Page 138 of On the Breakaway

Chaos: I see lots of people.

My stomach sinks, thinking I’ve just made everything weird, treating her like a girlfriend when we haven’t even remotely had that conversation yet.

Me: You know what I mean.

Chaos: I do.

Chaos: You said this wasn’t a relationship.

I know what I said. It’s just not what I feel anymore.

Me: I know.

Chaos: Which means I can see anyone I want.

I deflate.

Chaos: Lucky for you, I’m not really into fooling around with multiple people.

My lungs fill again with renewed confidence.

Me: Just me, then?

Chaos: Are you seeing anyone?

I can’t keep the smile off my face, because I can picture Avery’s face as she types the question.

Me: I see lots of people.

Chaos: Asshole.

Me: No, Chaos. Just you.

Then I add:

Me: Can we keep it that way?

There are a million questions buried under the one I asked.

Chaos: Yes, please.

I smile so hard my cheeks hurt.

“Is that her?” Nathan asks when I glance up from my phone.

“Uh, yeah.” I slide my phone back into my pocket.

“If you’re smiling like that, this Bra-gate woman must really be something.” Liam tries to fist-bump me.

I slap it away. “Stop talking about that damn bra.”

“Oh. He’s got it bad, boys,” Liam announces to the locker room.

I shake my head, but my face heats. Wyatt catches my eye and quirks his brow, a silent question on his face.

What are you doing? What does it mean?

I don’t have an answer, so I just shrug. It’s still a secret. It’s not a relationship, but it is exclusive, and that’s a step in the right direction.