Page 16 of The Harder You Fall (Rixon Raiders 3)

“I get it. Nobody likes playing third wheel.” Or in this case, fifth. “Well, have fun.” I didn’t mean to sound as bitter as I did. But fuck, if it didn’t sting being dropped by your best friends for couples’ night.

“I’m sure it would be okay if you came with us.”

“And cramp your style? Nah, I’m good.” I forced a smile. “You guys go have fun. I’ll be fine.”

“You’re sure? I made reservations at that new restaurant on the edge of town. Jason’s dad recommended it.”

“Does Jason know that?”

“It can be our secret.”

“Sure.” I had enough of those, what was one more?

“We’ll all hang out tomorrow?”

“Yeah, of course.” It came out strained. “Have fun tonight.” I gave her a two-fingered salute and stalked down the hall, wondering when life got so fucking complicated.

On the face of it, everything had changed at the beginning of senior year, when Hailee and Cameron started eye-fucking each other across the cafeteria. But the truth was, things had felt off for me for a while. Before the girls turned our world upside down.

Senior year was supposed to be the best time of our lives. But sometimes it felt like a noose around my neck.

I shouldered the door and stepped out into the murky cold air, when I spotted a blur of spiral curls, ripped jeans, and military boots. “Oh, hell no,” I murmured as I cut across the lot. “Mya, wait up,” I yelled.

I hadn’t seen her all day, and I was pretty sure it was because she was avoiding me.

“You need a ride?” I asked, slowing down to her pace.

“I’m good but thanks for the offer.” She wrapped her arms around her waist, hugging her jacket tight to her body.

“Come on, it looks like another storm is about to hit and your aunt lives three miles out.”

“I don’t know...”

“I’ll be on my best behavior. Scout’s honor.”

“You expect me to believe you were a boy scout.”

“Okay, you got me, but I swear I have no ulterior motive this time.”

Her dark eyes searched mine, eventually softening around the edges. “I wouldn’t say no to a ride downtown.”

“You’re not heading home?”

Mya shrugged. “My aunt has her friends coming over and I don’t much feel like listening to them gossip. And Flick and Hailee are…” she trailed off.

“It’s cool, I just got the memo. Sucks to be us, huh?”

“Better than them trying to get us to triple date.”

“Ouch!” Strangled laughter rumbled in my chest despite how much her words stung.

“Shit, Asher, I didn’t mean—”

“Don’t sweat it. I have tough skin, Hernandez. But since we’ve both been blown off by our so-called friends, we could, I don’t know, hang out maybe?” I steeled myself for her rejection.

So color me surprised when the word, “Okay,” slipped from her soft pink lips.

“Yeah?” my eyes widened.