Locked in.”

I launch the ball at his chest.

He catches it without moving.

“Shut up, Vale.”

Noah steps between us enough to make the exchange look like part of the drill.

“Both of you keep your voices down.”

Vale grins.

“It’s another girl.”

“There is no girl.”

“I knew it.”

“You know nothing.”

“I can be your wingman.” Eli chimes in.