Page 75 of Rivals

“Don’t push me, babe. I’ll also do anything to keep you, Riley, so remember that. I want you. A future, college, marriage, babies. I don’t care which order things happen in. You’re mine and you always will be.” His palm clasps the back of my neck and pulls me closer until his lips brush against my temple.

“I love you,” I tell him, my hand cradling the side of his face. “I want all those things too, Reign. I’m just not ready yet. I’d at least like to experience college with you how you first talked to me about it. Us. Classes. Studying at that library that I now have saved to a Pinterest board. Our games, cheering each other on. Nights at the bar playing pool. Nights in the sweet-ass apartment your mom picked out. We have time. I want to spend it with you first before we bring your Reign clone on board.”

He snorts and shakes his head, laughing. “How about a challenge, Conrad.”

My brow quirks up. “What’s the terms, Thorn?”

“The minute I get drafted, I get free reign to put a baby inside you.”

“That shouldn’t sound so good coming from your mouth.” I groan in response and this time he laughs harder. “You’re going to be a professional athlete. Shouldn’t marriage and babies scare you?”

“Are you in or out?”

Our gazes lock and I see the hint of teasing in his eyes and the barest curve of a smile on his lips. “Fine, but don’t think I won’t have a favor up my sleeve when the time comes.”

“I would be surprised if you didn’t,” he responds before kissing me.

I’m about to give him another talking to about babies and marriage and his order when my phone vibrates. I pull it out of my hidden skirt and Emma’s name flashes on the screen.

EMMA: 911. Facetime needed now!

I show Reign the strange message. “I’m going to the bathroom where it’s quieter. Hurrying off the dance floor, Reign follows me to the dark and empty hallway and waits while I barricade myself in the bathroom. Within a minute, the phone vibrates with an incoming call.

“What’s going on?” I ask, taking in Emma’s teary eyes and red cheeks.

“The ex is back,” Sam answers for her and my mouth drops open.

“He took a date to your prom?”

Emma shakes her head. “He came here and waited outside to talk to me.”

“In a suit!” Sam adds, her eyes big while she shakes her head. “I think he picked up manipulation notes from your man, Ril.”

I laugh and the noise carries in the bathroom. “Oh my god. What are you going to do?”

“I ignored him. What do I do though if he tries again?” Her eyes move over my face.

“I guess see what he has to say. Maybe there’s more to the story. Or maybe he’s just a selfish ass and realized he lost a good thing. Either way, you owe it to yourself to find out. Then you can let it go for good before leaving for school next fall.”

We’re all going to Michigan and nothing makes me happier than knowing I’ll be reunited with my best friends. Sam plans to take some time off from hockey, but Emma and I want to play.

“Yeah, okay. You’re right.” She sighs and rubs her temples.

“Now go have fun! You look beautiful, Em. I’m sure you broke his heart tonight just by breathing.”

We exchange a few good stories of the night before quickly hanging up. The door to the bathroom opens and Reign pops his head in.

“Good?”

I nod. “All good.” I notice the line of girls once I step out of the doors. “Reign.”

He shrugs. “You needed privacy to help your friends. They’re fine.”

I keep my head down while I follow him back to the dance area. “Are you ready to leave soon?”

Reign stops in his tracks and exhales a sigh of relief. “I’ve been ready since we got here. But I also don’t know if I want to go to the after party. I want you all to myself.”

I smile and want to tell him I’m ready to leave right this second when my phone vibrates again. A local number flashes on my screen, one I don’t recognize. It seems too late for a solicitor call. I frown and Reign takes the phone from my hands.

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