Page 5 of Fighting Fate
Miles
Maybe I've got a better way to keep you entertained than scrolling through your phone...
She looks up sharply, surprise flickering in her eyes.
A part of me is thrilled by the reaction.
But then the reminder hits—she's your best friend, Miles. The one line you've sworn not to cross. Reel it in, buddy.
I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised by Milli's reactions anymore. Our dynamic has always been one of playful, slightly edgy flirtation. As we've grown, it's intensified, mostly with me trying to provoke her, but lately, she's become more than just Baby Sutton in my eyes. There's this feeling in my gut that if we spent time together, just the two of us, stepping out from behind the whole "just friends" facade, things could really escalate. But I've been holding back because Milli...she means more to me than just a fling. She deserves someone who truly understands her, you know?
It's not that I'm incapable of being that guy for her, but blending our dynamic could complicate things, especially considering our families. So, I've opted for caution, maintaining a respectful distance, in line with what her dad, my dad, and her brother Luke would expect.
Looking down, I catch her fingers moving swiftly again, and almost immediately, my phone buzzes with her reply.
Mills
Oh? So, you think you've got something more interesting than my phone?
"Miles, what do you think about Guton's game strategy tonight?" Mr. Sutton's voice drags my attention to the other end of the table.
Before I have the chance to respond, my phone vibrates once more. I look at the screen and, for a moment, I'm taken aback.
Mills
Go on, enlighten me. Make my night, Sunshine.
Wait, seriously? She's actually expecting me to make her night?
Hold on, could this be a setup? Maybe one of her friends is pushing her to test if I'll take the bait?
And then, my phone buzzes once more.
Mills
Your face right now is priceless . . .
Damn, keep it together, Miles. Your poker face is slipping.
Mills
How about a game of Words with Friends? You know I always enjoy beating you at that.
Our eyes meet, and she bites her lip in a way that drives me crazy.
Clever girl, Milli.
Then, a sharp nudge against my shin under the table nearly makes me jump. Fuck. Milli subtly gestures toward her dad.
Right, Mr. Sutton. He asked a question.
"Shit, what did he ask again?" I mutter under my breath.
Luckily, Luke's deep voice comes to my rescue. "I mean, Guton's performance was solid," he comments, throwing me a lifeline with a look that says, "You got this?" "He really nailed it with his strategy and skill."
Ah, right, Guton.
While Mr. Sutton's eyes bore into me, my cheeks heat up a bit. Time to wing it. "Yeah, I think it was kind of risky, but it really worked out for their team," I say with a shrug. "We pulled off the win, sure, but Guton's guys were on fire. They showed some serious grit out there. It's a killer start to the season."