CHAPTER SIXTEEN
maddox
SEVEN YEARS AGO
Annalise’s cheerpractice ended early, so she came to watch me at basketball practice. We’re planning on stopping by Fisherman’s Wharf after I’m done to grab a bite and watch the sea lions.
It’s been a few weeks since we had our first date, and things have been going extremely well. It took a while for her to finally agree to go out with me, but it was worth the wait. The fact that Annalise Rose Monroe gave me the time of the day feels like the biggest win.
The other week, we went to a carnival and shared our first kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel. As cheesy as it sounds, I saw fireworks going off when her soft lips touched mine.
I find myself falling harder for her every day. Everything feels easy around her. I share things with her that I can’t share with my family or friends. Everyone at school sees me as a popular jock, but with Annalise, I can be my true authentic self.
Homecoming is a couple of weeks away, and I’m planning on officially asking her to be my girlfriend after the dance.
“Nice shot, Dimples!” Annalise cheers after I slam dunk the ball into the net.
I’ve been purposely showing off since she arrived.
I blow her a kiss and watch as a blush creeps over her cheeks, along with a radiant grin that blossoms on her face.
“Y’all wanna go get some In-N-Out?” Elijah asks after practice ended.
“I have plans with Annalise.” I grin.
“Damn, it’s already starting.” Santiago shakes his head. “Soon you won’t have time for us anymore.”
“Dude, shut up. I always have time for my boys.” I laugh, rolling my eyes.
Annalise climbs off the bleachers and shuffles toward me, but Lucas stops her in her tracks. “Hey, Annalise!”
“Hey, Lucas!”
“Do you plan on going to homecoming this year?” Lucas asks.
“Yeah, I think so.”
“So—I, uh…” Lucas clears his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was wondering if you maybe wanted to go with me?”
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Santiago elbows me in the gut. “Aren’t you gonna intervene? He looks like he’s trying to go after your girl.”
I roll my eyes, crossing my arms. “Please, I’m not worried about Hilton.”
I’ll never admit it to the guys, but I can’t help but feel insecure when I see other guys flirting with Annalise—especiallyLucas Hilton. There’s something about him that has me on high alert. I view him as my biggest threat.
“Oh, Sorry. I already have a date. I’m going with Maddox.” Annalise’s eyes shift to mine and her mouth curves into a smile that shoots straight to my heart.
“Wait—Maddox Kamado?” Lucas’s brows lift up. “I didn’t think you would go for someone like him.”
What the fuck is that supposed to mean?
My jaw tightens in an attempt to keep my rage from boiling over.
“Well, I’ve been hanging out with him outside of school and he’s different than I thought he would be.” Her cheeks flush and there’s a dreamy look in her eyes. “He’s sweet, down-to-earth and so fun to be around.”
A wide grin slides across my face. I feel myself relax, some of the worry fading away.
