“Doesn’t mean they don’t want you. So why are you holding out?”
I shrug. “I’m just not ready to date. I was with my ex for years. I’m not ready to get my heart broken again.”
“So use them for sex. You don’t have to fall in love.” She jumps up. “Yes! We finally scored! We’re tied now.”
The game continues, and Twisted Pine wins in the last few seconds, thanks to a perfect throw by Braden that’s caught in the end zone. He’s going to be gloating about that for weeks,probably months. And his dad wasn’t even here to see it. As much as I can’t stand Braden, I feel bad for him, knowing his dad won’t go to his games. Brock didn’t have to stay home to prepare for his audition. That was just an excuse. He’s probably in his sex room right now with Ana or some other woman.
After the game, I meet up with Shayla, and she takes me to a house on the other side of town. It’s a small, older house with an open field in the back, which is where the party’s going on.
“Do you know where he parked?” she asks, looking at all the cars lined up along the street and on the lawn outside the house.
“No, but I’ll find it. You can go ahead to the party.”
“You sure? Because I can wait.”
“Go ahead. I already texted him. He’s probably already out here.”
She hugs me. “Be careful. I’m still not sure about that guy.”
“I’ll be fine.” I pull away. “Go ahead to the party, then call me tomorrow and tell me all about it.”
“I will. See ya.” She walks off, yanking down her mini skirt, which rides up every time she moves.
“Hey,” a deep voice says. I feel his breath by my ear and his hands around my waist.
I look back, and my heart takes off, filled with joy just seeing him there. I turn and kiss him. “You’re right on time.”
“Let’s get out of here. My car’s over there.” He points to it.
“What do you want to do?”
“I don’t care. I just want to be with you.” He kisses me, his arms pulling me closer.
“Rumor?”
I hear my name and immediately know who said it.
It’s Kade. What is he doing at a Legion party?
“Go!” I whisper to Jackson. “Hurry up!”
“Novak,” I hear Miles say.
Jackson lets go of me and turns to face Miles. “What the fuck you doing here?” He glances at Kade, who’s just behind Miles. “Didn’t you learn anything last time you fuckers showed up at a Legion party?”
“You think I’m afraid of you?” Miles says, stepping up to Jackson.
“You should be, you little fucker.” Jackson stands up straighter, sticking his chest out. “I bench more than you weigh. You’re messing with the wrong fucking guy.”
Miles looks at Jackson, noticing how huge he is, and glances away, like he’s reassessing his decision to fight him.
“Change your mind?” Jackson asks with a laugh.
Miles folds his arms over his chest. “What are you doing with Halliway?”
Jackson’s in front of me, blocking me from them.
“What do you think?” Jackson says.
