Boring. That word kills me coming from her mouth, even though I’ve learned not to care anymore when my mom’s eyes glaze over when I try to talk about things that matter to me.
It’s pathetic. My parents don’t find me boring because there’s something wrong with me. They don’t even really find me boring at all. My success in football and academics exhilarates them. They just don’t give a shit about anything else. Conversations with Amy make me feel like a king. She listens to me.
Talking to her that day in the library made me as giddy as a little kid. It was the first real conversation I’d had with her since high school, and I thought she enjoyed it as much as I did. I was ready to fall to my knees and beg her for a date.
Then she crushed me with a few words.
I acted out. I let Harper read her fanfic aloud because I wanted Amy to feel a fraction of the agony I’ve felt. It was a mistake. Those wide, vulnerable, pained eyes of hers will probably haunt me for the rest of my life.
“Because I’m an asshole sometimes,” I say, hating how utterly inane it sounds.
What a pathetic excuse, but it’s the truth. I lash out when people hurt me, and no one has held as much power over me as little Amy.
“But I promise you, Amelia, I’m trying to be better. I’ll never be mean to you again.”
Her expression grows mischievous. “You don’t have to make promises like that. I won’t let you be mean to me again.”
I grin as I lean in and kiss her hard. “So where is this date tomorrow?”
She snorts. “Like I’d tell you.”
I chuckle. “You don’t have to. I’ll find out.”
Nick’s going to tell me, even if I have to threaten him again. There’s no way I’ll let my girl go on a date unsupervised. That prick Seth will probably fall in love with her the moment he sees those pretty eyes light up when she talks about something she’s passionate about.
I won’t let it happen.
CHAPTER 16
Amy
Seth leans forward, setting his elbows on the table. His gaze locks on mine. “So what’s up with you and Tristan?”
“What do you mean?” I ask, immediately lowering my eyes to the table. What a stupid thing to say. Seth was there the night of the party when Tristan announced his ownership of me. He’s seen how Tristan singles me out in the game. Playing coy makes me look stupid.
“He never gives a shit about the girls in the game,” Seths says, thankfully ignoring my faux pas. “Why does he seem to be singling you out?”
My stomach flutters. I wish I didn’t like all the attention I’ve been getting from Tristan. “I honestly have no idea.”
It’s all I’m giving him. I really don’t want to talk about this.
He nods slowly. “I just don’t want to come between you guys if… If there really is something going on between you.”
I shake my head sharply. “There’s nothing going on outside of the game.”
His eyes dart up over my shoulder. “Uh-oh. Speak of the devil.”
A gust of cold air sweeps over me, sending an ominous chill down my spine. I twist around to find the object of my nightmares standing tall and imposing at the entrance of the coffee shop. His bright-blue eyes lock onto mine and that familiar smirk makes its appearance. He saunters over to our table like he owns this damn coffee shop.
When he reaches our table, he touches the tip of my nose. “Cheer up, little one. I’m not here to ruin your date.”
I grit my teeth. “Then why are you here?”
He glances over at Seth. “I just wanted to say you’re welcome to Seth here.”
Seth’s eyes grow wide. “Um…okay.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I bite out.
