Maya huffs out a little laugh, but her tone is colder now. “So you just... hop around from guy to guy, huh? Must be nice not caring what people think. Tanner, Miles, now Vincent. I mean it... it looks a certain way.”
Abigail instantly bristles, sliding closer to Nova. “You mean slutty?” Her voice is firm, protective. “Because if that’s what you’re implying, Maya, maybe you should keep it to yourself.”
Nova waves a hand, still smiling. “It’s fine, Abs. She’s allowed her opinion.” Then she turns back to Maya with a glow so warm it’s impossible to call it fake. “But thank you for worrying about my reputation. You’re sweet.” Another sunshine-bright grin. “But I don’t hop around.” She steps right into Maya’s space and—before anyone can blink—presses a quick kiss to her cheek. Maya freezes, wide-eyed, and Nova pulls back with the brightestsmile. “I only hop whereIwant andI’m wanted, sweetheart. My best friend’s lap is my favorite option.”
Abigail snorts into her drink. I nearly choke on mine. Maya’s cheeks flare red, but before she can find a comeback, Nova twirls away, laughing, tugging Abigail with her.
And of course, right then Britney Spears’sIf U Seek Amyblasts louder from the speakers.
God, she did it on purpose.
Next thing I know, Nova’s dragging Tanner onto the makeshift dance floor. “Come on, you promised me a spin!” she beams.
Tanner goes along with it. He twirls her under his arm, hand catching at her waist, and she’s laughing, hair flying, skirt lifting just enough to make my throat go dry. Everyone claps along.
And me? I’m losing my damn mind.
By the time Tanner tries to dip her, I’ve had enough. I cut straight through the crowd, grab Nova’s wrist, and spin her right out of his hold like it’s a dance move of my own. Tanner stumbles back, hands up likehey, I didn’t do anything.
Nova blinks up at me, then smirks like she’s been waiting for this. “Cooper. Jealous much?”
I tug her closer, my hand firm at her waist. “What the hell was that with Maya?” I mutter.
Her smirk only grows. “What? I was just being friendly.”
“Friendly?” My voice is low, tight. “You practically told her we—”
“—that we’re close?” she cuts in, eyes glittering. “We are. Unless you’d rather I stop saying it?”
I grit my teeth. “You love driving me insane, don’t you?”
Nova leans in, close enough that her lips almost graze my jaw. Her whisper is soft, smug: “Only because you look so good when you’re jealous, Cooper.”
My pulse slams in my ears.
“And anyway, I think Maya wants me more than you.” Nova laughs, looping her arms around my neck as she sings along to the song. “Even if she basically just called me a slut.”
My eyebrow shoots up, irritation flaring hot. “Nova, you’re not a slut. What the hell is she even thinking?”
Her smile falters, her voice shrinking. “I don’t care if she thinks that. I know I’m not.” She looks down, fixing her eyes on a spot on my shirt like it’s safer than looking at me.
That twist in my chest nearly knocks me over. I slide my hands down her arms, threading my fingers firmly through hers. “Nova. Look at me.”
Slowly, hesitantly, she does.
“Don’t you ever let her words stick to you. You are the furthest thing from what she said. You’re the best part of every damn room you walk into. You’re—” I exhale hard, pressing her hand flat against my chest. “You’re the only person who makes this mess of a life feel like it’s worth it. You’re home, Nova. To me, to everyone who actually matters.”
Her throat bobs as she swallows, her lashes fluttering. “Vincent...” she whispers, a little breathless.
Before I can say more, Max appears out of nowhere, slipping an arm protectively around her shoulders. His eyes flash with a sharp edge, like he’s been listening the whole time. “Don’t worry, Cooper. I’ve got this. Next time Maya so much as breathes in Nova’s direction, I’ll tell her straight up her hair sucks. End of discussion.”
Nova stares at him for a beat, stunned, then bursts into laughter—bright, unguarded, the kind of laugh that makes my chest ache with relief.
“You guys are ridiculous,” she giggles, but her smile is back now, glowing.
Max points at her dramatically. “Ridiculous and effective. Face it, sunshine, you’ve got your own protection squad. Me andVincent here. And honestly, if Steven were here tonight? He’d be leading the charge. Maya wouldn’t stand a chance.”
I nod, tightening my grip on her waist. “That’s true. He’d destroy her. No hesitation.”
