Page 13 of Against the Clock
Daniel edges in closer, clearly feigning disinterest in the message on my screen.
“Kidnapped seems like a strong word,” he says. “You went with me willingly.” His eyes dance with laughter. “If that’s what you’re into, though…”
“Then maybe you should let me tell her that,” I say tartly. “Instead of peeking at my screen like a creeper.”
He holds up both hands, a sheepish look on his face. “Sorry, sorry, you’re right.”
I mock-glare at him, purposefully turning my phone screen away to type back a response. Cameron and I moved out here at the same time, me from a small town in West Texas, her from Northern Virginia, and we bonded immediately at work. Now she’s one of my best friends.
I’m freaking out a little
If he really kidnapped you, you better tell me. I’ll get the SWAT team out there to find you
He didn’t kidnap me. We’re on a date… he called me his future girlfriend
Damn, that’s hot
You know how I feel about football
Yeah, but isn’t he like geriatric? How much longer can he play? Does he want grandkids?
Also who cares? Ride that pony. Have some fun. You don’t have to commit to anything
Just that d
A GIF of a girl on a mechanical bull appears on my screen, and I roll my eyes.
you better tell me all about it. All about it. No detail left unsaid
I snort, pinching the bridge of my nose, ignoring the notifications blowing up my TikTok app, though the sight makes me brighten a bit. Most of the Beavers fans’ interest seems to have died over the past few days, so maybe one of my short videos on the cheerleader situation finally went viral. Or one of the other investigative pieces from last week, maybe the one on the corruption at the Philly Farmer’s Market. I want to check it, but… god, it would be so embarrassing if it were just another fan cut of Daniel tackling me.
“Everything good?”
“Yeah,” I say. “SWAT team call averted.”
“That would have been awkward,” he says easily.
“Here ya go,” the guy at the counter says, holding up a large brown paper bag. It smells amazing, and my stomach twists with hunger.
“Thanks, man,” Daniel says, taking the bag and holding out his hand for me. I take it, biting my lip. Heat blossoms low in my stomach.
I might not like the idea of dating a football player… but the chemistry between the two of us is undeniable.
The mere touch of his hand sends my pulse speeding. The brush of his bicep against my shoulder leaves my chest tight with anticipation. I blow out a breath as he helps me back into his truck, trying to keep my head on straight.
If I can’t get myself together, I’m going to end up doing something I regret.
But damn, it might be fun.
CHAPTER 7
DANIEL
My heart’s in my throat as I turn the truck onto the sketchy-seeming road, marked only by a plain mailbox out front and a row of orange-leafed sugar maples.
I’m starting to get nervous, and it’s because I want her to like me.
She’s proven me right about everything I thought about her so far: Kelsey is smart, and kind, and quick to laugh—on top of being gorgeous and down-to-earth.