PROLOGUE
Eastfield, NJ
Fifteen years ago…
After a decisive win against North Brunswick Friday night, Foster Price’s head was still up in the clouds. The team he’d led had a chance for the state championships for the first time in almost twenty years. The whole town was abuzz. He couldn’t contain his smile as he drove across town to pick up his girlfriend first thing Monday morning. A few neighbors waved to him as he passed by in his dad’s old BMW.
It was going to be a good day.
Or so he thought.
When he pulled up to his girlfriend’s house, storm clouds were brewing. She opened the door and threw her backpack at him before slipping into the passenger seat.
“I told you that I needed to be at school early this morning for a homecoming meeting, asshole,” Ashley said before buckling up.
When had she told him that? He didn’t remember at all. “Sorry, I must’ve forgot.” He tossed her bag into the backseat. “You should’ve reminded me last night when I called.”
“So this ismy faultnow?” Ashley asked, her brows furrowed.
He stared at her, not sure what to say. He had no recollection of her telling him in the first place, if she had at all. She absolutely should’ve reminded him—but saying she held fault in it would only start a fight.
“Go!Shit, Foster… hurry the fuck up!” Ashley yelled.
Foster glanced in his mirror before he peeled out and drove as fast as he could without tempting a ticket. He glanced at Ashley a time or two as she checked her makeup in the mirror behind her visor and ignored him. Uncomfortable silence filled the car the entire way.
Way to ruin my good mood, Ash.
After pulling into the parking lot of Eastfield High, he grabbed both of their backpacks and rounded to her door. Ashley grinned up at him like nothing had happened that morning. She climbed out and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Sorry I yelled.”
Foster clenched his jaw, frowning. “Yeah… it’s… fine. Sorry I forgot.”
Ashley pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.
“Hey, Fozzie!Good job Friday night! Go Devils!”
Foster looked toward the voice and waved. He wasn’t even sure who’d said it.
“It’s going to be a good day,” Ashley said before threading an arm through his and urging him toward the front door.
The fight was soon forgotten. Nearly everyone congratulated Foster as he trailed through the main corridor. He puffed out his chest a bit with pride. His smile returned. Ashley preened beside him, as if she’d been on the field herself. In a way she had. As captain of the cheer squad, she’d been on the sidelines, encouraging the whole team.
Being king of the castle felt good, his queen at his side.
He glanced at her, frowning.
His queen?
Shaking his head, he swallowed the doubts for the millionth time. No reason to rock the boat.
Nearing Ashley’s homeroom, he saw one personnothappy to see him. Jude Margolis stood at his locker, dressed in his usual all black, long bangs hung low over half his face. The rest was shoved under a dark beanie. He turned to glare at Foster before slamming his locker closed and walking ahead of them. Foster’s gaze immediately drifted to Jude’s ass. Tight skinny jeans sculpted it and made Foster’s dick thicken just a little.
Dragging his gaze away before he got himself in trouble, he smiled at Ashley. Looking at her ass had never done that to him. She was the hottest girl in school, maybe even the county. Every guy he knew wanted to be him.
Every guy but him.
He stopped beside Ashley’s homeroom door and gave her a quick peck. She smiled up at him seductively while sliding a hand down his chest. “I’ve rescheduled the meeting for lunch, so I won’t see you until after practice.” She pressed closer, looking up through her eyelashes. “Are you gonna miss me, babe?”
