The Perfect Game (The Perfect Game 1)

“And I just want to kill him,” I said seriously and she chuckled.

“Let’s be happy they caught him. I didn’t think they ever would. ” Cassie’s voice sounded more relaxed, and I sighed in relief.

“You’re right. I am happy they caught him. Now I know where to go to kill him. ”

“Jack, stop it. ” She playfully swatted at my hand.

I winked at her and she rolled her eyes. “I won’t ever let anyone touch you like that again, Kitten. It won’t happen. ”

“I know. But we have to move forward, okay? Put it behind us. ”

“Fine,” I begrudgingly agreed as she nuzzled into me and I realized that he didn’t matter anymore. I had everything that truly mattered right here in my arms.

THIRTEEN

CASSIE

My eyes opened slowly and I rubbed at them, resisting the urge to close them and go right back to sleep. Today was the big day for Jack. I heard my cell phone beep its soft reminder tone and I reached for it. A text message.

Morning, Kitten. Are you up? Can’t wait to see you.

I noted the time. Six forty-three a. m. That was over an hour ago. I typed out a response letting him know I was awake and pressed Send. My phone immediately rang. “Hi,” I answered wearily.

“When can I come get you?” Jack’s voice sounded chipper.

“Good morning to you too,” I teased.

“I’m coming over in half an hour. Be ready. ”

“What? No! I’m still in bed and I need to eat and shower and get ready. ” It was still early and I couldn’t help the little whine that crept out in my voice.

“I didn’t say we had to leave in half an hour, just that I was coming over. Plus,” he paused, “I have something for you. ”

My pulse skittered. “What is it?”

“A present. I’ll see you soon. ” He laughed before hanging up.

I jumped out of bed and threw open my door in search of Melissa. “Thank God you’re already awake!” I shrieked at the sight of her eating cereal on the couch.

“I can’t sleep in. You know this. ” She looked up from her cereal bowl and smiled.

“Um, Jack will be here in half an hour. And he said he’s bringing me a present. ” I cocked my head to one side and raised my eyebrows as I plopped down across from her. Melissa’s lips parted as her smile spread all the way across her face.

“Oh my God, you know what it is! Tell me!” I shouted at my best friend.

“No way. I’m not ruining that surprise. ” She shoveled another spoonful of cereal into her still grinning mouth.

“It’s not…” I paused. “He’s not…”

Her face crinkled as she read my mind. “Not what? Proposing?”

“He’s not, right? I mean, we’re not there yet. ”

“Oh, this is fun. ” Melissa was enjoying teasing me way too much, and I resisted the urge to reach across the table and strangle the truth out of her.

“You suck,” I grumbled. “I mean, it’s not like I think he’s going to, but it did pop into my head. Probably because he’s leaving soon, and I’m a girl and…”

“It’s not a ring,” she confessed begrudgingly. “But what if it was? Oooh, what would you say if Jack asked you to marry him?”