Page 156 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

He loves me.

She was the second person to tell me that tonight. But how could I trust their words when the boy I wanted to love me more than anything still hadn’t said them to me?

“What if he doesn’t come?”

“He will. Aaron will be here, Poppy. And I’m not leaving here until the two of you have sorted out your shit.”

“What about Zara?”

A scowl came over her expression. “You saw her dancing with Quinn all night. Pretty sure they’re probably upstairs having a little party for two right now.”

“I’m so nervous, I can’t stop shaking.” I lifted my hand and she took my fingers in hers.

“Everything will be fine. I promise.” Sofia hugged me. “You’re going to finally get your guy, Poppy. And I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.”

I wanted to believe her, I did.

But Aaron still wasn’t here.

So where the hell was he?

Aaron was here.

Finally.

He’d arrived alone, going straight to the bar and helping himself to a drink.

“Took you long enough,” Cole said. “You good?”

Aaron’s eyes collided with me, the intensity there knocking the air clean from my lungs. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Jesus, his gaze had the power to burn me inside out. He didn’t approach me, didn’t even really speak to me. Just stood there, watching me. A shiver ran through me and Sofia nudged my arm.

I blinked up at her and frowned.

“You might want to stop drooling.” She chuckled.

“I—” I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to go to him. If he wanted me, he had to be the one to move first.

“Yo, Bennet, Kandon,” one of the football players yelled. “Get over here.”

“Duty calls,” Cole said.

“I’m not—”

“Yes, you are. You’re still their captain. We’re still seniors. The season isn’t over yet, so you need to get your head out of your ass and lead the goddamn team.”

“Cole’s right.” Ezra kissed Ashleigh and whispered something to her. She nodded, and he moved toward Cole and Aaron. “Might as well get it over with, then we can all kick back and relax.”

“Fine.” Aaron went to follow them, but he hesitated at the last second and backtracked toward me. “Hi,” he said.

“Hi.”

“I need to go deal with this… but after, later, can we go somewhere and talk? Just the two of us?”

I fought a smile, my heart soaring. “I’d like that.”

“Good, that’s… good.” He blew out a shaky breath, dragging a hand over his jaw. His eyes drank me in, lingering on my curves. When they finally lifted to mine again, I arched a brow.

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