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

I’m a few bad pitches away from being benched, maybe even replaced. I know that my popularity is something I’ll lose when I go to college. There I’ll be a small fish in a big pond.
    If I don’t work hard enough, everything can come crashing down. And I sometimes wonder who will be left if that happens.
    But Taylor isn’t interested in me because of my standing on the team or because I’m popular. Up until tonight I didn’t think she was interested at all, but that kiss told a different story. You don’t kiss like that if you’re not interested at all. Not even as a way to hide from your ex.
    However, what impacted me the most was the way she trembled in my arms, the fear that etched her features. A girl should never feel that way. Guys should make them feel protected, safe. Not spark fear. That’s bullshit.
    Clearly her ex has hurt her, and I won’t let him do it again.
    I may not be her boyfriend, but I’ll protect her like I am. I’ll protect her the way her ex should have.
    Turning onto Old Creek Road, I drive with my eyes peeled. When I don’t see Dusty, I worry that he’s already left. I know he didn’t head in Taylor’s direction because he would’ve had to pass me, and I didn’t see any strange vehicles. The few cars that did pass, I recognized. That’s the thing about a small town. Strangers stick out like a sore thumb.
    Too bad for Taylor that also means that if her ex-boyfriend is roaming the streets, it’s only a matter of time before word gets back to her uncle. But the good news is that no one will give Dusty any information. That I’m absolutely certain about. We protect our own. Even if Taylor isn’t technically one of our own, she’s the pastor’s niece. That means something around here.
    I turn down another street and keep driving, my eyes scouring the sidewalk. That’s when I spot him. He’s walking down the street, a look of defeat splashed across his features. My heart lifts, knowing that it means he still doesn’t know where she is. Pulling over, I park my car. Hurriedly, I cut the engine, snatch out my keys and step out. Hopping up onto the sidewalk, I walk in his direction. When I pass him, I move close enough that my shoulder rams his. I’m hoping it works. Knowing guys like Dusty, I’m sure it will.
    He stops. “Hey! Watch where you’re going.”
    “Sorry,” I mumble, spinning around to face him. My chest tightens when I take in his scowl, the scar running the length of his jaw and his narrowed eyes that are almost black in color. Assessing his build, I realize I could probably take him, but I don’t know if I should try. Dude looks sketchy. Probably carrying a weapon inside that trench coat he’s wearing. Seriously, what did Taylor ever see in this guy? Finding my voice, I say, “Can I help you with something?”
    His glare deepens. “Did I ask you for help?” He speaks in a low, gravely tone as if he’s smoked one too many packs of cigarettes.
    I swallow hard. “No, but it’s obvious you don’t live around here, so I thought maybe you were lost or something.”
    A slow smile spreads across his face. “How do you know I don’t live around here?”
    “Cause I don’t know you,” I say, shrugging.
    “And you know everyone around here?”
    I nod.
    “Good. Then maybe you can help me.” He reaches into his pocket, and I involuntarily flinch. This seems to amuse him. “Man, you people around here are skittish. Funny as hell.” When he extracts his hand, he holds a faded photograph. I fight to keep my face neutral when my gaze connects with Taylor’s face. “Know her?”
    I shake my head.
    “You sure?”
    “Never seen her before in my life,” I speak firmly, hoping he buys it.
    He runs a hand over his short, dark hair. “No one around here has.”
    “Then she must not be here.”
    He grunts, glancing around. “She has to be.”
    “Sorry, man.” I force an apologetic smile.
    He moves in closer to me. “I swear to god if I find out you’re