The Handoff (Big Play #3) Read Online Free

corner. There’s a framed photo of my dad that sits on top of my wooden dresser next to my jewelry box, and it’s about the only thing I truly care about in this room that I can’t quite make my home.
    “Having a bad day, Layla?” Derek slides his hands into his pockets, looking smug and irritating as usual.
    I run a hand through my hair and ignore him, inching closer to my bag on the floor. “Where’s Mack?”
    “Don’t know.” Derek shrugs. “He left just after I got here.”
    “Big surprise,” I mutter, picking up my bag and casually swinging it over my shoulder. If Derek’s here and Mack’s not, I’m out.
    His leering gaze travels down my body, sending a chill up my spine. I hate the way his eyes seem to shine when he’s looking at me.
    “Leaving again so soon? I thought you might want to hang out.”
    “Whatever,” I mumble and go to move past him.
    He jumps in my path, leaning in to me and sniffing. “Jasmine today. I like it when you smell sweet.” The back of his finger brushes my cheek.
    I jerk away from him and wipe his touch off my skin. “You’re such a creep. Don’t touch me.”
    He snickers and licks the corner of his lips, his eyebrows wiggling. With a disgusted huff, I shove him away and bolt out of my room. I don’t like leaving him alone in my bedroom, but I’m not going to stand there while he grosses me out with innuendo. He’s only doing it to taunt me, and I know I shouldn’t let it rile me so bad. I should stand my ground and give him some pitying look that will make him feel small and insignificant. One of the ones Roxy’s so good at. But it’s just so much easier to walk away.
    I have no idea where I’m going to go. Roxy’s is out, and there’s no point going to Michelle because she always sides with Roxy over me. I guess that leaves a solo trip to the mall. Maybe Mom can drop me. I’m halfway down the stairs when she and Martin walk into the main entryway. They’re both laughing about something, catching a light moment in the midst of Mack’s I’m not playing football anymore storm. I should be happy for them, but when Martin catches Mom’s arm and pulls her against him… Ugh! She’s still giggling as he places his mouth on hers. She wraps her arms around him and he leans her back a little. It’s like their bodies are suctioned together as they once again make out, unaware of the fact that other people live in this house too.
    Seriously!
    “Don’t you guys know how to do anything else?” I shout, my voice coming out way louder than I meant it to.
    They jerk apart and Mom looks up the stairs, giving me a warning glare that I’m supposed to pay attention to.
    I don’t.
    Hustling down into the entryway, I scowl at them both, making sure my boots are nice and loud on the tiles as I make my way to the door.
    Mom presses her lips together as if steeling herself, then forces a smile. “Everything okay, Layla?”
    “No!” I spin on my heel, waving my hand in the air for extra effect. “Everything is not okay! This house is turning to shit!”
    “Layla.” Mom’s eye bulge. “Watch your language.”
    Martin scratches the back of his head, his lips wrestling as he fights a smile. Oh, he thinks this is funny! My nostrils flare as I decide, for once, not to hold it all in.
    I point up the stairwell. “Derek’s being an asshole. That creep likes nothing better than to come here on the weekends and taunt me.”
    Mom blanches, her mouth popping open with a gasp before she turns to Martin with an apologetic smile. He rolls his eyes and shakes his head, not looking at me when Mom turns back with a sharp “Don’t talk about your brother that way.”
    “He’s not my brother!”
    She crosses her arms, her hazel gaze steely as she readies herself for yet another mother/daughter showdown. “Really? We’re going to have this conversation again? Why can’t you just be nice to him?”
    “Mom! You have no freaking idea!” I practically scream.
    Martin clears his