Play With Me (Playing for Keeps, #2)

by Becka Mack

“Living without your soul mate is something no one should ever have to do,” Hank murmurs. He pats my hand. “I know there’s something extra special waiting for you, Jennie. A love above all the rest. That’s what a soul mate is. Someone with smooth edges to soften our sharp ones. Someone who fits us so perfectly, vibrates on the same frequency, makes all our best parts shine. And together? Together, everything is exactly the way it’s meant to be.”

IM NOT CRYING YOU ARE😭😭😭

“You’re crying again.” Stupid. Of course she’s crying. She doesn’t need me to point out the obvious. “I’m not crying,” she cries, jabbing a finger into my chest. “You’re crying!” Riiight… “Uh, do you need a…hug?”

I hate him. I hate him so much. Him and his lopsided, happy smile, and his stupid blond hair, always a beautiful, perfect disaster.

“I have to get changed. Want to wait in here?” The way his face lights up at the simplicity of me accepting his offer makes me wonder if he craves company the same way I do. “You’re coming?”

This guy is the most terrible combination of godawful at flirting and horrendously awkward, and part of me wants to bury my face in a pillow and scream.

I already can’t look Carter in the eye. I know what his little sister does at nighttime, and I kinda wanna help her out.

My brain has finally gotten the memo to shut up. Unfortunately, Jennie’s waiting on a response. Wish I could formulate one. “Garrett? I’m waiting.” “Please don’t hurt me,” I finally whisper.

The car rolls to a stop at a red light, and Garrett’s eyes flit between me and the road, fingers drumming the steering wheel. On the fourth look, I face him, prepared to tell him to spit whatever the fuck it is out already. But he leans over the console, pressing a quick kiss to my lips.

Tears are falling I love him

“Look at us,” he boasts. “Killing the whole friends-with-benefits thing. Knew we would.” I hold my fist up, and he bumps his against mine. “Nailed it!”

Most of us are half-dressed in equipment. Jaxon is less fortunate, covering his dick with a hand towel. The video already has over a hundred thousand views. Carter’s only ever looked prouder when Olivia said I do.

Jennie’s doing great with the sexting. Fast learner. Superfast.

“Oh wait.” I roll down the window. “I forgot to mention this a couple weeks ago, but your wife wants you to fuck her like you mean it.” Carter stares. “What?” “You cannot poke your baby in the eye, Carter.” He glances at his crotch. “Are you sure? I’m pretty well-endow—”

“I fucking love watching you come, and I fucking love being the one to get you there.”

“Can I tell you something I’ve never told anyone before?”

I’m really proud to be your friend, Jennie.”

Sobbing

Bear: U snore like a trucker. Had to get the fuck outta there before I smothered you with a pillow. Bear: Just kidding. U looked cute as fuck. Didn’t wanna wake u. Bear: *kiss emoji* Have a good day at school, sunshine.

“C’mon, Jennie. Dance with me.” Her grin is a slow explosion, lighting her whole face as all that apprehension fades away. “You’ll dance for me?” “I’ll do anything for you.”

“They hurt a little less when I’m with you,” she whispers. “Thank you for being my friend, Garrett. I think I really needed you.”

“The guys, Cara, Ollie…they’re the family I found here, the one I chose, and I think you’re part of it, too, now. I want you to be, at least. You feel like you belong in it.”

I’m glad to have her, though, because I haven’t seen Carter this happy at Christmas since our dad died. His smile never wanes as he hugs her into his side, linking their fingers, kissing her shoulder or temple every time he passes by.

I think Olivia brought him back to life.

Oh GOD😭

“No, you don’t. What you need is a partner, a best friend. Someone who’s patient with you, who waits for you to open up when you’re ready and wants to walk through all your battles with you. Someone who makes you laugh, who complements your incredible qualities. You have such a big heart, Jennie, and I wish you’d open up a space in it for someone. I know you’re afraid. But life is too short to be afraid.”

“I don’t make friends all that easily. I have a hard time trusting people. I’ve learned to be okay with keeping my circle small, but you…you’ve made everything better.”

😭😭😭

“I think you’re my best friend.” She drops her gaze to my chest, cheeks radiating with heat. “It would really hurt me to lose you.”

“Best friends don’t lose each other, Jennie. I’ll be right here, always. I promise you that.”

“Damn, I look good.” Carter pivots, watching himself in the mirror. He tugs on the lapels of his tailored suit jacket. “I’d fuck me.”

I’ve sung half the soundtrack and Jennie hasn’t stopped laughing the entire time. I love being the reason behind her laugh.

“I’m no one’s sunshine.” “Fuck, I love when you’re wrong.” My mouth covers hers, coaxing it open, and her tongue meets mine for a slow, sweeping kiss. “You’re my sunshine.”

“Relationship advice? From you? Absolutely not.” “Why not? I’m great at relationships.” I snort a laugh. “You’ve been in one.” “Yeah, and I’m married to her, ’cause I fucking nailed it the first time around.”

And fucking vanilla, Jennie? Jesus Christ, you’re red fucking velvet.”

“Today I used one of your dildos to fix a dent you put in your brother’s car, then watched you moan over every single bite of your dinner and lick your fingers clean. Being with you is like watching my favorite TV show. I’m always on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what comes next.”

I know: My heart hasn’t ever beat so hard for another person.

“But here’s the thing, Jennie. You don’t have to be strong and confident all the time. You’re allowed to have insecurities, to be afraid, to feel lonely. Those things don’t make you weak; they make you human.”