Page 84 of The Hearts We Fumble
A small, trembling hand tugs at my arm, and I finally face Myla.
She’s a mess. Wide, frantic eyes locked onto mine, mascara streaked down her tearstained cheeks, lipstick smudged across her lips like she wiped at it in a hurry. My gut twists. I want to ask her what the hell happened, but the sheer number of cameras pointed at us tells me this isn’t the time or place.
Calloway chuckles behind me, the sound sharp, taunting. “Looks like you found her, Kinnick. We both know your old man always had a hard time leaving a warm bed behind.” His gaze flicks to Myla, smug. “Seems like she picked up the habit.”
I clench my jaw, every muscle in my body screaming to lunge at him again.
Calloway’s bloody grin stretches wider as he sizes me up. “You throw punches like a guy who’s never had to take a real hit. Must be nice growing up spoiled, never wondering if you’d make the team or if you were actually good enough. You think you hate me now? Just wait. Ask dear old Dad what skeletons he's been shoving in the closet. See if he’s man enough to tell you the truth.”
Myla’s grip on me tightens.
“What the hell does that mean? You got something to say? Quit being a coward and fucking say it.”
Calloway’s smile doesn’t falter. If anything, it deepens. “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough.”
I step forward, but Colter moves between us, shoving a hand against my chest.
“We already know what he thinks he has on your dad,” he mutters. “He’s just stirring shit, trying to get in your head.”
“I don’t give a fuck. Let him say it.”
Reed steps in, voice tight with warning. “Not here, Z. Look at your sister. There are too many cameras. I won’t be able to stop this from getting out.”
“Please, Zane,” Myla whispers, tugging at my arm. “Let’s go.”
I don’t take my eyes off Calloway. This isn’t over. Not even close.
“Let’s go,” Colter echoes, pushing me toward the door. I turn just as Hayes steps into my path. He’s no stranger to making headlines. By tomorrow, I’ll be right there next to him, front and center on every major sports site.
Fucking perfect.
I sling an arm around Myla, pulling her close as we make our way outside. She’s shaking, though whether from cold or leftover fear, I’m not sure.
“What the hell, Z?” she huffs when we reach my car. Her eyes widen as she takes in how I’ve parked—half on the curb, blocking the entire sidewalk.
“Katie said she couldn’t find you, and I was worried you were hurt. Hunting for a parking spot was the last damn thing on my mind.”
“Hurt?” Myla scoffs, crossing her arms. “The only thing hurt right now is my pride.”
Katie steps forward, her voice soft. “I was just worried. You said you were going to the bathroom, and then you were just… gone. I didn’t know what else to do.”
Myla sighs, rubbing her temple. “The bathroom downstairs had a long line. The one upstairs was out of order. Luca said I could use the one in his room.”
I still.
“Oh, so it’s Luca now?”
Myla frowns. “Luca Calloway? Yeah. What—”
“I didn’t realize you two were buddy-buddy.”
“We’re not,” she snaps. “His friend flirted a little, and Luca was with him, but that was it.”
“Funny. Because he told me you were spread out on his buddy’s bed.”
Her mouth drops open. “He—what?”
Katie chimes in, voice shaking. “Oh my God. He actually said that?”
