Page 54 of Make You Love Me

Our attention goes back to the field in time to see Greyson sitting on the bench. His coach is yelling something at him, but he’s definitely not listening.

Nope, not one bit.

He's too busy staring at me from across the field. I can feel the intensity in his stare. It sets my body on fire. Damn him and damn my body's reaction to him.

After what feels like an hour-long stare-off, Greyson goes back onto the field to finish practice. Frankie and I complete our assignments with what time we have left, and I draft a study guide for Corbin to use later.

Moments later, my phone chimes from my bag. Speak of the devil.

Corbin:Have I told you what a lifesaver you are?

Me:Honestly, it’s no problem. I'm glad I can help.

Corbin:What's your favorite snack so I can at least pay you in copious amounts of treats.

Me:You don’t have to bring me anything. I'm more than happy to help a friend in need.

Corbin:Okay… so that means I'm picking up one of everything from the convenience store.

Me:Stahp! Not necessary lol.

Corbin:I'm going to do it unless you tell me.

Me:Fine… M&M’s will suffice.

Corbin:Perfect… see you in a little bit.

Me:See ya soon.

Tucking my phone back into my purse, I glance in Frankie’s direction. “Mind telling me what has you smiling like that?” she asks as she gathers her things.

“Oh, it was Corbin. I'm helping him study for a quiz later. He was asking, no scratch that, demanding I tell him what kind of snack I’d like as repayment.” I let out a small chuckle.

“He’s a looker that one,” she says from beside me.

“Yeah…” I answer nonchalantly.

“But—” she prods, knowing damn well there’s more to my answer.

I let out a deep sigh, damn this girl. She really can read minds.

“Buuut, I'm still in love with your stupid friend,” I say, shaking my head.

“Atta-girl! The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem to begin with.” We both laugh at that.

“In all seriousness, it seems like there's a lot of misunderstanding between the two of you. But I think it will all be okay once you air it out.”

I wrap my arms around her. “Thank you. I really hope so. Honestly, it feels nice to have someone I can rely on here.”

“No problem girlie.” She stands, throwing her books into her bag. “Now come on, we're meeting them outside the locker room.”

Leaning against the wall opposite the boys’ locker room, I wait for the guys to get out. Frankie ran to her locker to drop off her books, so I'm by myself twirling my charm bracelet to pass the time.

“You going to tell me what you’re doing here… in my town, Stacks?” His gruff voice startles me, but its familiarity soothes me to my core.

Why? Why is this so damn confusing. I just want to leap into his arms and wrap my body around his. To feel his love envelop me, making the horrible events of the last month and a half disappear. But even if what Frankie says is true about Amber and him, he still practically pulled that witch into his lap right in front of me as if to prove a point. The memory of the two of them is like ice-cold water being dumped on my head and has my anger flaring.

“Trust me, I didn’t want to come here after the way things went down. I had no choice but to come live with Ethel,” I say in defeat, contemplating just telling him why I’m here in the first place. He insinuated on my first day at school that I came here for Jacob. At the time I liked leaving him hanging on that thought but my resolve is fading and a big part of me wants him to know what’s happened in his absence.

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