Page 42 of Game Plan

“No,” Craig and I replied at the same time.

“Yes,” Mason repeated. “I’m glad we all agree. Anyway, I’d like to meet that Jett guy. See if he’s good enough for you. Someone needs to vouch for him, Mel. Clarke isn’t here to do so, and I’m sure he would appreciate my looking out for you. You can’t be too careful about strangers nowadays.”

I thrust my arms up, not believing what I was hearing. “He’s not a stranger. Gosh, he’s my friend’s older brother. I already told you. Stop with the paranoia and all the nonsense.”

“Still. Some people fake being nice and turn into psychos once you put your trust in them.” We both knew he was making a not-so-subtle reference to what had happened with Nathan back in high school.

“Jett isn’t like that. You don’t know him.”

“Neither do you. I would feel better talking to the guy and making sure he’s not a creep hiding behind a pretty face.”

“You’re exhausting. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that?”

“A girl. Once. I miss her. Every fucking day of my life. She wasn’t just my best friend but my everything. We were good together.”

His eyes bore into mine. All traces of humor vanished from his handsome face. I had no right to miss him, and yet, that was how it felt now that we kept bumping into each other.

My mouth went dry.

I tried to speak but couldn’t find the words. Did Mason render me mute?

Jett chose the same exact time to return. “Sorry about that,” he told me, before noticing Mason’s gaze swallowing me whole. “And you are?”

Without losing a beat, Mason stood and neared our table, holding out his hand. “Mason Pierce.” He flashed a ten-thousand-dollar smile at my date, and I rolled my eyes at his antics, making sure he caught it.

“Jett. Chambers.” He paused, and his eyes widened in recognition. “The Mason Pierce?” His palm met Mason’s. “Like Crestwood U’s new legendary quarterback?”

I rolled my eyes again. This night was a nightmare waiting to happen.

“The one and only.” That cheeky grin again. Gosh, Mason had a way to make me want to murder him sometimes.

From the pride radiating from his features and the quick glance he sent my way, I could tell he was enjoying this little game. With a long huff, I tilted my head back. God, this night would be long—so, so long.

“You know Mel how?” Jett asked, not missing a beat.

“Old friends. Mind if my brother and I sit with you guys? We haven’t seen one another in so long that it feels like forever. We have so much catching up to do. Don’t you agree, Mel?”

My name rolled on his tongue and sent a shiver through me. I pinched my lips together to avoid saying something I would regret.

Jett was clearly fangirling over the football superstar because he didn’t ask me before agreeing to Mason’s scheme and scooting closer to me to make room for the brothers. I ended up squeezed between Mason and Jett, not a place I’d ever expected to be, both their warmth seeping through me at the close contact.

Why were Mason’s actions still surprising me? It was so like him to take advantage of a situation he didn’t enjoy and turn it around in an attempt to fix it.

Craig sat next to my date and mouthed I’m sorry about him. I had no idea.

I shrugged and shook my head, glancing down. So far, this night has been nothing like I’d imagined it would be.

“Oh wow, you’re Craig Pierce,” my date observed. “That interception against Cranbrook University at the beginning of the season will make history. People will remember that game for a long time.”

“Craig is the real superstar between us,” Mason said, grinning. “I wouldn’t be half the quarterback I am without his catching my passes.”

Another roll of my eyes. I couldn’t seem to avoid it. Why did Mason have to charm everyone he encountered? Why did he have to charm me too? I could see the genuinely caring human being under his cocky persona. Dammit. I didn’t want him to charm me. I needed him not to affect me. Yeah, that was what I required from him. If only he could get the memo once and for all.

It appeared as if Jett couldn’t stop talking now. He was clearly so amazed by the two human beings sitting on each side of us that I believed, at some point, he forgot I even existed.

The server brought our food, and we ended up sharing all four pizzas. It was Mason who plated my food, like he already knew which pizza I would prefer to taste first, and refilled my glass of cider.

This date was officially over.