End Game (Bellevue Bullies 4)

Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I slowly shake my head. “No, it feels like it just happened.”

Before Mom can comment, Amelia is running back to us. “She has to stay. The school and local papers are going to do a whole interview and then take pictures. Sofia says thank you, though, and hopes to get a rain check.”

“Of course.” Even with the pain filling my mom’s features, she beams as she waves back to Sofia. A beautiful grin is on Sofia’s face, so bright and wide. While I know it’s not for me, my heart still skips a beat at the sight of it. It’s breathtaking, and I want so desperately to be the recipient of it.

Good Lord. I’m sprung on this girl.

That’s not good.

“She seems nice.”

“She’s great,” Amelia answers as she and Mom lock their arms together. “I want hot chicken.”

“Of course you do,” I tease, and she beams back at me. It annoys me that she hasn’t commented on my text or written me back. I know she’s seen it. She’s holding her phone, and she’s updated her Snapchat three times since the end of the meet. She’s ignoring me, and I want to trip her for it.

I’ll refrain. I don’t want to upset my mom. Or hurt Amelia.

She does have a career and all.

Looking back into the gym, I watch Sofia for one more second as my mind goes wild. I’m half tempted to walk up to her and introduce myself, but I don’t want to come on too strong. Plus, having a little sister who can talk me up should be a plus for me.

I am a great big brother.

“Come on, Ry!”

Tearing my gaze from Sofia, I smile. If Amelia comes tonight, I know she’ll bring Sofia, which is exactly what I want.

I want to taste Sofia’s lips.

But I’ll be patient, even if I’m the most impatient person in the world.

Running to catch up with Mom and Amelia, I hurry ahead to open my mom’s door for her.

“Such a gentleman.”

“I have great parents,” I say as she gets in, sending me a tight-lipped smile.

I know she’s missing my dad like crazy, and it’s hard. I get it. For the first time in a while, though, I’m thinking about something other than the pain that is rattling my mom’s heart. While I feel a tad guilty, I need an answer about Sofia.

Shutting the door, I hold my hand over the handle for the back.

Amelia’s brows pull together as she looks up at me. “Yes?”

“I know you got my text.”

Her eyes don’t leave mine. “Maybe.”

“Are you going to answer?”

She narrows her eyes a bit. “I told you, she’s out of your league.”

I scoff. “Are you calling me ugly?”

“Not at all. I’m saying she’s gorgeous.”

“So am I. Introduce us. I’ll take it from there.”

She doesn’t say anything at first. “She’s a little standoffish, Ryan. I’ve seen dude after dude try to talk to her, and she just won’t have it. I don’t think she’s looking for anything.”

That doesn’t worry me at all. “Just an introduction. I promise, I don’t need anything else.”

She looks away, shaking her head. “I can come to the Bullies’ parties?”

“All of them.”

“Even Bikini Night?”