Page 87 of Playing to Win
His gaze darkens. Talk of showers means nakedness and I’m sure his mind went there. Because mine certainly did. “What are you doing tonight?”
Resist him! Tell him you’ve got plans! Spending time with him leads to nothing but trouble!
“Nothing,” is how I answer, my voice weak. Like my resolve.
“We’re all going to Logan’s here in a bit, but afterward, we’re having a little get-together at our apartment. Just a few people coming over, nothing big,” he explains.
I hold my breath, waiting for him to ask me what I’m afraid he’s going to ask.
“That sounds fun,” I whisper, hating that I’m going to have to reject him. I can’t just show up at a party by myself and act like I’m there for funsies. It’ll look weird. People will suspect there’s more between Ace and me then we let on.
I can’t do that. I can’t risk losing my job.
“Think you could maybe stop by?” His brows shoot up in question, and it kills me to say no. Especially because he never hesitates when he asks me.
I slowly shake my head, my stomach sinking. God, this is awful.
He exhales roughly. “I figured you’d answer like that.”
“It’s just—”
“You don’t have to explain yourself,” he says, cutting me off. “I understand.”
Oh God. I’ve ruined everything. He looks uncomfortable as he stares off in the distance, his jaw working, his lips in a straight line. And maybe even a little upset. Like he’d rather be anywhere than here and I don’t want to ruin his night. The team should be celebrating. He shouldn’t be worrying about me.
“Congratulations,” I tell him, hoping he knows how sincere I am. “It was a great game. You played magnificently.”
Ace turns to me, his gaze locking with mine. “Thank you.”
I smile, feeling sad, and God, Ace looks sad too. Like we’re two sad sacks and this is just so heartbreaking to me. I can’t even bother him by asking if he wants to film anything because it just doesn’t feel right. I know Gwen will question what happened later, but I don’t know how to tell her what’s really going on. And if I did tell her, she’s such a rule follower that she’d most likely report me and I’d lose my job.
Can’t risk that.
“What if…” My voice drifts and Ace takes a step closer, his interest clearly engaged. “What if you came over to my place later?”
“And not show up at the party at my house?”
I nod, knowing how risky this is, but suddenly not giving a damn about it. I miss him. I want to see him.
“Will you go to Logan’s?” he asks.
I shake my head, still not saying anything.
“Why not?” He frowns, his disappointment clear.
“Natalie’s working tonight. She’s the only one I’d end up going with anyway.” I shrug.
“Will she be home later?”
“Probably.”
“Are you wanting me to…what? Sneak into your room?”
“No.”
Ace frowns.
“You can come to the door like a gentleman,” I finish.
