Page 17 of A Pretty Fixation

“Then why did you make it clear to him?” He looksdown for a second. “You didn’t have to tell him we’re working on the econassignment. But you did.” His blue eyes observe me keenly.

Why did it matter that Caleb knew the reason?

Aaron sighs while combing his hand through hishair. “Are you in a complicated situation?”

“There isn’t a situation,” I rush to say. “Calebjust… He’s sure I’m someone from his past. But I’m not.”

He moves a bit closer. “Jordyn, if he’s harassingyou, you should report him to the school.”

“It’s fine. I can handle it.”

His shoulders relax at last. “Okay. I’ve alreadyput the papers together. I’m going to class.”

“All right.”

“See you later.” He walks away.

I delay in the spot, wondering why it feels likeI’m forcing myself towards Aaron when Caleb’s intense pursuit gives me anelectric charge I didn’t realize I wanted.

There’s an indefinable yearning that ariseswhenever he’s close, and I’m starting to think he may not have made a mistakeabout my identity.

The way that prick looked at Jordyn has me fuckingup in practice. I had the impulse to gouge his eyeballs out.

I can tell he wants her, and the thought of thembeing close irks me. I almost want to run back to the library and ensure he’snot trying anything.

Shit.

It’s been eight years. Jordyn has probably datedup until now and knowing that angers me even though it’s unfair since I’ve alsodated. And fucked.

I need to win her over. It does turn me on thatshe’s putting up a fight, but she may never let her guard down.

“Rosmond!” Coach Walters snaps when I miss anotherpass. “Take a sec and get your shit together.”

“Sorry, Coach.” I jog off the field to thesideline, plop down on the bench, and chug Gatorade.

Dante sits beside me. “Everything all right, man?”

“No.” I arch over and try to catch my breath.

He drinks water before asking, “Is it about thatgirl?”

“Jordyn.” I guzzle and spit off to the side. “Itstill blows my mind that she’s at Delham. I thought it would be easy. That we’dmeet again, and she’d be with me. I never thought she’d pushmeaway.”

“Well, a lot of time has passed,” he points out.“Not trying to be a dick, but maybe she doesn’t want to reconnect.”

I grunt at that and brush over my sweaty strands.“I can’t give up on her. I’ve searched for eight years. I refuse to give up,man.”

Dante releases a sharp breath. “Okay. You had aconnection. Maybe she’ll see it eventually.”

I play his words over in my head.

Standing, he does a quick stretch and slaps my shoulder.“I hope it works out, but don’t let it fuck with your head. We need you, man.We’re gunning for the championship. It’s my last year like some of the guys.”

I nod. “Don’t worry. We’re getting that trophy.”

He grins. “That’s what I’m talking about, Rosmond.Now come on!”

We jog back onto the field, and I consider hiswords again. I’m sure the connection Jordyn and I had is still there. But she’stoo adamant about not remembering. I have to learn everything about her now andfind a way under her skin.

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