Play Hard (Make the Play #2) by Amber Garza Read Free Book Online Page A

happened to me in awhile.”
    “I see. So you wanna keep me around because you think I’ll just demand kisses from you all the time?”
    It had crossed my mind. “Most of the girls around here I’ve known since we were in preschool. You’re different.”
    A bitter laugh escapes through her heart-shaped lips. “Yeah, I’ve noticed.”
    “I like it.”
    I expect a smile, but instead her lips curl downward. “Dusty’s bad news, Cal. Please don’t get involved.”
    “I’m already involved.”
    I slow down when Pastor Alex’s property comes into view.
    She stiffens. “Um…just drop me off here. I’ll walk the rest of the way.”
    I ease on the brakes. “I’ll watch you. I won’t leave until you get inside.”
    She pauses, shaking her head. “Are all guys around here like you?”
    “Nah, I’m one of a kind.”
    She finally gives me that smile I’d been hoping for.
    “You should smile more often,” I say. “It looks good on you.”
    Her face grows serious, and I wish I’d kept my mouth shut. “You’re a nice guy. I shouldn’t have involved you in this.” Reaching for the door handle, she turns it.
    Reaching out, I grab her other arm. “Hey, I’m glad you did.”
    “Just promise me you’ll stay out of it, okay? You’ve already done enough.”
    I won’t lie to her, so I answer honestly, “I can’t make that promise.”
    “Cal,” she starts, but I put my arm out to stop her.
    “I know you don’t know me, but I’m pretty damn stubborn. You’re not gonna change my mind, and if you keep arguing, you’re gonna be late.”
    “Fine.” She sighs. “Thanks again. See ya later?”
    “Yep.” I nod.
    A sad smile flickers over her face. Then she opens the door, and runs down the driveway. Sitting in my car, I watch her. By the way she runs, I’m assuming she doesn’t play sports. Still, it’s cute, the awkward way she propels her body forward, her dark hair trailing her. I wait until she’s safely inside before catching a u-turn and heading back to Old Town. My stomach rumbles, reminding me that I’m famished. But I can’t go back home yet.
    I know I should heed Taylor’s warning. That dude didn’t look like someone I should mess with. I’m usually not the kind of guy to back down from a confrontation. No one really scares me. Then again, no one around here is very threatening. But this guy definitely is.
    However, I made a promise to Taylor, and I’m going to keep it.
    To say I was shocked when she approached me demanding a kiss would be an understatement. I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on. As much as I wanted to kiss those perfect lips of hers, I honestly had planned to say no. She was clearly distressed, and I don’t take advantage of girls. I don’t need to. But then she pressed her face close and whispered, “Please.” Something about her desperation and need made it impossible to refuse her. And I don’t regret it. Not even a little.
    It was the single best kiss of my life.
    The girl is no novice. She kissed like someone who had done it many times before. But that wasn’t what made it good. If all it took to be a good kisser was experience, then Ashley would be the best kisser in the world. And trust me, she’s not. She’s a good kisser, accomplished even. And she knows how to turn a guy on. But it always feels like Ashley’s trying too hard. Like she has an agenda.
    My kiss with Taylor was raw. It was as if she was peeling back the layers of herself, stripping herself bare. Like she was laying it all on the line, holding nothing back. As if she was giving herself to me.
    Based on how closed off she’s been to everyone around here, including me, it was odd. And it made it even more special.
    It made me feel special.
    Truth is, I didn’t even know I needed someone to make me feel that way. I’m affirmed on a daily basis by Coach, the guys on the team, the girls at our school. And I’m a pretty confident guy. But deep down, I feel expendable. I know that