The Handoff (Big Play #3) Read Online Free Page B

huddle.
    We’ve only been playing for about twenty minutes and I’m already sweaty. Having spent most of the day building, I’m feeling pretty worked out. I’m gonna be tired by the end of the day.
    The sound of Sammy’s skateboard clicking up and then swooshing down the ramp makes me look over my shoulder. She and the guys were already here when I arrived with Colt and Tori. Tyler and Darius left the ramp as we loped onto the grass, leaving Sammy to do tricks on her own. I spin and walk backwards so I can watch her bring the board up to the top of the ramp, then grind along the bar before dropping back down. Her fine hair flies beneath her backwards cap as she speeds down, this time jumping up and grabbing the bottom of the board before hitting the ramp again.
    The girl’s got skills.
    My eyes drift to Tori. She’s sitting on a picnic table a few feet in front of Sammy, reading a book. Well, trying to read. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s gotten through one page. Her eyes keep popping up to check out her boyfriend or watch Sammy skate or smile at the old guy walking his dog along the path.
    When I looked up a few minutes ago, she was actually chatting with some kid who was skipping past and had stopped to watch Sammy do tricks.
    “Finn, come on, man!” Mack shouts at me, and I spin away from Skater Girl and Pix. They’re so completely different. One’s a hard-ass tomboy and the other’s a sweet little talkaholic. I’m attracted to neither of them, so it’s easy to hang out and call them friends.
    Not to get all soppy and sentimental, but it’s really hard not to be grateful for my life in moments like this. I’m surrounded by cool people who I love to hang out with. I’m really going to miss them when they all leave.
    Flicking the ball in the air, I catch it against my chest then lean in to listen to Mack’s play.
    “Okay, Colt and Ty, you go long on the outside and Finn can run a five yard out on the right.”
    We all nod and jog back to our positions. I’m just crouching down to set the play when I notice Tori’s expression. Her lips, so often turned up in a smile, are pulled down tight at the edges, and her bright eyes are staring at something behind me.
    I stand tall and look back to see what’s bothering her. My muscles bunch immediately, my face dipping into a scowl as Derek and his asshole buddy, Quaid Miller, get out of Derek’s car.
    “Colt.” I catch his eye then nod in Tori’s direction.
    He glances over, his face bunching into a frown when he sees her pale, frightened expression. He looks behind us and mutters, “Shit,” before jogging over to his girlfriend’s side.
    “That’s right, pretty boy! You better get to her before I do,” Quaid shouts across the field.
    Tori flinches while Quaid licks his lips, looking like a wolf who’s tracking his prey. His deep laughter grates on my nerves and I step up beside Mack, who’s already forming a barrier between these two and Tori. Tyler and his skating buddies join us and we’ve soon formed a solid wall of protection.
    The sound of Sammy’s board on the ramp cuts off and I glance over my shoulder to see her jumping down and coming to stand beside Tori. She lays her board on the ground and holds it with her foot while leaning her hip against the table. Colt’s already there, wrapping his arm around Tori and whispering something in her ear.
    Seeing Pix sandwiched by two fighters eases my unrest and I turn back to a smug-looking Derek. I have no idea what he’s so happy about. He looks like he’s just finished the best dessert he’s ever tasted. I frown at his expression, wondering what he’s up to. There’s no way these dickheads are stupid enough to take on eight guys and a skater girl with an iron fist.
    “Get back in your car and keep driving, Dick man.” Mack’s words come out punchy and low.
    “It’s not against the law to come and say hi to my precious stepbrother.” Derek’s eyes glimmer. “I haven’t had a