Play Dirty (Make the Play #4) Read Free

I’m just trying to fix that.”
    Now I’m even more suspicious. “Are you in some sort of twelve-step program or something?”
    Josh chuckles. “My only addiction is girls, and I’m not interested in being reformed.”
    Understanding slams into me so hard it steals my breath. My hand flies to my mouth. “You want Ashley back.” His face colors at my words, and I know I have him. I’ve never seen Josh blush. I’d think it was cute if I wasn’t so repulsed.
    “Why do you care what the reason is if you get Hayes back?”
    I ponder his words, doubt taking root. “What if it doesn’t work?”
    “It will. Trust me.”
    It’s not the right thing to say. “Since when have you ever been trustworthy?”
    “You’re really gonna have to start saying nicer things about me if you want people to believe we’re together.”
    Exasperated, I roll my eyes. “Is this your way of buttering me up? Cause it’s not working.”
    He bridges the gap between us so quickly I don’t have time to react. His fingers hook into the top of my jeans, and he tugs me forward. Lowering his head, his mouth nears my ear. “Is it working now?” Hot air fans over my skin, making me shiver.
    My heart hammers loudly in my ears, and my palms clam up. I swallow hard, his proximity reminding me of our kiss, which was desperate and manic, but also surprisingly tender and nice. Placing my palms on his chest, I shove him backward. “Stop, Josh. I haven’t said yes to your stupid plan yet.”
    “Aww. Our first fight. How cute.” He winks. “Something to tell the grandkids about.”
    I freeze, reality dawning me. “There’s no way I’ll be able to pretend we’re together. You’ll drive me nuts.”
    “Fine.” He throws up his hands as if in surrender. “I’m not gonna beg, Tals.” I cringe at the nickname. “I’ll find a different way to get Ashley back. I don’t need you.” Backing away from me, he tosses me an annoyed look.
    Cars are making their way out of the lot. It’s clearing out fast. I notice Hayes car isn’t here anymore. He and Ashley are probably off somewhere together. They’re attached at the hip lately. Josh turns away from me, his shoulders stooped. His words knock around in my mind.
    I’ll find a different way to get Ashley back.
    Josh doesn’t pursue girls. They go after him. And when they break up, he moves on to the next one. I’ve seen him do it for years. So why is he devising a plan to get Ashley back?
    “Josh!” I call after him.
    His shoulders stiffen. He peers over his shoulder, his dark eyes piercing mine. I lick my lips. Josh may be a dick, but he’s good-looking. Maybe one of the best looking guys at our school. The first time I saw him, I remember thinking that he looked like a movie star. Every girl I know has had a crush on him at one point or another. Most of them have had their heart broken by him too. That’s what makes this so puzzling. “Yeah?” He asks, his patience clearly wearing thin.
    “You really want her back, don’t you?”
    “Yeah,” he answers. “And I always get what I want.” Without another word, he faces away from me and continues walking.
    He’s right. I’ve never known Josh to lose. He gets what he wants. It infuriates me at times. But maybe this time it will work to my advantage.
    “Wait,” I holler, but this time he doesn’t even acknowledge me. Blowing out a frustrated breath, I race after him. A few cars get in my way, and I have to wait for them to pass. But the minute the path clears, I run as fast as I can. Which isn’t very fast, but eventually I catch up to him.
    “The conversation’s over, Tals,” he says, approaching his car.
    I grab his sleeve, holding him in place. “I changed my mind.”
    He shakes my arm off. “So did I.”
    Desperation blooms in my chest. “What?”
    “I decided I didn’t want to deal with your drama. I’ll do this my own way.” Moving away from me, he unlocks his car.
    “You’ll never get her back without me,” I