Alley-Oops I Think I'm Falling in Love (With the Wrong Guy)

[27] Taming the Shrew

That irrational heat brewing inside spilled over.

"What the hell, bro?" I blurted, bewildered by the sight laid out before me.

Taylor flinched like he'd been caught out. Aria's emerald eyes narrowed in challenge, but her cheeks reddened.

I hurriedly glanced over my shoulder towards the door. How was I going to explain this plot twist?

Damn it.

I should've just left them alone, but man... I don't know. I couldn't let it be. Seeing Aria practically sitting on my home boy's lap messed me up.

"I need to talk to you." I demanded, jerking my chin towards the door. Aria scowled, unwilling to give up her seat so easily.

Taylor cocked his head at me and raised an eyebrow. Clearly, this was his idea of "handling it." I mean, it wasn't his worst idea. Taylor had a new girl every week, Whitney probably wouldn't even bat an eye at it.

Smile, simp master flex. Lighten up. He'll start asking questions if you don't.

But I couldn't do it. I stared back, my mouth a firm line. Reading my expression, Taylor turned to Aria and urged her to obey my request. His eyes lingered on me, his face pensive.

Aria rolled her eyes. "You're such a diva, Tate." She grumbled and pushed to her feet.

When she rounded the couch, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest. I almost sighed in relief.

I was tripping.

And shit...

How was I going to explain myself? What did I actually need to say that was so urgent?

I led her out into the hallway and slipped into one of the guest bedrooms, buying myself a little time and some privacy. Aria hesitantly followed me in, her brow furrowing when I shut the bedroom door behind us.

She crossed her arms over her breasts, the irritated wrinkle between her brows clearly visible as she eyed me with distrust. She scrubbed her hands over her arms, goosebumps visible even in the gray light.

I worked some moisture into my mouth, unable to meet her eye.

"Uh... Coach thinks we broke up. He thinks I fumbled the bag." I said, which was true. He'd cornered me after practice.

Aria threw up her hands. "What do you want me to do about that? Just tell him the truth, Tate. This isn't working."

I scrubbed the back of my head and glanced at the ceiling, waiting for Whitney and Allie to pass by the door.

Aria eyed the door too, a frown creeping over her face. Her shoulders dipped. Her whole presence seemed to melt a bit. It was unlike her. Well, actually it was exactly like her, but not around me.

She started flicking her fingers. When she noticed me watching, she hastily stuffed her hands behind her back.

"Why do you do that?" I asked, motioning at her with my chin.

Her cheeks flushed immediately. She fidgeted. I thought she'd rip into me, but she just froze.

I'd embarrassed her.