I take a bite and moan. My eyes drop shut as I savor the flavor. How can something so simple taste so heavenly?
Pure bliss rolls through me, my body sagging against the counter as my perfume spikes with happiness. “Oh my God,” I groan, pressing a hand over my mouth, overwhelmed by the deliciousness. “How did you know this is my favorite?”
Silence envelopes the room as I glance up, catching three sets of eyes locked onto me. And none of them are thinking about tacos. At least, not the kind I’m holding in my hand.
I swallow hard, suddenly very aware of the way they’re watching me. I can feel the blush starting to heat my cheeks, and I set the unfinished taco back in the container.
“So, should we buy you street tacos multiple times a day, or is there a limit to your happiness?” Carson smirks, breaking the tension, though something deeper flickered in his gaze. Hinting at unresolved feelings.
With the savory taste lingering on my tongue and the warmth of their presence surrounding me, I realize that amidst the chaos and confusions of my relationships with them, there’s a deeper bond forming. One forged by shared experiences and an undeniable connection that keeps drawing us closer.
CHAPTER 15
Willow
We won.
I can still feel it—the rush, the roar of the crowd, the burn in my muscles as I crossed that last point. The final whistle blew, and we’re going to Nationals.
The girls are cheering, throwing their arms around each other, bodies colliding in a chaotic blur of sweat and victory. We did it.
Daisy grabs my shoulders, shaking me with her excitement. “Jinx, we’re going to Nationals!”
I grin, heart hammering in my chest. “Hell yeah, we are.”
We tumble into a pile of hugs and laughter, the sheer energy of the win vibrating through my bones. This is it. This is what I live for.
But then, I feel it. Or rather, I don’t.
The familiar prickle of being watched, that distinct awareness that Finn is lurking just out of sight…it’s not there.
I scan the sidelines, my breath hitching slightly. He should be here. He’s always here. Camera up, lens trained on me as though I’m the only thing that exists.
But there’s nothing. No Finn. I try not to feel disappointment. That’s silly.
I glance toward the edge of the rink where Graham stands, arms crossed, eyes already on me. Carson is nearby, smirking as if he’s reading my mind, and Hunter—well, Hunter’s just watching. Silent. Steady. Unreadable.
Did they keep Finn away?
I don’t get the chance to ask. Not that it would surprise me, they are here to keep Finn away from me.
“We’re going out,” Daisy announces. “No arguments. You’ve bailed on us the last two weeks.”
I barely have time to breathe before the team is rallying, plans forming faster than I can keep up with.
Carson falls in beside me as we leave the arena. “You’re safe, peaches. We’ve got you. Just have fun tonight. Enjoy your win.”
The club is notour usual.
It’s bigger, darker, packed wall to wall with bodies moving to the pulsing bass. Strobe lights cut through the haze, neon flickering across the dance floor, illuminating faces in rapid flashes.
Carson, Hunter, and Graham are nearby, always within reach, always watching. It’s almost become normal for me, having them as shadows. A comfort even. Not that I don’t feel perfectly safe on my own. I don’t need them.
“You gonna stand there all night?” Daisy nudges me, her grin wide. “Come dance. Show your bodyguards what they’re missing.”
I exhale, shaking off the tension. Carson said I was safe. They’ve got me. And if there is a part of me that is scared ofanything, it would be Landon showing up and trying to talk to me again. Not Finn taking my picture. But either way, they’re here, watching. It will be fine.
So I let go. Just for a little while.
