Page 25

CHAPTER 25

FUCK FRIENDLY

JACKSON

“F ine,” Theo bites out as he takes one step toward me.

I don’t shift in my chair despite how anxious his close proximity is making me. But then he takes another step, and another, and another, until the toes of his shoes are touching mine, and I’m forced to look up at him in that fucking mask.

I don’t know why in the flying fuck I invited him to this party. Actually, yes I do. Because I’m trying to be me . I’m trying to pretend like none of what has happened between us actually happened. I’m trying to move forward. To make this year my bitch. And I have been. I have a new doubles partner, and he’s actually really good, and we get along great. I’m kicking ass in all my advanced-level classes. I’m feeling stronger than I ever have. And I even have a few companies trying to recruit me for jobs once I graduate in the spring. But most importantly, every time I have seen or had an interaction with Theodore Young, my composure has remained intact.

But as soon as he walked across the street in that costume, I felt my composure crumble. Because, yes, I did invite him. And yes, that was idiotic of me. But how dare he.

How dare he actually show up.

How dare he wear that mask.

And how dare he question how I react toward his advances.

Then, when he leans forward, puts his hands on the arms of my chair and utters, “We don’t have to talk. We don’t have to be friendly. But we can play a game.” I’ve never wanted to deck him in the fucking mouth more than I do at this moment.

Not even when I found out about her .

Fuck being friendly.

But we can play a game alright.

I swallow harshly as he reaches up and wraps his hand around the rope I have slung over my shoulder, and my breath hitches slightly as my eyes zero in on the veins across the back of his hands.

I’ve felt those hands.

I’ve dreamt about those hands.

I’ve—

Fucking focus, Jackson.

Looking up at him, trying not to notice how close our faces are to one another despite his mask, I fake a smile and narrow my eyes. ? * “You know what? Sure, Theo. Let’s play a game.”

* ? Moonlight - Chase Atlantic