Page 122 of Don't Let Me Go (Don't Let Me 2)

“I know what I want,” I argue.

And that’s the problem.

As if he can read my mind, his brow arches, and he checks the time on the clock hanging next to his office door. “Russ found her at the field yesterday but said she likes the track too. Might wanna start your ass-kissing there.” His gaze flicks back to mine. “I’ll see you at practice tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re dismissed.”

38

BLAKELY

With my feet propped up on the coffee table, I ignore Colt and Ash making out at the front door. They’ve been saying goodbye for the past ten minutes, and I kind of want to smack them for it.

I hate being jealous. But I am. I can’t help it. They’re just so cute together. No drama. No fighting. No miscommunications or misunderstandings. Or at least, none I’ve heard of since interrupting their little conversation at the Taylor House not so long ago. They’re freaking perfect for each other.

And it’s annoying as hell.

Especially when I’ve been avoiding the guy I thought was perfect for me. I’ve been ignoring his texts. And I feel guilty for it. I know how much he wants to talk. To make things up to me. And I’ve been… What exactly? Too stubborn? Too hurt?

Honestly, I don’t even know anymore.

Part of me wonders if I did this to myself.

But relationships and me? We aren’t friends. I learned it a long time ago and was reminded of the sad truth after I was fired. The sooner I accept it, the sooner I can enjoy what I do excel at.

Like my new job. And helping kids. Helping them fall in love with being outside. Helping them fall in love with running, and jumping, and throwing, and kicking, and moving their bodies because it’s fun to move their bodies. Helping them see how beautiful they are on the inside and out. Helping them fall in love with being active and how important it is––not only physically but mentally and emotionally too.

It’s what I’m good at. And that’s what I need to focus on. Not relationships. Not Colt and Ash. And definitely not Theo.

“Go,” Ash tells my brother with a laugh. “Seriously.”

“Yes, please go,” I chirp from the couch. “You two are disgusting.”

“Disgustingly sweet,” Mia interrupts as she walks down the hall from her bedroom. “Seriously. Colt, if you ever manage to figure out cloning, can you please make another of yourself? Some of us have crappy luck with love.”

Ash snorts, and Colt laughs, dropping another quick kiss to Ash’s forehead.

“Speaking of which. Have you heard from Shorty?” he asks.

Her eyes widen like a deer in the headlights as her phone dings with an incoming text and she wiggles it back and forth. “Sorry, it’s work. Gotta go. We’ll catch up later. Byeeee.” She turns on her heel and heads back to her room, leaving me––yet again––with the two love birds.

Great.

“Is she doing okay?” Colt asks Ash, his eyebrows pinched.

“She’s…being Mia.” Ashlyn wraps her arms around Colt’s waist and leans her head against his chest. “But I definitely think we should figure out how to clone you, so she can see how awesome relationships can be when you’re with the right person.” Her lips tilt up in a rueful smile, and she lifts her head, looking up at him. “Actually, never mind. Even if you had a clone, I’d still be jealous seeing you with someone who isn’t me.”

“Doesn’t matter, Ash. Each and every one of them would still pick you.” He leans in for another kiss, and she sighs against his lips.

“Love you,” she whispers.

“Love you too, Sunshine.” Colt turns to me, his expression still soft and sweet from his little exchange.

Gross.

“Listen, Blake. Whenever you’re ready––”

---