Page 55 of Tell Me I'm Enough

When I come up, everyone’s cheering, and she’s just standing there, smirking, proud of herself.

“You’re a better shot than I expected,” I say, climbing out.

“Don’t underestimate this girl arm, Mase. I could probably throw that football better than you.”

“I wouldn’t doubt it,” I tell her, going to grab a towel and then having a better idea.

I walk over to her, dripping wet, and she backs up instantly. “What are you doing?”

I smirk at her. “Nothing.”

“Mason,” she warns.

“I mean, what’s an apology without a hug?”

Her eyes go wide. “No! Mason, don’t you—”

She starts running, and people around us laugh as I start chasing her. She rounds the booth, and we’re both on the opposite end now. We lock eyes in our standoff, grabbing the edges of the table.

“Mason—Don’t. You. Dare.”

My smile grows more devilish. “Don’t you want my apology?”

I jerk to one side, trying to fake her out, and she screams. “I’ll takejustthe verbal apology, please!”

I shake my head. “Those terms weren’t negotiated in the contract.”

She bolts from the table, and I grab her before she can get away, lifting her easily off the ground as she squeals.

“Mason! No! Put me down!”

I laugh, spinning her once before setting her down. Her shirt and shorts are now soaked from my dripping chest, and she swats at me, still laughing, trying to catch her breath.

“You are such a jerk!”

“Hey, I’m just trying to make amends here!”

She glares at me, but she’s smiling too. “This doesn’t help your case of not being a jackass.”

I laugh, running a hand through my wet hair. “Alright, alright—I’m sorry, okay? Iwasan ass that night. It was just a really bad day for me, and I took it out on you. I shouldn’t have.”

She crosses her arms, still dripping. “You’re forgiven. Mostly.”

“Mostly?”

“Depends on if you’re done being an ass for good or not.”

“I promise,” I say, smiling, raising my hands. “I swear I’m normally a lot nicer than that.”

“Mmm, yeah. I’ve heard a lot about howniceyou are.”

Ahh, someone’s already gotten in her ear, huh?

“Don’t always believe everything you hear,” I tell her as I grab two towels from beside where she’s standing and hand one to her.

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Simone