“No,” I said immediately, still feeling decidedly grumpy and off-kilter after my stalker’s no-show…even with Coach’s attempt to kill us.
“I’m ready,” Garrett countered at the same time.
I glared at him for encouraging Jace. Jace had enough encouragement inside his head. He didn’t need anything externally.
Jace cleared his throat with mock solemnity. “What’s the difference between jam and jelly?”
Parker snorted. “Oh no.”
“I can’t jelly my?—”
I slapped my hand over his mouth before he could finish. “Don’t. Just don’t.”
He laughed into my palm, then licked me like the feral bastard he was.
“Ugh—” I yanked my hand back so fast you’d think I’d touched a hot stove. “You’re disgusting.”
Jace doubled over cackling while Parker nearly dropped his water bottle from laughing so hard.
“I’m not disgusting,” Jace said proudly. “I’mgifted. Also, my saliva is probably worth money at this point, so you’re welcome. That spit on your hand is probably worth, like, five million dollars right now.”
I gaped at him. “There’s so much I could say about that,” I muttered, shaking my hand out like it was contaminated. “But I’m choosing peace today because I’m tired.”
“Very noble of you, Matthew.” I winced at his use of my full name…since it reminded me of my dad calling earlier. Jace raised an eyebrow at me.
“Alright, that’s it! Helmets off, hit the showers! If I see anyone dragging ass, you’re running suicides tomorrow!” Coach’s voice cracked like a whip across the turf.
Groans rippled through the guys, cleats scuffing as they started toward the athletic building. Tank ripped his helmet off like it had just insulted his whole family. Jace removed his and flipped his hair dramatically, muttering something about shampoo endorsements.
My gaze automatically flicked toward the parking lot for the umpteenth time since I’d discovered she was missing.
But her car still wasn’t there.
I tore my eyes away only to catch Jace stiffen mid-step, his grin twisting into something that resembled…terror, actually. “The day just got interesting, boys. Or creepy.” He jabbed me in the ribs. “Isn’t that Emma?”
Jace was squinting at the bleachers as if his life depended on it, and I reluctantly followed his gaze.
And sure enough—Emma.
Limp brown hair draped over her shoulders, and her posture was as stiff as a corpse propped up for a family photo. She sat with her knees tucked in, a massive poster spread across them. Slowly, deliberately, she lifted it high.
MATTHEW ADLER, I SEE YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING.
My stomach hit the turf.
Parker gagged on his water, sputtering and coughing until he bent double. “Nope. Nope, nope, nope.”
Jace threw his hands in the air. “Unbelievable. Are you kidding me right now? You’ve gottwostalkers? I don’t even have one! This is favoritism of the highest order.”
“That’s not—” I started, but he cut me off, glaring at me like this was somehow all my fault and I’d asked for it all.
“Unfair, Adler. Some of us have to work for love. You’re out here collecting psychos like trading cards.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “You literally stalked Riley until she gave in. Neither of you need psychos because you and Parkerarepsychos.”
“Coerced,” Jace corrected proudly, chest puffing up like he deserved a damn medal. “I coerced my Riley-girl into becoming the love of my life. There’s a difference. Mine was strategic. Artful.”
“Exactly,” I shot back, deadpan. “You’re stalker enough for the both of us.”
