God knows I do.
If she thinks for even a second that I’ll let her break this off, she’s out of her mind.
“Sorry, babe. Wish I could, but I’ve got a meeting with Coach in five.”
Her expression flickers with a mixture of sorrow and resignation before it’s quickly masked as I turn away. Leaving her here feels like I’m tearing something out by the roots, but there’s nothing else I can do.
Other than giving her more time, I don’t know how else to get through to her.
The hallway feels cold and much too bright as I step through the doorway.
The worst part is that I can still smell her on my skin. It’s a ghost of everything I shouldn’t want.
For just a second, I almost stop and swing back around.
Almost.
Instead, I force myself to keep walking. Once I’ve turned the corner, I yank my phone out of my pocket and type.
Me: So… just out of curiosity, how’d you convince Ava to give you a chance?
It takes less than ten seconds for my older brother to respond.
Hayes: What makes you think she needed convincing?
Me: Because I know you, dickhead.
Hayes: Fair enough. I made my intentions clear so she understood I wasn’t messing around.
His reply burns behind my eyes long after I pocket the phone.
Rina thinks she can make our relationship about rules and rationality as she draws lines in the sand. She’s yet to realize we blew past those lines a long time ago.
What she doesn’t get is that I’ve spent years wanting her. Ever since the first time she walked into the media room as the Railers’ new PR manager.
And now that I’ve finally had a taste of what it’s like when she comes undone in my arms?
There’s no going back.
It’s not just about desire anymore.
It’s a bone-deep need.
One that drowns out everything else until she’s the only thing left.
5
Rina
The second I have a free moment, I fire off a message in the group chat.
Me: Any chance we can meet at Lakeshore Sweets? It’s urgent.
Lilah: On my way.
Callie: Already here. Coffee and carbs waiting.
Sloane: Consider my interest piqued.
