“I’ll protect you.”
Puddles scatter across the field as the rain falls. The coach has us running laps, so even though the air is bitter, and I’m soaked right through to the bone, the coldness is a treat to the heat pouring out of me.
Either that or the raging warmth twisting around my spine is from the glimpse of abs I keep seeing whenever Blaise uses his shirt to dry the rain from his face—it’s an unintentional glance in his direction that I can’t help but fall into. I’m more drawn to him than ever, and my entire body is aware of his proximity when our shoulders brush on the field.
I lost myself for a bit. Blaise stayed with me until our parents called us down to tell us they were going to go on another trip, just the two of them. They want a breather, away from us and life.
I stayed quiet and kept my eyes on the floor, while Blaise did all the talking. Asking where, when, how long, and if they think they can trust their sons not to blow the house up. He meant it in a laughing manner, but I didn’t laugh. I didn’t acknowledge a word. I dismissed myself and silently retreated back to my room and fell asleep.
I woke four times last night, and I could have sworn Blaise was there two of the times.
It’s fucking confusing. The way I feel. It’s messing with my head. I should hate him, want to smash his face in for being a pain in my ass since we met. But if I’m going to be honest with myself, in the least pitiful way, I never felt an ounce of peace under my bed until he joined me.
I didn’t pull away when our palms pressed together, and my heart slowed to a healthy pace when our fingers entwined, and just… Fuck.
“Any slower and you’ll stop, Carter.”
I pick up speed since I’m falling behind, catching up with Keith and Samson. “Fuck, man,” Samson gasps. “I feel like my lungs are dead.”
“Mine are on fire,” Keith replies.
“Pair of pussies,” I throw in as I overtake them, dodging one of them trying to kick my ankles. I run backwards while giving them the middle finger, getting back into a steady pace as I turn around.
My hair sticks to my forehead as I round the benches and ignore all the bystanders—the usual girlfriends, boyfriends, and wannabe jocks enjoying the view while we nearly die from exhaustion.
It’s been an hour, and Coach won’t let us stop. It’s punishment for the locker room getting trashed last night. It wasn’t me, and I don’t think it was any of my friends, since I would’ve heard about it on the group chat, so everyone speculates that it was Allie.
Apparently, she’s made it publicly official that we broke up with some huge social media post about betrayal and heartbreak.
I was sent a few screenshots, but I didn’t bother reading any of her bullshit. She’ll play victim, like she always does, then gospread her legs for her professor again in an attempt to make me jealous.
It explains why she’s here, watching with rage in her eyes.
Jackson sits on the bench behind her, with Samson’s big brother beside him. I know they’re going to party later. They’ll be waiting on the guys finishing up so they can head out.
I said no.
The last place I want to be is anywhere near Jackson. He made it out that something happened between him and Blaise. Blaise wouldn’t lie about it. He’s more the type to rub it in my face to get some sort of reaction from me.
I reacted. I hit my friend, ended said friendship, then let myself spiral.
I breathe heavily when we’re eventually allowed to stop. Bending forward, I keep my hands on my knees and cough up a lung. My leg aches like it always does when I exercise, but I learn to get on with life and ignore the constant reminder of my past. Sweat mixed with rain drips from my eyebrow as I glance up to see Allie smiling at me as if she hasn’t blasted me all over the internet. Jackson smirks, his head tilting to Blaise, and I follow his gaze to see Blaise talking to Mia.
Mia.
Why the fuck won’t these girls leave us alone?
And why is he talking to her?
I watch as they interact. He runs his hand through his hair, his chest rising and falling from the running, while she talks. Then she reaches for his hand, which he pulls away, making her brow furrow.
Good boy.
My nerves crash when Jackson hops down from the bench and walks straight toward Blaise, and before I can stop myself, I aim for them too.
“Practice isn’t done,” I snap at them, my eyes not daring to look at Mia or Allie. I’m glaring at Jackson. “Fuck off.”
“Hmm,” Jackson hums, before dragging his eyes to Blaise. “I’ll see you at the party tonight.”
