Playing the Game (Providence University #6) - Ali Parker Page 0,5

someone had run their mouth or complained. It really sucked when the team, who were supposed to be my friends, didn’t have my back.

After I showered and left the locker room, I walked out to my truck to find Avery parked beside me. She was on her way to her car too, and she gave me a sweet smile as she fished out her keys.

“Hey,” she said. It was the first thing she’d said to me in weeks, and I realized how much I’d missed the sound of her voice.

But, man, she had the shittiest timing. Just when I had made up my mind to do as the coach wanted me to, there she was, looking like a fantasy.

“Hey,” I said, looking around to see if anyone was going to run and tell the coach I was talking to her.

“How have you been?” She met my eyes with those gorgeous greens of hers, and my pulse raced.

“Okay. Focused on playing. How about you?” I tried not to look her in the eyes.

She shrugged. “Okay, I guess. I just thought I’d say hi. I miss you.”

“Yeah, I miss you too. It sucks because I don’t even know what I did.”

“I know, but maybe we should talk about that sometime. Will you call me later?”

“I’ve been pretty busy.” It wasn’t the response I should have given or even the one I wanted to give. But I knew the coach would string me up by my dick if I got in a relationship so close to the championship games.

I wanted to take it back when I saw her expression change.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s cool.” She shrank back, walked around her car, and got in, leaving me to feel like a dick. As she drove away, I wished I’d handled that differently. But I didn’t even know what the hell had happened between us.

All I knew was that this time, it wasn’t my fault. I’d tried to give her everything and would have. I thought she was different but maybe not.

I got in the truck and went back to my place. As I made myself an omelet for dinner, I couldn’t help but think about her again. Avery was always on my mind and had my head all fucked up.

I didn’t know why she gave up on me and I wished I had the answers so I could change her mind. It was no secret I came from a problemed past, and yes, I treated Layla poorly, but I wished I could take it all back now. If I had another chance with Avery, I’d take it in a heartbeat and make sure I did things right. I should have just agreed to talk to her. I was still kicking myself for the way things had gone down after practice.

I suddenly had an idea. Not a good one maybe, but it just might be worth it. Another part of me was saying it was too crazy. I wasn’t sure I should bother Layla.

With her and Jayce moving on with their lives together, I was the last person she wanted to hear from.

But something kept nagging me. I just kept screwing up, and I wasn’t sure how to stop. If anyone knew what the fuck was wrong with me, it was Layla. I hadn’t listened to her much when we were dating, but maybe she would not begrudge me a little advice now?

It was a crazy idea, one that could get my ass kicked if I wasn’t careful. “Fuck it,” I said. “Avery is worth it.” And it wasn’t like I was afraid of Jayce Moore.

I picked up the phone and found Layla’s number.

I hit the call button, and I sank down in my couch cushions with my omelet and wondered if she’d even answer.

I wasn’t surprised to hear Jayce’s voice. “What do you want, Seth?”

“Not what you think.” I should have known she’d have her boyfriend answer.

“If it’s what I think, I’m finally going to have a good reason to kick your ass,” he said with a less-than-amused tone.

“Give me the phone.” Layla’s voice sounded just as aggravated in the background as she took it away from him. “Seth, what the hell? I thought I told you not to call me ever again.”

“And since when did I start listening to you?” I was trying to lighten the tone of the conversation, but she still hated me so badly, it made me second-guess why I called.

“Seriously, what’s this about? Jayce is finding his keys, and