I waited until the door closed behind him to let out a long breath. "Right. Remind me why I try again."
Kade was gone when I turned back around, and it was probably for the best. I was honestly considering taking him up on getting out of there. I'd spend the whole damn time talking about Amy, but at least I would be with someone who wanted to be with me, too.
I ran around the track for twenty minutes before walking to the basketball courts. The place was dark and empty, which was just the way I liked it. After grabbing a couple of balls from the hallway closet, I started to work different drills.
I lost track of time, and didn't realize someone was watching me until one of the balls rolled over toward him. Tate was standing against the wall with his hands behind his back and a smirk on his face.
"You're good. I've heard that you're a big shit on the courts, but I wasn't sure what to believe." He moved toward me, his expression much more relaxed.
"I love the game, nothing else." I hated that my defenses were up, but it was his damn fault that they were.
"Let's play, then." He lifted his hands, and I chucked the ball at him, maybe a little harder than I should have.
"I thought you were pissy over something. The swim help your mood?" I moved into place as he dribbled slowly, keeping his eyes locked on mine.
"I was pissy because of that guy you were talking to, but it was just jealousy. I can't help it." He moved toward the basket, and I turned just in time to steal the ball from underneath him.
I spun on my heel and shot, making the basket with little effort. "We're just friends, remember? No reason to be jealous. Friends don't get to do that."
"And, what if I've rethought what I want?" He caught the ball as I chucked it at him before he came at me again, duping me this time and scoring.
"Good for you. I'm not one to be rejected and then run toward those same people in hopes of a different outcome. My whole life has been about rejection. Friends is far safer for us, obviously." I took my turn with the ball, moving toward the basket until he stepped up behind me and spread his arms wide. The firm press of his chest against my back made my body ache and my nipples tighten.
"I'm not so sure I agree with that." He reached around and tried to slap the ball from my hands.
"Street ball with no rules?" I chuckled and bumped my butt into him as he groaned and clamped his hands down on my hips.
"How about a working friendship with no rules?" he whispered against my hair as I continued to press backward toward the goal.
"Not interested in friends with benefits." I turned and lifted to my toes, ignoring the hot stare he pressed against me. "Yes!"
The shot landed perfectly, but he grabbed me by the wrist before I could move away from him.
"I made a mistake last night, okay? I've paid for it, I promise. I've been beating myself up all fucking night and half the morning." He loosened his grip on me. "Come study with me, and then let's get something to eat."
"Maybe." I tugged from his hold and walked to get the ball. "Why are you beating yourself up? If you're not interested in me, then you're not interested. I promise I'm more hassle than I'm worth."
I shot again and made it. All of the horrible emotions that plagued me when I was with my mother or around the Gammas started to resurface, and I had a moment of wondering if I was ever going to find anyone who simply accepted me for just being me.
"I doubt you're much trouble." He stole the ball and moved to shoot – missing, but just barely.
"You've no clue what you're talking about." I picked up the ball and moved to stand beside him. "You're not finishing the follow through. Watch me shoot."
"Show me, master." He crossed his arms over his chest and gave me a cheeky grin.
"I almost like that title coming from you. Now, watch my wrist as I finish the shot." I continued to coach him and make him try a few more times. Much to his surprise, and my pleasure, he got it down.
"I gotta go take a shower." I picked up the balls and walked with him back down the hall.
"Need someone to wash your back for you?" He lifted his eyebrows playfully.
"No, playboy, but I'll meet you in the library." I turned and slipped into the girl's locker room, ignoring his grumbling about the unfairness of life.
I was obviously going to have to roll with the punches with this guy, seeing that there was very little consistency with his actions around me.
Good thing he was sexy as sin and had a sweetheart side that would melt the hardest of hearts.
*