Page 17 of The Harder You Fall (Rixon Raiders 3)

“Yeah, so long as you don’t make a bigger deal out of this than it is.”

“And what is this?” I teased.

“Two friends getting milkshakes at The Alley?”

“You have yourself a deal, friend.”

Mya rolled her eyes as if she knew exactly what was going through my head. But there was no way she knew.

Because if she did, I was pretty sure she’d be running for the hills.

“I used to love this place.” I glanced around The Alley, taking in the familiar Formica tables, clink of the pinball machine, and smell of fried food.

“Why did you stop coming?”

“Once we made Varsity, it was just kind of off-limits. Everyone knew Tate, the owner, didn’t stand any football rivalry bullshit so we just avoided it.”

“Because you wanted to cause trouble?”

“Not really, but coming here meant shedding our jersey’s and in case you haven’t noticed, we’re not about that.”

She glanced down at me. I was sure her eyes lingered on my chest a little longer than necessary. “You’re not wearing your jersey today.”

“Things are different now the season is over.” The words came out strained as I led Mya over to a booth.

“But there’s the exhibition game.”

“Yeah, but it’s not like State. There was a lot riding on that. We had a lot to prove. This game is just a way for Principal Finnigan and Principal Castrol to look good in front of the press. Finnigan has been wanting to clean up our reputation since he transferred here and this gives him a platform to do that.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever understand how one town can be so obsessed with football.” Mya picked up a menu, and I found myself lost in the way she studied it, her big brown eyes sweeping over the laminated card, sparking with interest.

“Stop,” she let out a small sigh.

“Stop what? I’m not doing—”

“I can feel you watching me.” Her eyes flicked to mine. So dark and intense… and pissed.

“Right. Sorry.”

“You promised, Asher.” Mya lay the menu flat, pressing her hands against it. “Friends, remember?”

“Friends, got it… and why is that again?”

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nbsp; She blew out another exasperated breath. “Because I’m not looking for a relationship. And you’re…” Mya shook her head. “We’re just not compatible.”

“You haven’t even given me a chance. It makes sense. You’re friends with Hailee and Felicity and we’re all always hanging out anyway.”

“Which is just another reason it makes no sense. Flick and Hailee are my only…” Mya pressed her lips together.

“Your only what?”

Leaning across the table a little, she whispered, “My only friends here. If we did try dating, which we are not doing, and it went wrong, I’d lose them.”

“They wouldn’t choose me over you.”

“No but they’d choose their boyfriends.” Something flickered in her eyes.