Four Play: A Collection of Novellas Read Online Free PDF Page B

lock, he hesitated in opening the door and looked at me for an answer.
    I took a sharp inhale and battled with how I’d answer him. I didn’t want to think about the consequences of this—of him. I hadn’t taken any time to rationalize what I was doing. For too long I’d concentrated on nothing but the game and my grades; taking one night away from it all didn’t seem unreasonable.
    But now that I was put on the spot, I didn’t know what kind of answer he was looking for. Was it safer for him to know that there would be no strings attached to this night, or was he looking for an entirely different response?
    There were also the girls to consider. I’d never have any intentions of putting the game—or their futures—in jeopardy, but I wanted this man so desperately that I was willing to risk it.
    It was a horrible thought, and I was pissed at myself for thinking it. But I’d been so captivated by him that the game was the least of my worries.
    I took a few seconds before I answered. “I have things in my life that are important to me. More important than any complications that could come from a one-night stand.” I gripped his hand tighter. “I don’t want to think about any of those things tonight.” I swallowed and hoped I wasn’t giving away too much. “But I’m not ruling out the possibility of someone becoming just as important to me as my game.”
    A smile rose to his cheeks and he let out a small laugh. After taking his key from the door, leaving it unopened, he took a ragged breath. “Good.”
    I panicked a little. His refusal to let me into his apartment was giving me the message that I’d said the wrong thing.
    Dammit.
    I’m not gonna get laid tonight.
    My facial expression must’ve given away my position, as he suddenly took my chin in his hand. “Look at me, Jack.”
    My brow furrowed and I brought my eyes to his.
    “As much as I want to take you upstairs tonight,” he said, raking his hand through his hair with a frustrated sigh, “we’re not going to stand a chance at something more if we do this…tonight.”
    “I’m not sure what you’re saying.”
    “I’m saying I want to take you on a date.” He scratched his chin nervously. “You know, flowers, candles, dinner.” His eyes wandered over my hips and up to my chest.
    I scowled. “Or we could just bypass the steak and go back to the trunk of the car,” I pleaded. “Unless you’re just doing this to get me in a dress…”
    “Well, if you’re going to wear a dress, then it’s a done deal.” He laughed.
                 
                 
     
     

 
     
     
     
    Chapter 7
     
    Pornographic thoughts of Nolan eased after a few days, and I was finally able to buckle down and concentrate on schoolwork. But I still had one final left the next week, and my date with Nolan was scheduled for that night.
    If I would’ve told myself last month that within three weeks I’d fail a test, strike out at bat, and find myself shopping for the perfect dress, I would’ve called myself insane.
    And yet there I was, standing in the middle of a mall, squeezing my mini softball keychain, and eyeing up which store looked like it was for someone my age.
    With my arms folded over my chest and one hip jutting out, I pulled at the strand of gum from my mouth while standing in the center of the food court.
    After looking at all of the windows that surrounded me—toys, gadgets, old ladies’ clothes, menswear, and framed artwork—I finally saw a mannequin wearing a skirt and T-shirt.
    I bent down to tie my shoelace and found the courage to charge into the store.
    “May I help you, sir?”
    I looked around and saw no one in the store except me. I rolled my eyes and faced the attendant. With a grim smile, I nodded.
    “I’m so sorry! But the hat and…jeans.” Her face flushed to match her natural red hair. “I’m sorry. What can I do for you today, miss?”
    “I need a dress,” I said curtly.
    “For what kind of