Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 169(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 169(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
“Hey, Poppy.”
Levi saunters over with a couple of teammates.
“We were just about to get a game of water volleyball going. Any interest in playing?”
Just as he asks the question, the two guys he walked over with start pushing and shoving each other before taking off toward the pool and leaping into the water. A giant splash rises like a wave, dousing the people nearest to the edge.
“Maybe later. I’ve been recruited to make sure the bowls stay filled. Anne will have my head if I’m derelict in my duties.” I say it like the job is a bother, but truthfully, I don’t have any real interest in playing around with these guys. They’re like puppies with too much pent-up energy.
“Yeah, sure. We can wait until later. No big deal.”
I point to the pool where his friends are horsing around, attempting to drown one another. “It’s hot out. You should join them.”
He glances at the water and shakes his head. “Nah, I was kind of hoping we could spend a little time together. Whenever I hit you up to hang out, you’re always busy.”
I nip my lower lip between my teeth and glance away. He’s not wrong about that. Every time Levi suggests grabbing something to eat or getting together to study, I come up with an excuse. Most of them are true. Now that the first few weeks of school are behind us, I’m buried beneath a mountain of homework, projects, and tests.
Could I make time if I wanted?
I suppose…the problem is that I don’t necessarily want to.
I like Levi as a friend. He’s funny and nice. After Mason made a big deal about the QB wanting more than friendship, I realized he was probably right. Since I don’t want to lead him on, I’ve pulled back from spending time with him. I was hoping he’d get the hint so we wouldn’t have to have a conversation about it.
When I remain silent, his voice drops so only I can hear. “Do you think we could go somewhere private and talk?”
“Umm…” I glance around the boisterous party, hoping to catch Dad or Anne’s eyes so they can summon me over, but they’re both busy chatting with guests. My shoulders slump with the realization that I won’t be able to avoid this convo. “Okay.”
“Great.” He flashes a winsome smile before wrapping his fingers around mine and tugging me toward the pool house located near the back of the property.
Once we reach the small white structure, he pushes open the door and pulls me over the threshold before closing it behind us.
“This is way better. With the music and all the guys yelling, I could barely hear myself think.” He points to the couch. “Want to sit?”
“Sure.”
Levi drops onto the middle cushion. With no other choice, I settle gingerly next to him.
Mason
What the actual fuck?
Did Poppy just disappear into the pool house with Levi?
I glance at her father only to see that he’s deep in conversation with our defensive coordinator. He probably doesn’t realize his daughter just went missing. Anne is busy checking out the food situation while she chats with one of the coaches’ wives.
I drag a hand over my face and grit my teeth until my jaw aches from the pressure before glancing at my sports watch.
“Mason?”
“Yeah?” My attention reluctantly returns to Jason, another assistant coach. Honestly, I have no idea what the hell he’s been yapping about. Maybe a new exercise regimen he wants to implement? I’ve spent the past hour covertly watching Poppy, all the while nodding and grunting at appropriate intervals.
I can’t stop my gaze from dropping to my watch again. It’s been three minutes since they shuttered themselves inside the structure.
What the hell are they doing in there?
Only one answer comes to mind.
My hands tighten at my sides.
“I asked what you thought about adding a nutritionist to make the guys protein shakes after practice as part of their active recovery.”
I clap Jason on the shoulder. “I think you’re definitely on to something.”
“Really?” He perks up. “Should I mention it at the next meeting?”
“Nah. I’d talk to him about it right now.”
His expression morphs into one of surprise as he shifts his stance and considers my advice. “You think so?”
“Absolutely.” I point to Coach. “There’s no time like the present.”
“Thanks, Mason. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
“You be sure to do that.”
As soon as Jason walks away, I take off for the pool house. It’s been five minutes and counting. So help me god if I find the door locked. I’ll bust the damn thing down. The thought of Poppy shuttered away inside with Levi sends my temper skyrocketing.
A few players attempt to catch my attention as I stalk around the rectangular-shaped pool.
“Hey, Coach! Want to—”
“Nope.” I don’t even bother making eye contact. I’m a man on a mission. And that mission is to disrupt whatever the hell is going on in that room. And maybe wring Levi’s neck. That has yet to be determined.