Page 17 of Tackle Me

My mind reels, and my heart might as well stop beating. Me and Jake! A hot topic! Fuck!

Last night comes to mind with him blurting out to Trev that he was my boyfriend. Then I told him our fake dating was off… Shit! Is this him getting back at me? Telling everyone we’re dating? Why would he do that? He doesn’t want to date me. Or is this another way he’s going to embarrass me to death again?

“Babe, are you okay? You’ve gone pale,” Sarah says, her hand on mine.

I’m shaking, angry, ready to explode. I have to talk to him, then strangle him.

“Sarah, it’s not what you think,” I try to explain, but she’s already bubbling over with ideas about double dates and group outings. She doesn’t have a boyfriend yet... well, unless you count the new guy she’s flirting with each week.

Panic and anger swirl inside my chest.

“Sorry, I have to go. I’m late for… something,” I blurt out, not waiting for her response as I rush away, hearing her calling me.

I’m on a mission to reach the administrative office. The woman behind the counter looks up as I approach in a flurry, her expression pure boredom.

“Hi, I need to know what class Jake Reynolds is in now,” I say, trying to sound calm and not out of breath. “He forgot his phone, and I need him to get it to him. He’s waiting for an urgent call.”

She gives me a quick once-over before asking for my name, then she’s typing on her computer.

“He’s in the Annex, room 104,” she informs me.

Thanking her, I dash out, my mind racing just as fast as my feet. Why would Jake tell everyone about us? To keep me from breaking our fake dating? Why would he care?

I weave through the busy hallway of the Annex building, my bag strap swaying across my shoulder. All I can focus on is confronting Jake.

Finally, my attention lands on him farther down the hall. He’s laughing with another jock. Despite my anger, I can’t help but notice how effortlessly handsome he looks and how his laughter seems to light up the space around him. Girls are lingering nearby, their gazes fixed on him, but I shove those thoughts aside. I’m here for one reason—to confront him.

As I weave amid the crowd toward him, he notices me. His smile broadens while I’m throwing daggers at him with mine.

“Oh, hey there, pretty girl,” he greets, loud enough for everyone around to hear.

The hallway seems to pause, all eyes turning to me. For a split second, I’m rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the sudden attention, but I shake it off, remembering why I’m here.

“Can we talk?” I ask, my voice steady. “Somewhere private.”

One of the jocks nearby is howling. “Bootie call!”

I’m dying on the inside.

“Sure,” Jake replies, his expression one of curiosity. We leave behind the group of his friends. There are still too many people around for my liking, so I round the corner down the corridor and another where it’s quieter. I draw him into a small, dark corner.

“What’s going on?” he asks, his arms dangling by his side. Shadows dance across his face.

“I need you to tell me the truth and not lie,” I demand.

“I haven’t lied to you, Em.” One of his eyebrows raises.

“Last night, I told you to stop telling people we were dating. I said we’re not doing this anymore,” I remind him, frustration rippling in my voice.

He shrugs. “Wish I could help you, but?—”

“Why would you tell everyone at college we’re dating?” I cut in, needing answers.

He studies me, his expression turning serious for a moment.

“I only told Trev…”

“He doesn’t go to this college,” I point out, my arms stiff.

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