Page 63 of Broken Rivalry

The weight on my chest lifts somehow. We have a lot to figure out, but for now, this is a start. With a newfound sense of purpose, I walk her to the car, opening the passenger door for her. She slides in gracefully, and I can’t help but steal a glance at her before heading to the driver’s side.

As I start the car, the stadium lights begin to recede in the rearview mirror, their glow gradually fading. The energy of the game, the cheers, and the adrenaline all become distant memories. The drive envelops us in a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine. Yet, beneath that calm, there’s a palpable tension, a silent acknowledgment of the unresolved emotions and the revelations of the evening.

“Poppy?” I start, my voice hesitant.

She glances over, her eyebrows raised in question. “Yeah?”

I inhale deeply for composure before I speak. “Would it be okay if I… stayed over tonight? I’ve noticed my sleep is better with you around. It’s like… everything falls into place with you beside me.”

She seems taken aback by my admission, her eyes searching mine. Then she nods slowly. “I’d like that. But first, we should grab some takeout. And remember, you have to get enough for my roommates too. It’s an unwritten rule.”

I chuckle. “Alright, what are you in the mood for?”

“Chinese?” she suggests with a hopeful smile.

“Sounds perfect.”

We pull into a nearby Chinese restaurant, and I’m overwhelmed by the array of options. “How much is ‘enough’?” I ask, bemused.

She laughs. “Just get a variety. They’re not picky.”

Taking her word for it, I order an assortment of dishes, probably enough to feed my boys too. Inviting them over would have been cool, trying to mix our friendship groups, but putting Eva and Cole in the same room would be nuclear.

Back at her apartment, the delicious aroma of the food fills the apartment. Her roommates, Nessa and Eva, are already in the living room, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the feast.

“Wow, Ethan, trying to bribe us?” Nessa teases, eyeing the food.

Eva giggles. “Or maybe he’s making sure we’re well fed before he whisks Poppy away to play doctor in her bedroom.”

Poppy rolls her eyes, a playful smirk on her lips. “Joke’s on you. We’re staying right here for the evening.”

I can’t help but laugh, the banter lightening the mood. We settle down in the living room, plates piled high with food. The TV plays in the background, some sitcom that I’m not familiar with. But honestly, I couldn’t care less about what’s on the screen. With Poppy curled up beside me, her head resting on my shoulder, I’m in my own little world.

The hours fly by, and the room is filled with laughter and light-hearted conversation. Every now and then, I catch Poppy’s roommates throwing us knowing glances, their smiles teasing. But for the most part, it’s a normal evening, a group of friends hanging out and enjoying each other’s company.

As the night wears on, the room grows quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the TV. One by one, Nessa and Eva excuse themselves, leaving Poppy and me alone.

Nessa being Nessa. “Don’t forget protection!” she shouts before closing the door behind her.

Poppy shifts, her fingers tracing patterns on my arm. “Thank you,” she murmurs.

“For what?”

“For tonight. For being here. For… everything.”

I turn to face her, my fingers brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Always,” I whisper.

She smiles, her eyes shining with unspoken emotions. Slowly, she stands up, extending her hand to me. “Come on,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

My heart rate accelerates, anticipation building. Taking her hand, I let her lead me toward her bedroom. The night may be drawing to a close, but for us, the real journey is only beginning.

Chapter 21

Poppy

It is still dark outside when the alarm’s shrill tone pierces the quiet, and I groan, not ready to face the day. Behind me, Ethan stirs, his warm breath tickling the back of my neck. He tightens his hold around my waist, pulling me closer.

“No, more sleep,” he mumbles, his voice thick with drowsiness.

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