Page 47 of Set Play

“Look at me. I’m literally wearing sweatpants. There’s no dress code, gorgeous. Wear whatever you want. Although, I selfishly hope you’ll wear that dress.” He returns his hands to my hips and pulls me into his chest. “I ordered room service. I figured we’ve been in public a lot today and after the game, I just wanted a quiet night to get to know you a bit better.”

“Oh,” I say quietly, looking down and picking at my cuticles. “Maybe I’ll change my shoes then. No point in being uncomfortable, right?” I turn my back to him, swapping my heels for sandals when another thought strikes me. “Wait, I thought the whole point of normal dates was to be seen. How is that going to work if we’re hiding in your room?”

I’ve barely straightened up from putting my shoes on when Mateo lowers his shoulder into my stomach and hauls me over it. “What the—” I push against his back to lift myself into a more dignified position. “Reyes! What the hell are you doing?”

“Stopping you from overthinking everything. Plus, I told you I’d pick you up at seven thirty. Gotta keep my promises. Now, where’s your room key?”

I point to my purse by the desk and try to wriggle free of his hold, but he simply tightens his grip, grabs my purse and strides toward the door. “Do I get to carry you, or can you be a good girl and walk on your own?”

“Excuse me?”

“Carry it is.”

He’s joking. He won’t walk out where anyone can see us like this.

I’ve almost convinced myself that he’s bluffing when the click of a door shutting obliterates that hope. Okay, he’s not joking.

As he walks toward the elevator, I resume my efforts to free myself, but a sharp slap to my ass stills my movement.

“I gave you the option to walk. So, quit acting like I’m kidnapping you.”

“You literally gave me two seconds before you decided for me!” I hiss. “What if someone sees us, you heathen?”

His shoulders bounce with his responding laugh as he delivers another quick smack to my ass. I huff out a breath when his hand stays there.

It’s not worth the energy to fight him. He’s stronger and I’m about six feet in the air. No way am I landing on my feet if he drops me.

Succumbing to my fate, I relax in his hold and pretend not to notice when he squeezes my ass in appreciation.

When we finally reach his room and he puts me down, I stumble as all the blood rushes from my head. Mateo helps stabilize me, ensuring I’m steady, before backing away.

“So, about that dinner…”

Mateo

Never have I been so thankful for the guys as I am right now.

Today 6:45PM

Me:

Asked Élise on a date but have no idea what to do. Help!

Lukas:

Netflix & chill always works for me

Me:

Thanks, I’ll remember that when I turn 20 again…

Theo:

Blasphemy! Don’t diss N&C, man. It’s a classic.

Soren:

Cap, public locale or private?