The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“I think you’ll want to see this, Cap.”

“Fine,” my jaw clenched, “thanks for the heads up.”

I waited until I was in my car to open up Grady’s message and when I did, I knew only one person was responsible.

Thatcher.

Felicity

“I think I’m in hell.”

“No,” Hailee said, “that’s just your hangover talking.”

“Don’t say that word. It’s evil.”

“What did your mom say?”

“Oh, I hid out in the bathroom until she left for work. But if I don’t make it through the day, I’m ready to fake a stomach flu. So ready.”

“That was some impressive display last night.” She gave me a pointed look; one I felt all the way down to the pit of my stomach.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to say.” My cheeks flushed.

“You could start with the truth.”

“I’m not sure you’re ready to hear it.” I peeked over at her while the rest of the student population filed down the hall, moving to their classes.

“Hey,” she grabbed my hand, “It’s okay. You don’t need to protect me. I know you like him. I know he likes you—”

“He doesn’t like me, Hails.” My head shook side to side. “I’m just a game to him.”

A game I could never win.

“So what was last night then?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, why did my pig-headed step-brother pretty much carry you out of Bell’s—in front of everyone might I add—if you’re just a game?”

“He did?”

I had hazy memories of being wrapped in his arms but I hadn’t considered what it meant. That he’d done it in front of other people. Our classmates. Hailee was staring at me like she expected an answer, so I said, “Because he’s trying to win student of the year? I don’t know.”

“God, you’re dense sometimes. He likes you. It’s written all over his face every time he looks at you.”

“Hails, I don’t know what you think you know, but Jason doesn’t like me.” At least, not in the way I wanted him to.

“Come to the Seniors Night thing tonight.”

“I can’t. It’s family and friends of the team only.”

“Well I’m a guest of honor and I’m family. You can be my plus one.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Look,” Hailee pulled me closer to the locker bank. “Jason is as stubborn as he is good at football. But he’s different with you. I can’t explain it, but ever since New York, he’s been different. Come tonight, be there for him. And maybe after, the two of you can talk.”

“You really think it’s a good idea? He made it seem like...” My voice trailed off before I revealed too much.