Then, before I could say anything else, he lifted his phone, leaned into me, and snapped a selfie. Just like that.
Click.
Flash.
The next second, it was on his SnapStory:Me and the Queen herself. #OpeningNightVibes
I blinked. “That’s gonna start rumors.”
“Let it,” he shrugged, lips twitching. “I like chaos.”
I couldn’t help the snort that escaped. “You sound like my lawyer.”
Kannon laughed again, nudging my shoulder. “You’re alright, Jade. Way more interesting than half the fake-around-here crowd.”
Shani leaned over, giving him a smirk. “Careful. You might make our girl here actually enjoy herself tonight.”
“I already am,” I said before I could stop myself. And it was true. He was light-hearted but grounded. The type of guy who took life seriously, but not himself. Being around him made the weight on my chest feel just a little lighter.
And then I feltit—that slow-burn tingle across my skin like a spotlight had landed on the back of my neck.
I turned just slightly and found him.
Leo.
Across the gym. Standing near the tunnel with Xavier, warm-ups pulled tight across his chest and his arms flexing as he pulled on his shooter’s sleeve. He was watching me.
No—glowering.
His jaw ticked, and his eyes narrowed into that signature stormcloud stare that once meant I was the only one he saw.
Now?
Now he looked like he wanted to throw the basketball through Kannon’s skull.
Kannon leaned in again, dropping his voice. “You feel that heat too?”
I didn’t answer.
I just smiled… and leaned a little closer.
Let Leo scowl.
I wasn’t his anymore.
And tonight, I was having fun.
Chapter 12
LEO
I shouldn’t be lookingat her.
Every coach I’ve ever had says the same thing—focus on the game, not the girl.But what do they know abouther?
There Jade sits, in my line of sight like a damn mirage in a desert—hair loose, face glowing under those stupid prep rally lights. Kannon Kavanaugh has his arm slung over the bleacher behind her, smiling like he just hit a walk-off home run. And she’s smiling back.
That smile used to be mine.
