Page 19 of Lost Boy

“Ididn’t do anything,” I say quickly. “That was all you.”

After a few more minutes of us awkwardly sitting there and me trying my best not to look her way, Poppy mutters, “They are leaving.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a group of people walking behind me. Turning slowly, I glance back just as she walks by. Right next to fucking Nash.

“Hey, Cade,” her voice barely squeaks as soon as our eyes meet and she comes to a stop.

Holding my hand up, I give her a half-smile. “What’s up, Haley baby?”

Jerking her thumb toward her friend, she shrugs. “Remi was interviewing some of the football players. I tagged along.”

I open my mouth to answer, but Nash interrupts me before I get the words out. “Haley, you still game to go get ice cream?” The cocky smile on his lips makes me want to punch him right in the face as his eyes shift to mine. “Cade Huff, we meet again.”

“Yep. And lucky for you, there’s no music playing so I can’t steal your dance partner,” I mutter, looking back at Haley as I talk.

She awkwardly looks between both of us before she looks at Poppy. And when she does, she almost looks sad before plastering on a fake smile for Nash. “Yeah. Yeah, let’s go.” She looks back at me, smiling as she holds her hand up. “Have a good night, Cade.”

As they leave, walking toward the exit, I feel my heart sink. I know I’m too fucking damaged for her. But it sucks that I’ll never even get a chance to try to be good enough for Haley.

Once they are gone, our center, Walker James, walks in and takes a seat next to Poppy, and I swear I feel the fucking anger radiating from her skin as she shoots him a harsh glare.

“There’re, like, twenty other open seats, asshole.” She waves her hand around the U-shaped bar. “Pick one.”

The bartender slides him a beer, knowing his usual already.

Putting it to his lips, he gives her a cocky smirk. “Nah, think I’ll sit right here. It’s a bit chilly outside, and I figured Satan herself would put off some warmth.”

“Careful. I might melt off some of those fancy clothes you’re so fond of these days,” she coos. “Cade, I’m out. I’ll message you in a few days to find out a time to meet.” She stands. “And, Walker … fuck off.”

As she leaves, I glance at Walker with a confused look on my face, and he shrugs.

“Think she probably just wants my dick or something. You know how it is.”

“Wow,” I say and shake my head.

He’s a cocky fucker—that’s for sure. But he stepped into Cam Hardy’s shoes, and those weren’t easy soles to fill. But he’s managed to do a good job so far.

Holding my hand up at the bartender, I order Walker and me a bunch of shots. Because if I have to see my girl leaving with someone else … I’m going to get fucked up to make it hurt a little less.

Haley

I don’t really know why I’m hanging out with Nash right now. I would have been just as happy going home, taking off my bra, pulling on some sweatpants, and diving into one of the new books I just got. Besides, Nash could be a freaking stalker, and here I am, setting myself up for another damn kidnapping.

Watching Poppy kiss Cade felt like a literal punch in the gut. Or maybe even a knife.Definitely a knife.A rusty one that’ll probably give me some terrible disease. I stole glances their way all night. And for a little while, I really was starting to think they were just friends. And then she kissed him. And then I wanted to punch her. Me, Haley Thompson, the girl who wouldn’t hurt a fly. My fist curled as I pictured popping her right in the nose. In my brain, it happened.

Only it didn’t. And now, they are probably naked, having stupid attractive-people sex.

“Haley?” Nash’s voice pulls me back to reality, though I still feel like I’m in a daze. “Flavor?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I whisper and look at the case of ice cream. “Uh, how about a scoop of cookie dough?” I frown, not really sold on it, but feeling too put on the spot to think of what I really want. “Yep. Uh, that sounds good.”

As we get our ice cream and walk outside on the lit sidewalks, I don’t miss a few of the girls walking by checking Nash out. I don’t blame them either. With his dirty-blond hair, sharp jawline, and boyish grin, it’s hard not to look. And the fact that his muscles strain against his Brooks football shirt isn’t terrible on the eyes either. I’m lucky that he asked me to be here with him. So, why do I wish I were at home instead?

“How do you know Cade Huff?” he asks as we walk along next to each other.

“Well, I live with him,” I say. “And he’s my brother’s best friend and teammate.”

His steps slow, and he frowns. “And your brother is …”

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