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Jason nudges my arm. “You still with me?”

“Sorry, yes, I was just… distracted.”

“By the golden boy.” It’s not a question. “You never come to the training, let alone the matches. If it’s because of him…”

My voice squeaks. “It’s not.”

“Bullshit.” Jason lowers his voice. “You’ve never cared about football before. And now suddenly you’re here, ogling him?”

Ju’s eyes dart between us, Naomi shifts, pretending to focus on her phone, and Blake observes us with one eye open.

Yes, I like Sebastian, but that’s all. I rub my sweaty palms on my skirt. What’s the harm?

“Great.” Jason scoffs. “Why don’t you give him the cupcakes?”

Ju holds up her hand. “Don’t be so mean.”

But he doesn’t even spare her a glance. “You know what, Lil? Go to him. But don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart. Because he will. Guys like Sebastian Barron? They don’t do relationships. They only use girls like you and toss them aside when they’re done.”

With that, he turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving me shaking and numb.

“Amen.” Blake closes her eyes, lounging back.

Ju falls back onto the spot beside me, resting her head in her left hand. “He’s so hot. And totally clueless. Even if he’s mad.”

“I need to go.” I shove the box of cupcakes into Ju’s hands and stand on shaky legs. I can feel their eyes on me, but I don’t care. I need to get away.

“Hey. He didn’t mean that. He’s just worried,” Ju says.

I stumble down the bleachers and hear Naomi say, “Nice going, B.”

But I don’t stick around to hear Blake’s response. I’m already fleeing, my vision blurred with tears.

How could I have been so stupid?

Chapter 7

Sebastian

The cafeteria door swings open, and I lead the way inside with Brandon and Connor flanking me. The scent of grease and overcooked vegetables assaults my nostrils as we make our way to the serving line. It’s not where I’d choose to eat, but it’s the best place to spot her, besides the library.

She’s not here yet. That’s unusual.

For days now, the girl who punched me in my own room has occupied my thoughts, a constant presence in my mind. There’s something about her that draws me in, and not only because she’s an Edmunds. I’ve watched her from a distance, observed her movements and habits, trying to discern if she’s putting on an act. But every time I see her nestled in her favorite spot in the library, surrounded by books as if they were her armor, I can’t shake the feeling she’s genuine.

She looks at peace there.

A peace I would like a share of, but I didn’t want to interrupt hers, and since I missed my chance to talk to her at the training, I’m left with coming to this cafeteria junk. And because it would be weird for me to come here alone, I had to bribe Brandon and Connor to join me and promise them each a favor. What I wouldn’t do for my little princess.

Maybe she really doesn’t remember.

But it is her. My princess is back.

“Ugh, this food looks even worse than usual.” Brandon stares down at his tray, grimacing.

“You don’t even know the usual,” Connor says.

“Yes, exactly why we shouldn’t be here.”

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