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“He’s more rational than that. He understands my decision. My job comes first—just like his does.” She makes a face, like she doesn’t believe me. But I’m not relenting. “I thought you supported me being here with Logan anyway.”

“I do support you.” She drops the lip gloss back in her bag and runs her hands through her hair, fluffing it. “But I also know that trusting other people, men in particular, to be there for you when you need it the most is something that’s hard for you.” She rests her hand on my arm. “I just think that if you gave him a chance, you may find out that you can trust Reese.”

She walks out and I follow her, feeling unmoored by everything going on in my life. Maybe I can trust Reese, I think, reentering the main room, but the bigger question is, can I trust myself?

27

Reese

“Did she ask about me?” I ask Nadia, swaying to the beat of the music. I have to admit the girl is beautiful and fun. I can see why she’s popular with the jocks. But she’s not the woman I want to be holding right now.

No, the girl of my dreams is across the dance floor with another guy. His hand is wrapped around her back, and he’s holding her close. She keeps smiling at him like he’s said the most hilarious things. I’ve had a tight, rage-inducing feeling in my chest since Logan walked up to the teal house. I’m not acutely familiar with the sensation, but I know what it is: jealousy.

“She asked me if I liked you.”

“Did she now.” My eyebrow shoots up. “What did you say?”

“That you’re not my type.”

“Please,” I give her a grin, “I’m everyone’s type.”

She laughs, and not in a flattering way. “Seriously though, how do you fit a helmet over that massive ego?”

“Ah, well, it’s not a helmet. It’s a specially designed ‘ego containment unit.’ Comes with extra reinforced padding.” I spin her around. “League approved.”

“You’re ridiculous,” she says, rolling her eyes. “No wonder Twyler likes you.”

“Liked,” I say, emphasizing the word. “Throw me a bone; you know her better than anyone, how do I win her back?”

She’s silent for a moment, and I’m pretty sure she’s not going to answer me. Fair. Twyler’s said from the start that Nadia is fiercely loyal. Just when I decide to let it go and figure it out on my own, she says, “Losing men isn’t new to Twyler. She’s accustomed to having her heart broken. At this point it may feel more normal than having someone stick around.”

“You mean Ethan.”

“Partially.” She glances across the hardwoods to Twyler and Logan. It’s obvious they’re both uncomfortable dancing, but they seem determined to try. “She was devastated when she lost her dad. They were super close, and he was her rock when she was struggling. She tried again with Ethan, putting her trust in the wrong person. When that went badly, I think she learned it’s easier to either not try at all or to—"

“Run.”

She chuckles. “That’s my girl—she’s fast, right?”

“Crazy fast for someone with such short legs.”

“Yeah, well, I think she discovered it’s easier to find an excuse to walk away first. At least that way she’ll have control over her heartbreak.”

“I don’t know how to fix this,” I admit. “And it’s super fucking frustrating.”

She gives me a sympathetic smile. “She needs to know you’re not going anywhere.” She directs us across the dance floor. “Come on, let’s go cut in. If that skinny kid’s going to be her new boyfriend, I need to get to know him better.”

“Over my dead body,” I mutter.

She smirks. “That’s the attitude.”

We weave our way across the dance floor and as the song changes, Nadia releases me, walks up to Logan, and taps him on the shoulder. “Come on,” she says. “I’m here to prove I don’t give a shit that my booty call is here with another girl.”

Logan isn’t a fool. He sees me standing there, waiting for my chance. He looks at Twyler who gives him an apologetic, but resigned look. Before he can argue, Nadia grabs his hand and whisks him off.

“Dance with me?” I ask, holding out my hand.

“I’m not sure it’s a good idea,” her eyes dart around, searching to see if anyone is watching. I don’t give a fuck who’s watching, and wrap my arm around her body, pulling her to me.