Page 51 of Broken Rivalry

I realize I’ve zoned out, lost in thought, and I shake my head marginally. “Sorry, what? Oh!” Our burgers had arrived, and I hadn’t even noticed.

He tilts his head, curious. “Where did you go just now?”

I laugh nervously. “Only thinking about the past.”

He nods, looking a bit uneasy. “I hope it wasn’t all bad.”

I pick up a fry and take a bite. “No, it wasn’t bad.”

His eyes linger on me, stopping on my lips, and a shiver of anticipation runs through me. “I was asking if being seen as my girlfriend would be that bad and if it has anything to do with Jeff.”

“Jeff?” I ask, confused.

He gives me a knowing look, and it clicks.

“Oh, Jeff!” I shake my head, dispelling the implication. “No, Jeff and I, it’s nothing like that.”

A mischievous grin dances on his lips, and my stomach performs an excited flip. “Good! I was wondering if I had to revert to my high school days and chase off suitors.”

I snort, amused yet slightly indignant. “I didn’t have any suitors in high school.”

“I know.” His grin widens, devilishly charming. “I was quite good at my job.”

Suspicion narrows my eyes, yet I can’t quell the heartbeats in my chest. “What do you mean?”

“Locker room talk. I told one guy you had herpes and gonorrhea, and it spread metaphorically just as fast.” He bites into his burger with an air of nonchalance.

My mouth falls open in shock. “You didn’t!”

He chews slowly, his eyes teasing. “Not my proudest moment, but”—he shrugs—“it did the trick.”

We finish dinner, sharing a few more stories and a lot more laughs. The comfort between us grows, and by the time we leave Josie’s, the earlier awkwardness has dissipated, replaced by a warm familiarity.

Ethan holds the car door open for me, and once we’re both inside, he turns toward me, a hint of nervousness in his eyes that I haven’t seen before.

“I’ll take you home,” he begins, his voice shaky. “Am I welcome to join you?”

I hesitate, then shake my head. “No.”

His face falls, disappointment clouding his features, but I reach over, placing my hand over his. “I think I would rather you take me to your home,” I say quietly.

He looks at me, his eyes searching mine, ensuring we’re on the same page. “Are you sure, Poppy?” His voice is gentle. Caring. Giving me every opportunity to change my mind.

My heart races, but my answer is firm. “Yes, I am.”

He lifts my hand, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it, his eyes never leaving mine. Then, with a nod, he starts the car, and we drive away from Josie’s, heading toward a new chapter together.

Chapter 18

Ethan

My heart is racing, beating wildly as I drive us to my place. Poppy agreed to come home with me, and every second that passes, I half expect her to change her mind. I linger a bit too long at the traffic light before turning left toward my house, stealing a glance at her. Her face is a mixture of resolve and desire that mirrors my own internal commotion.

Silently, I send up a thank-you to any deity that might be listening when I pull into my driveway and spot the absence of Cole’s and Liam’s cars. I’m not in the mood to deal with their antics or Cole’s crude innuendos that might make my girl uncomfortable.

My girl…

I turn off the car and turn toward her, meeting her eyes. She smiles, and something warm and solid settles inside me.

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