Swish.
The basketball bounced back to Vander and he lined up another shot.
Swish.
The familiar sound of the ball rushing through the net did little to settle his nerves.
Usually his time on the court was like time spent with an old friend.
But not tonight.
Tonight all he could think about was Audrey.
Swish.
She’d moved in across the hall from him three months ago, and he’d immediately been captivated by her beautiful smile and her intoxicating laugh.
Vander wasted no time in asking her out and she’d eagerly accepted.
Then he messed it all up. He’d let work become his priority – something his boss and mentor had warned him against – but desperate to make a name for himself, he hadn’t listened.
By the time he’d realized his mistake, the damage had been done. He’d apologized to Audrey, and she forgave him, but she’d kept him firmly in the friend zone ever since.
Swish.
For the last two months, Vander held out hope that Audrey might still be interested. They’d spent many nights together, laughing and talking, but he hadn’t dared to ask for a second chance, not yet. He wanted to take his time and show her that he wouldn’t take her for granted again. And his plan had been working.
Until tonight.
He’d intended to cross the hall to ask if she wanted to join him for dinner, when he heard her laughing. One peek through his peep hole and his heart sank, Audrey was leaving with another man.
Swish.
“You’d think you’d be better at this with all the time you spend out here.” A voice called out from the dark.
“Guess I’m distracted.” He tucked the ball under his arm and turned to face Audrey, who looked beautiful in a light pink sun dress.
“What happened to your date?” He asked, not sure he wanted to know the answer.
She furrowed her brow and cocked her head. “Date?”
“You know, about this tall–” Vander held up a hand “—dark hair, leather jacket.”
“You were spying.” A sly grin spread across her face.
“No.”
Yes.
“That was my brother.” She began to walk toward him.
“I’ve met your brother.” His long strides closed the remaining gap between them.
She rolled her eyes. “Did you ever consider I might have more than one brother?”
No, actually. He had not.
“So not a date.” He took a step closer.
“No.” She stepped so close she had to crane her neck to meet his eye. “Were you jealous?”
“Yes.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and she rested her hands on his chest.
Vander sucked in a breath, it was now or never. “Would you give me a second shot?”
Audrey bit her lip, then lifted up on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. “I thought you’d never ask.”
