Page 185 of Only With You

The trainers and Coach Warren run to him, attending to him while the guys and the other staff surround him to conceal what’s going on.

“He’s going to be okay,” I attempt to reassure Gabby, softly rubbing her arm, but I speak too soon because several minutes later, a stretcher is brought onto the court. Then he’s being lifted and taken away.

It’s all precautionary, Dad would say. And that’s what I tell Gabby and Polly. I hope it’s not as bad as it looked, but he fell pretty hard. Still, I keep the spirits up and give them words of affirmation.

The player from Baylor was given a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game for excessive contact. When the game resumes, the energy in the arena isn’t the same anymore. Even when the buzzer goes off and we win, the crowd doesn’t explodewith excitement, but they do clap for the guys, whistling and shouting out words of encouragement.

Everything that happens afterward is a complete blur. The guys get their trophy, do a post-game interview, and go see Jagger at the hospital.

We would’ve gone, but only his family and team could go. Gabby was the only one allowed because of her living situation with Jagger’s parents. So, Polly and I are at the hotel room—well, Polly will be. I’m about to leave because I’m meeting Landon at the hotel’s ballroom.

We couldn’t meet here because Polly is working on a project for her final exam. And not in his room because he shares it with Jagger. When he comes back, he’ll need all the rest he can get before they fly back to North Carolina.

“Are you sure you’re okay with me leaving? I can stay with you.”

“No, please go. I’m sure Landon could use the distraction and I definitely need to finish this.”

“If you need anything, text me, okay?”

“Yes, now go.” She throws a pillow at me. I duck before it hits me and slip out of the room and head to the elevator.

I press my floor button and it descends until the doors slide open and someone gets on from another floor. Not looking up, I move to the side to give the guy some space.

He stays on his side, but every so often, I feel his eyes on me. Luckily, the door opens and I hastily exit, but I don’t make it far before the guy calls after me.

“Hey.”

I tense, my eyes darting to the security camera in the corner of the wall and then to the other not too far from it. When I turn to face him, I’m surprised to find it’s Ashton.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I should’ve said something in the elevator, but I was working up the courage to talk to you.”He charms me with a coy smile, but I’ve seen smiles like that before. It’s the kind that makes you believe they have nothing but good intentions, but really, it’s the opposite of that. “I’m Ashton.”

I plaster a smile. “I’m not interested.”

I walk away, but he catches up and falls into step next to me.

“I play for Baylor. You can look me up, and you’ll find me. I’ve also done sponsorships that will validate who I am.” His voice drips with arrogance.

“I really don’t care.” I keep walking and he follows.

“Hey, wait, I’m sorry. Can we start over?”

I stop, keeping my expression blank. “No, I’m not interested. I’m going to walk away now.”

“But—”

“Ashton, fuck off.” Landon comes from behind me and slips his arm around my waist. My body melts against his, feeling more at ease.

He stares, bemused, gaze jumping to our faces and down to where Landon’s arm is holding me.

Ashton sardonically laughs. “So Lucy wasn’t lying. Please tell me he paid you?”

“Ignore him. That usually does the trick,” Landon says and grabs my hand, tugging me in the direction of the ballroom.

“Be careful with that one. I’d hate for someone as pretty as you to waste your time with someone like him.”

Landon stops and I know he’s about to speak up, but I beat him to it.

Shooting my head back, I grimace. “Such an original, creative comment. I can tell you’re an ignorant fuck who’s never had an original thought in his life.”

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