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So? It would be as easy as taking candy from a baby. Flash her my smile, promise her a good time, and she’d be in my bed in seconds.

Kurt

Wait. You’re serious?

Jack

Deadly. I get to fuck the hottest girl on campus and then see his face the next morning. With any luck, might make her scream loud enough so he can hear it too.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

KENDRA

The soles of my feet burn as I enter Jack’s apartment, having walked the streets of Brooklyn for hours, trying to clear my head and calm down.

Not bothering to switch on any lights, I welcome the stillness as I make my way to the couch and sit down absentmindedly, pulling the blankets across my lap.

This is the exact spot we’ve shared multiple times. The couch where I straddled his lap, wrapped in the same blankets as we made out properly for the first time. The first time he kissed me for real. It was the start of everything between us.

Wasn’t it?

I know he was nineteen when he sent those messages, and I know we’d barely spoken, but that shit really hurts.

“Was I always just a pawn?” I whisper into the darkness, unlocking my phone and rereading the messages Tyler sent me.

These can’t be from Jack.

Jenna

Have you gotten the email?!

With my heart in my mouth, my adrenaline is already at an all-time high as my attention snags on a message that drops down from Jenna.

I immediately open my emails, pulling down on my inbox several times, trying to refresh it.

Me

No. There’s nothing here.

Jenna

Maybe it’s taking a minute for yours to come through.

I get up from the couch and start pacing the length of the living area. I can’t take this. I’m spinning out with thoughts of messages I never expected to receive and an email I’m desperate to see, but won’t come through.

When my phone buzzes in my hand, I almost drop it in my haste to open my inbox.

From:Team USA Selection

To:Kendra Hart

Subject:Squad Announcement

Dear Kendra,

Following our recent communication, we write, as promised, to advise you of our decision.

You should know that all positions were highly contested, which showcases the vast array of talent we have and the progression our sport has made over the past twelve months.