Page 204 of Ruthless Court

That gets her attention.

“What was the plan?”

I lift the popcorn bucket.

“Dump this over her head and run.”

Stella stares at me.

“I figured I could make it to the bathroom before she caught me. Once I locked the stall door, I’d have time to call campus security.”

Her mouth twitches.

“I’m serious. She’s faster than Kane.”

“She’s faster than almost everyone.”

“Exactly. I needed an obstacle course, not a fair fight.”

Stella starts laughing.

The sound is loud enough that several people look over.

I hand her the extra Twizzlers.

“You’re a D1 athlete built like a warrior goddess. I’m five feet of sarcasm wearing Uggs. We solve problems differently.”

“You were really going to throw popcorn at her?”

“Buttery popcorn. The grease adds confusion.”

Stella laughs harder and loops one arm through mine as we head back toward the seats.

“I definitely like you.”

“I liked you before you stole my candy.”

“You gave it to me.”

“I feared for my safety.”

“Also smart.”

We reach the aisle as the teams move toward their benches.

Kane stands near the scorer’s table listening to Coach. His attention shifts toward us.

First Stella.

Then me.

His eyes drop to the popcorn, the drinks, and the fresh box of Twizzlers.

I raise the bucket in greeting.

His smile appears.

Stella leans toward me.