“You slapped him?” Maddox asks, wearing an amused grin on his face.
“Yeah. I made sure to slap him hard, too.” A smile blooms on my face when I think about the red mark I left on Lucas’s cheek.
“I’m mad that I missed it. I would’ve paid money to see that. Maybe I can ask the security guards to give me the footage…”
A loud laugh escapes me. “Well, I hope he’ll leave us alone after this.”
“Oh, I’m sure he will. I’d be pretty damn embarrassed if I were him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves far away from San Francisco after this.”
“I don’t understand what his problem is,” I say, shaking my head.
“He’s obsessed with you. He’s upset that he will never have you. I don’t blame him. I know I would be.” Maddox wraps his arms around my waist and places a kiss on my temple.
My fingers twist the blanket in my lap. “I don’t know. I feel like his hatred for you runs deeper than that.”
He cocks his head to the side. “What would be the reason, then? I mean, I’m only an asshole to him because I’m just giving him back the same energy he gives me. But I’ve never spread rumors about him like he did with me.”
“I don’t know…” My voice trails off.
“Do you want to watch a romcom with me?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I’m always in the mood for romcoms.” He grins.
I reach in my pocket to put my phone on silent when a notification catches my eye:Raven Vogel tagged you in a reel.
My heart lurches and my hands shake as I click on the notification.
Raven Vogel has over a million followers and is a big-time fashion influencer. Her platform consists of videos and photos of her in stunning outfits. She often promotes different brands to help them grow.
The reel begins to play.
“You guys, I think I found my new favorite shop. Look how cute this dress is!”She twirls in front of the camera, showing off my blush midi dress.
“Oh, shit. Is that one of the dresses you made?” Maddox asks, glancing at my phone.
I nod excitedly. “Yes! And the video already has so many comments and likes.”
Raven continues to show off the other items she bought from my shop while raving about them.“The price is so affordable for how good the quality is. Make sure you check out Thorny Roses. You can find the link to the clothes I bought in my bio.”
I go back to my Instagram profile and see that I’ve had a surge of new followers.
“That’s my girl!” Maddox beams. “I’m so proud of you, Rosie.” He drops a kiss to my lips and my heart swells.
I’ve been so used to things going wrong—but with Maddox back in my life and my shop flourishing more than I ever imagined, I finally feel like I’m on the right path.
I just pray that this happiness doesn’t get snatched away from me.
CHAPTER FORTY
maddox
Los Angeles is givingit their all tonight. We have won the last three games, and if they lose this one, they’ll be eliminated from the playoffs. We were in the lead until the third quarter of the game, but they caught up to us and we’re currently tied.
The time on shot clock is ticking down, and we need to make some moves to break the tie and send them home.
Kingsley Ross leaps up for a two-pointer, but Darius blocks it clean, sending the ball flying across the court. I sprint after it, snatching the ball before the other team can get to it and racing across the court.
Quickly scanning my surroundings, I spot Elijah positioned near the goal and launch the ball his way. He catches it seamlessly and executes an effortless Euro step, sinking the ball into the net.
