Page 239 of Worth the Trip

“Phone, Coach.”

He handed it over.

She typed.

Returned it.

Malcolm looked down.

Nyla.

Her number beneath it.

His eyes lifted slowly.

“You gave me your number.”

“I know what I did.”

A smile moved across her face.

Malcolm stared.

“Oh.”

Nyla folded another tablecloth like she had not just knocked the wind out of him.

“You can be caught off guard twice in one day.”

“Nyla.”

“What?”

“You dangerous.”

“Thought defensive backs liked a challenge.”

“We do.” His attention stayed on her. “Especially fine ones.”

“And if the challenge wins?”

Malcolm grinned. “Then I shake hands with the champion and ask when the rematch is.”

Nyla laughed.

“Go somewhere, Malcolm.”

He started walking backward.

“You gon’ answer when I text?”

“You’ll find out.”

“That mean I gotta wait?”

“That’s generally how waiting works.”

He stopped.