SIXTEEN
HARPER
On the Friday morning, we were hungover and hatched a plan to call in sick for each other. It was a gutsy move, considering Molly’s father was the principal of Harbor Heights High. Storm just called in sick to college and faked a cold through her cell. She was quite the actress.
When we got downstairs, both Storm's mother and father had left for work, but there were fresh croissants on the counter. We briefly recapped the situation with her father and made a pact not to tell anyone else. I had my fingers crossed behind my back for obvious reasons. I needed to speak to Phoenix. Eventually, we all went back to our lairs.
I’d taken the picture of Storm’s dad, of course, I had, but I also took away the knowledge that I believed Dominic Summers to be Phoenix’s biological father. Concerns of his dad turning out to be mixed up with the Newport Mafia had vanished, and in its place was an even more worrying thought.
Phoenix’s words in the car played in my head like a broken record. “I get the feeling that he’s someone important. Dangerous even.”Well, I wasn’t sure about the latter part, but he certainly ticked the first part of that sentence.
After walking to the shops to buy some toiletries and make-up, I grabbed a Wendy’s and then headed home. I explained to Ma that I had eaten and had a brief catch-up with Micah, who was painting the skirting in the kitchen and helping with the finishing touches. The rest of the Sawyer boys were at practice again.
I waited up for Nix to come home, but I must have fallen asleep, as when I opened my eyes, I was stretched out on my bed, and my clock said it was just after three in the morning. I’d felt drained after the drinking session at Storms the night before, something I clearly wasn’t used to.
On Saturday, when I got up, Nix had already left for the gym, and so I decided to message him. I knew his head would be focused on the game, but we needed to speak.
Are you avoiding me?I messaged him as I sat at the breakfast table with Ma and Micah. They were both discussing the game. Ma had been looking after her ill friend for a couple of nights and had decided to watch the game on TV. I told Micah that he could ride with me, Molly, and Storm after checking with her that there was room in the car.
No, sorry. I’m not avoiding you. I need to get my head in the game. What’s happening?
I need to speak with you.
Yeah, me too, I guess.Nix replied.
I had a feeling my news would be juicier than his.
I watched, waiting impatiently for his next text.It will need to wait until after the game. OK?
I paused, knowing I had no alternative but to wait.Yeah, sure.As I knew he was out, I continued messaging as I let myself into his room. His sheets were drawn back, and I ran my fingers over the covers, taking in his scent.
My phone vibrated in my hand as I found his agency file on top of his dresser.You coming to the victory party at the beach afterwards with the girls?I hoped they won.
With a smile, I thumbed in.OK. Good luck, Nix, I’ll be watching you.Leafing through the folder, I found his mother’s address written in pencil on the inside in Phoenix’s handwriting, along with the name Leibrock. Again, another confirmation that the woman the mayor had investigatedwasNix’s mom.
Leaving his room as I found it, I glanced back down at my phone, drinking in his reply.
I’m counting on it, baby girl x.He even added a kiss, something he never did, and just seeing that made my heart squeeze. It was probably a good thing that I hadn’t had the chance to talk to him about my assumptions. Hearing that there was a pretty good chance Dominic Summers was his father would have distracted him from the game.
Later that afternoon, I put my favorite songs on Alexa and got ready. Storm and Molly were due to pick me up just after four.
I’d always understood the meaning of the saying dress to impress; I’d just never conformed to that bullshit. Unlike me, my mother had always been stylish, stating that if you care about your appearance, it makes a statement and leaves a lasting, positive impression. People respected those who dressed well. As I glanced down at my reckless outfit of choice, I wasn’t so sure about the latter.
I was wearing one of Phoenix’s old jerseys over my underwear and nothing else. After careful consultation with Molly, we had decided to make it into a dress of sorts. The jersey had clearly been shrunk in the wash a few times, hence the reason I said Phoenix’s old jersey, and it barely covered my ass.
Turning my back toward the mirror, I glanced over my shoulder. Seeing Phoenix’s name and numberblazedacross my back and chest gave me palpitations. I was both excitedandterrified of his reaction when he saw me. It was time to take things to the next level. I didn’t usually put too much shit on my face, but that evening I had gone all out, blush, mascara, and lip gloss, and I left my red hair loose down my back.
And how would he notice me out of hundreds of highly-strung spectators, throwing their arms around like lunatics? I would makedamnsure he saw me, even if I had to streak across the field under everyone’s noses. A pitch invasion caught on camera would only help to boost my message. And what was that message?
Phoenix Carterownedme, body, heart, and soul.
Wearing a player's number meant you had been claimed, like a brand, and I had now decided that is exactly where I wanted to be.
I’d had enough of playing by Phoenix’s rules, holding back, and pretending that nothing was going on. I now knew exactly what was happening, and it was time to allow nature to run its course.
I could no longer hide from the chemistry between us. Over the last few weeks, it had become so intense that it crackled in the air whenever we were together.
I would no longer let Phoenix push me away or treat me like a little girl. I was a woman and a dangerous one. Why? Because I knew what I wanted, and I was going to get it.
