Page 118 of Mine to Take

I’ve spent years trying to keep these emotions at bay.

Somehow, Willow has managed to sneak past all of my defenses and burrow deep inside my heart.

I have no idea if there’s a way to evict her.

And I’m no longer sure if I want to.

Our relationship was complicated from the moment I saw her sitting in the visitor’s section, wearing River fucking Thompson’s jersey, cheering for him when he scored a goal.

How is it possible that it’s become even more convoluted?

We’re supposed to meet up for a tutoring session tonight. It was set up before everything exploded over the weekend. I’ll admit that I considered blowing it off until I was able to get a better grasp on my feelings.

But if I do that, I’m running away from my problems. What I’ve learned over the years from having dyslexia is that nothing good happens when you do that.

In fact, it only makes everything worse.

Uncertainty spirals through me as I strip off the rest of my gear and hop into the shower before getting dressed.

Then I head to Coach’s office to get my ass chewing over with.

Ryder glances at me as I huff out a breath.

“Want me to wait around?”

I shake my head. “Nah, I’ll see you back at the house. I’ve got something to take care of.”

The guy who I’ve always considered my best friend smirks. “Something or someone?”

“Someone.”

As I say it, a sense of rightness settles over me.

He nods. “Good. We just might be able to make that double date happen after all.”

“I hope so.”

I realize I’ve never meant anything more as I straighten my shoulders and rap my knuckles against the frosted glass door.

“Come in.”

I poke my head inside the small space. “You wanted to see me, Coach?”

“Yeah.” He glances up from the paperwork strewn across his desk. “Close the door and take a seat.”

35

Maverick

Twenty minutes later, I’m hustling my ass across campus, hoping to make it to the library by six o’clock. I considered calling or texting Willow a million times throughout the week, but ultimately, it’s better if we have this conversation in person.

The entire time Coach had been yapping, I’d snuck quick peeks at my phone, hoping he’d bottom line his long list of grievances.

No such luck.

He’d gone on for another fifteen damn minutes before finally wrapping up his spiel.

And now I’m late.

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