My Player Bestfriend (Book #1)

Chapter One

I woke up in Austin's arms.

His chest rose and fell softly, and I could feel his breath near the top of my head. The room was dim, lit only by the glow of the paused video game screen. I didn't move — just observed. Alex, Dave, Zach, Ty, and Robert were still playing. Sarah and Jackie were gone. I figured they went home.

Austin looked down at me and smiled.

"Someone's finally awake," he said, in that annoyingly cute tone of his.

"Mhm," I mumbled.

"You see?" Alex chimed in, eyes still on the game. "Told you. You and Austin are practically attached at the hip. You've never stayed mad at the kid for more than, what—an hour?"

I rolled my eyes. "What are you even talking about?"

"You two are always like this," he shrugged. "It's inevitable. You can try to stay mad, but you won't. You never do."

"Cute," Dave teased, glancing back. "Look at you two, all cuddly."

I tried to wriggle free. Austin only held me tighter.

"Stop," he murmured. "I'm comfy."

"Where'd the girls go?" I asked, ignoring his grip.

"They went to Sarah's," Alex replied. "She said to tell you you're invited. They're having a girls' sleepover. You can go... or crash here with us."

"Oh, and when exactly were you going to tell me?"

Alex chuckled. "Probably never. I forgot."

I rolled my eyes. "Austin, release me."

"Nope."

"Austin—seriously."

"Nooooooo," he whined.

"Fine. Let me go and I'll kiss you."

He let go instantly.

I sat up, stretched, and made my way toward the door.

"Bye, boys," I called.

A chorus of "See ya!" followed.

"Wait—you said you'd kiss me!" Austin said.

"Yeah, about that..." I grinned. "I sort of lied. Byeee."

I slipped down the stairs, waved goodbye to Drew and Cole, and left. The night air was cool against my skin as I walked to Sarah's.

Sarah opened the door before I could even knock.

"Oh hey! They actually told you?"

"Surprisingly, yeah."

"Well, come on up."

I followed her upstairs to her room. Jackie was already buried under a blanket fort.

"So...you and Austin," Jackie said, not even trying to hide the smirk.

I sighed. "What about us?"

"You're so difficult. Just admit there's something there!"

"There's nothing," I said flatly. "I don't like him like that. I've seen the way he plays girls. I'm not doing that."

"But if he wasn't a player?" Jackie nudged.

"Maybe... but no."

"Whatever. Let's just watch a movie and chill," Sarah cut in.

We bundled up in pillows and blankets while Sarah popped in Looper. My phone buzzed.