Chapter 40 #5
“How does that work with you not playing high school ball, though?” I asked, my thoughts violently tangling together with ideas.
I could ask my grandfather to help me. It would be perfect: make her happy, give her what she wanted, enjoy her happiness with her, and take care of business after she had the best birthday one could have. “Do colleges even know your name?”
“They . . .”
I winced when Quinntessa’s eyes saddened. She looked like I’d popped her brand-new Disney balloon.
“I’ve written to a few colleges. Applied,” she explained, tugging at her necklace. “I can’t live in fear if I want to go pro. I need to get on a team where scouts could visit.”
“Are there female teams?”
“I mean, sure, but?—”
“Why not go for a female team?” I wondered out loud.
Quinntessa rolled her eyes again and gave me a pointed look. She was so hot when she was annoyed. I was trying to enjoy learning about her, but I couldn’t help the smirk that formed every time she gave me a lick of attitude.
“Because it shouldn’t matter if it’s a boys’ team or a women’s team. Boys could, but girls will. I will,” she huffed, her little pout pulling me in.
“I believe you.” I smiled. “You’re ambitious, hence why I think you could pretend to be a guy and?—”
“Quincy, I am a tampon on legs.”
“Eh. More of a pad.” My lips moved before I could stop myself. It wasn’t wrong. I did think this, but I could see why she looked embarrassed by my comparison. “What? You have curves and you look flexible.”
I bit back a smile as she poked my chest, leaning closer to me with a glare so hot, it could burn a star.
Me.
“Might I remind you, you’re supposed to be telling me about yourself,” she hissed.
I groaned dramatically and fell back on her mattress. “But I love getting to know you . . .” I sprawled out and hoped she’d take the invitation to lay down beside me. “In my bed is just a bonus.”
“I will knock your cotton candy ass out, and I don’t even care that I’m in your fancy castle.” Quinntessa tried to look threatening, but her words only made me feel like she was indeed a princess in her own little world.
“You’re all bark, Sal. I’m not worried.” I laughed.
“You don’t know enough about me to make that assumption.” Quinntessa looked away from me, her pouty face and stubborn eyes making me smile.
“True.” I propped up my head on one hand and scanned her side profile. “Tell me everything.”
“You know what?” I frowned as the curly-haired girl retreated from the bed and fixed her clothes. “I think I won’t.”
“What? Why?” I shot up and frowned, worried she’d take this as a chance to leave.
“Because I want to know more about you, Quinn.” She reached out and wiggled her fingers at me. “Show me where you grew up!”
Like I would risk someone seeing her here. We had people everywhere.
“I grew up right here.” I motioned around my childish room. “On this bed. In this room.”
“Did you eat breakfast here?”
“Yup.”
“Your home is gated, and you’re telling me you stayed in your bedroom for eighteen years?”
“Yes?” I winced, hoping she’d drop the subject.
“What about that?” Quinntessa pointed to the dog bed, sprouting a broad smile. “Are you hiding your puppy from me?”
I was so whipped already, it wasn’t even funny. She made me want to pick her up and spin her around every second of the day, especially when she gave me those big, beautiful puppy dog eyes.
“Mustang, why are you so nosy?” I hissed.
“Show me around, and I won’t have to be nosy to get to know you!” She bounced lightly on her toes, a habit I’d seen from her over the past few weeks.
“You’re already nosy to get to know me,” I reminded her.
“Show me around,” Quinntessa pleaded, eyes begging me to give in to her wishes.
As she took my hand and tugged me up from the bed, I tried to search my brain for the possible people lingering around the property.
“I don’t show people around, though.” I tried to put myself in front of her and turn her around, but Quinntessa ducked down and shot through my legs. “What the hell?”
“Show me around!” Quinntessa cheered, looking around the large hallway and high ceilings. I stared at her in disbelief. “Show me where Estelle’s growing up, Fancy Pants.”
She was practically bouncing as she waited for me to cave. I wanted to memorize this for later—her big, goofy smile and bright eyes, reaching out for my hand as she bounced lightly on her toes.
I guess I could lie and say this was all a part of my plan to kill her if anyone asked.
I laughed loosely and let her lace our fingers together. We slowly walked down the hall together before I stopped and leaned toward her.
“You’re lucky; I don’t bring girls home,” I whispered, tugging a smile across my face. “Or introduce them to Stella.”
Quinntessa giggled as my nose brushed her cheek. She leaned away from me but played with my fingers.
“Well, next time your boyfriend comes by, let me know so I can leave,” she whispered.
I laughed at the thought and gave her some space to breathe. We walked together down the hallway, Quinntessa’s eyes fleeting away to all the new things she could ask me about.
My eyes remained on her the entire walk to the gardens.