Page 39 of The Star

I smash my lips to hers, just like I always do after a win, giving the crowd exactly what they want to see. The perfect little football couple. QB & head cheerleader.

We’re a fucking Hallmark movie.

Her hands thread into my hair. “You did great, Car.”

I grin. “Thanks, Cass.”

Cassidy kisses me once more before dropping onto her spotless, white sneakers again. “Go shower. I’ll meet you by your truck after.”

My face falls, my body freezing when behind Cassidy’s head, I spot Logan sitting on the bleachers. Not only that, but she’s sitting with Levi. Laughing, with her head thrown back like he just told the world’s funniest joke. Cassidy follows my line of sight, then snaps her head back to look at me. “What isshedoing here?!”

My face heats. Bending to pick up my helmet, I catch Cassidy’s eye. “Go change. I’ll find out.”

Taking long strides across the field, I accept pats on the back and various“congratulations”from students, teachers, and parents on my way to confront them.

I pull at Logan’s arm once I reach her. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

Levi takes a step toward us. “Chill.”

Logan grins, showing me all her teeth. “Good game, Carson.”

I squint my eyes at her. “Shut up.”

She laughs a little. “Someone’s moody tonight.”

Levi laughs too, slapping a hand down on my shoulder. “Dude, relax. Logan is going to come to the party tonight.”

“Thefuckshe is.”

I grit my teeth when Logan laughs a little louder, then takes a step around me. “See you guys later.”

I grab her arm, pulling her back. “No, you won’t.”

She faux pouts. “Why not, big brother?”

Levi laughs so hard that he buckles over and slaps his hands down on his thighs. I ignore him, staring into Logan’s golden eyes. “No one wants you there.”

She hums through twisted lips, like she’s thinking over my words. “Levi does.”

“Levi just wants you to spread your legs for him again,” I growl.

She drops open her mouth with her lips curling up at the sides and takes a step toward me. “What makes you think that’s not what I want too?”

I grip her arm tighter, but she doesn’t flinch, just stares at me. Levi slaps a hand down on my arm. “As warm and cute as this little moment is between siblings, I think you should stop having a stare-off in front of the entire school.”

Dropping my hold on her, I clear my throat as I turn to face Levi. “Take care of this. She isn’t coming.”

I stalk off before he can respond, hoping my words resonated enough to show him how serious I am. The last thing I want is for Logan to buzzkill my after-game party. Especially if she’s going to be a little slut with my best friend again.

twenty

LOGAN

Boys are idiots.

Levi Valentino especially.

He actually thinks he has another shot with me, actually believes I am going to give it up at this party.

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