Page 51 of I Don't Need Your Love

Even though it did warm my insides when he smiled at me after our halftime performance…

No. I shake my head so fast I swear it might topple off my body. I’mnotgoing there.

In the end, I decide to change into my other sweats, which I think make me look cuter than the other pair, and then I plop down on my bed with my phone. I browse social media as I wait for him to arrive. I’m tempted to text one of my friends to come over so she could be a buffer, but I already know they’ll say no. Because they said no a million times during our sleepover, nomatter how many times I begged, bribed, or whined. One might think they secretly enjoy seeing me suffer, but I think they just want Ryder and me to make peace and move on with our lives. Well, maybe except for Addie, because she thinks Ryder and I have a vibe or something? And maybe Sophie, too, because she thinks we’re living a romance trope? Seriously, my friends can sometimes be—

A knock on the door yanks me out of my thoughts, causing my heart to pound. Sheesh, the guy could have knocked softer.

“One second!” I call as I toss my phone aside and make my way to the door. “Who’s there?”

“Best dancer on the Harrington Bay Academy dance team reporting for practice, Captain.”

I open the door a crack and peek my head out. “If you were the best dancer, you wouldn’t be asking for my help.”

He’s dressed in his gym clothes and has that lazy smile on his face. It drove me insane in the past, but for some reason, I don’t hate it as much as I used to. It kind of makes him look cute—in an objective way, of course. Because while I can admit that the guy is super good-looking, it doesn’t change the way I feel about him. I mean, duh, how else does he gain the attention of so many girls? All he has to do is flash that smile of his and they’re gone.

“You know, Cap, everyone needs help once in a while. Even those that are masters of their craft.”

I blink at him and say, “That’s true.” I widen the door for him to enter.

“Wait a sec. Did Carly Simmons just admit that I, Ryder Bennet, am right? Someone call the doctor! I think she’s sick.”

I roll my eyes. “Unlike you, I can admit when I’m wrong.”

He laughs lightly as he folds his arms over his chest. “I admit when I’m wrong.”

“Sure you do.”

“I do it all the time.”

“Bull. You never admitted that you were wrong to call my dance team corny.”

He gives me an incredulous look. “I tried out for the team, didn’t I? I’m like the most dedicated member. I’m here, aren’t I? I think I’m way past thinking the dance team is corny.”

“You never took it back and you never apologized.”

He steps closer to me, and all my instincts tell me to step back, but my feet remain planted in my spot.

“You never give me the chance to,” he says. “Every time I try to apologize, you either push me or away or—”

A group of girls who are passing by squeal, “Hi, Ryder!” and stop before my room. “What are you doing here?”

He flashes them a smile, but it’s not the usual one he throws at girls. “Just going over some dance moves.”

“Wanna hang out with us?” they gush.

“Thanks, but maybe another time.”

They frown and pout as they walk away.

I raise a brow at him.

“What?” he says. “I turned them down, didn’t I?”

“Amazing. You should get a prize.”

He groans. “Come on, Carly. I’m here, aren’t I? I’m choosing dance over them. I swear youarejealous,” he mutters.

“I’mnotjealous. I just don’t want people on my team who aren’t serious.”