Page 16 of Broken Rivalry

He offers a half smile, a seemingly gentle gesture that sends an unsettling ripple through my stomach. “It’s good I’m not an athlete,” he retorts.

I look heavenward and shake my head. “I don’t associate with people who ruined my life.”

“It was not me,” he insists, his voice filled with frustration.

“You enjoyed my downfall,” I accuse, my voice cold. “That’s enough for me. Keep Cole away from Eva, Hawthorne, I mean that.”

He takes a step closer, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. “Poppy, I had nothing to do with what happened to you or your father. I was a kid like you. I swear, I didn’t enjoy your downfall. I didn’t even know what was happening until it was all over.” He extends a hand toward me, an offering of peace and reconciliation. “Why not leave the old rivalry at the door and give friendship a try?”

I stare at his outstretched hand, the heaviness of the decision resting on my shoulders. The past and the present collide in a whirlwind of emotions, the pain and betrayal of the past battling with the possibility of healing and forgiveness in the present. My heart pounding, I gather my courage and make my choice.

I turn and walk away, leaving him standing on the field, his hand still extended. I hope that the chapter of Ethan and Cole is closed, a painful memory to be buried and forgotten, as Eva and I work hard to leave the past where it belongs.

Chapter 7

Ethan

The locker room is a racket of post-practice banter and the musky scent of sweat-soaked jerseys. A tightness forms deep within, thinking about Poppy and her blatant rejection of any potential friendship.

But it’s not only friendship you want, is it? It never was. My mind riles me.

My gaze locks with Cole’s, his smirk revealing that he knows exactly where my mind is. That reminds me of the promise I made to her and need to uphold if I ever want to earn a little bit of trust.

I approach Cole, my steps deliberate.

“Fuck, Coach was brutal today!” Cole winces, peeling off his damp sock.

“You know the rules—three push-ups for every minute you’re late. That’s forty minutes today.”

He shrugs, a sly grin playing on his lips. “Worth it.”

I don’t know what exactly happened. I’m sure it has something to do with Poppy’s curvy roommate and her request to keep him away from her.

A prick of irritation surfaces. “I need you to keep your distance from Eva.”

Cole scoffs, a spark of defiance in his eyes. “What did you say?”

“I mean it, Cole. Eva’s off-limits,” I insist, my voice steady but firm, trying to convey the seriousness of my words without escalating the tension.

“Is that right?” He leans in, his smirk unwavering. “Fine, I don’t care. But I might ask the curly-haired one out.”

I stiffen, my voice icy. “She’s not into athletes. And Eva isn’t into you.”

His voice is a venomous hiss. “Whatever happens between Eva and me has nothing to do with you.”

My response is instinctive. Protective. “It does when you’re acting like a predator.”

Cole’s head jerks back, the only sign of his surprise.

“What the fuck did you call me?” He reaches out and grips my jersey, and I brace myself for a fight I never thought I’d have with my best friend.

Liam’s voice slices through the tension, his British accent sharp with anger. “Fuck, guys! I have one rule for this team. One rule! We don’t fight over pussy or dick! We just fucking don’t!”

The locker room falls silent, all eyes on us as Liam, the typically composed Brit, looks like an enraged bull.

The only saving grace is that Coach is not here to witness the mess we’re making.

“And, Ethan,” Liam continues, his voice a low growl, “if you think your curly-haired girl isn’t into athletes, think again. Saw her at Pizz-tachio, being all secretive with a basketball player.”

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