Page 17

Eve

The autumn breeze carried the faint scent of rain as I strolled across campus, trying to ground myself in the present. My thoughts had been a tangled mess lately—Carson's warmth and unwavering care, my fears of dragging him into my chaos, and the ever-present specter of my father lurking in the back of my mind.

The campus buzzed with the anticipation of tonight's football game, but to me, it felt more like static than excitement.

"Little Beckett?"

I froze, my stomach flipping at the sound of the familiar voice. There was only one person in the world who called me that. Turning slowly, I saw him—Wyatt.

Standing there in a thick coat, his easy grin lighting up his face, he looked like a piece of my past come back to life. His dark hair was slightly longer than I remembered, his sharp jawline even more defined, but his energy was the same—a maddening mix of playful and commanding.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, still processing the sight of him.

"Surprise." He spread his arms, his grin widening. "Thought you could use some company."

"How did you even know where to find me?" I folded my arms, narrowing my eyes.

"Your brother," he admitted, shrugging like it was no big deal. "I told him I was in town, and he mentioned the game. Said it'd be a good place to surprise you."

Of course, Luke would think this was a great idea.

Wyatt tilted his head, his grin widening. "Not happy to see me?"

I sighed, crossing my arms. "You could've called or texted."

"And ruin the surprise? Where's the fun in that? Besides, I don't even think I have your new number."

Despite myself, I felt the corners of my mouth tug upward. That was Wyatt—infuriatingly charming, always knowing how to push my buttons. He wasn't just Luke's best friend; he'd been a near-constant presence in my life growing up.

He was also the guy I'd nursed a hopeless crush on for years. We'd kissed once, in a moment I barely understood back then. Nothing had come of it, and I'd buried the crush long ago.

"Well," I said finally, brushing past the awkwardness, "since you're here, I guess you're coming to the football game with me."

———————

The stadium buzzed with energy, the cheers of the crowd swelling and dipping like waves. Wyatt followed me to the student section, and he immediately made himself at home, leaning back in his seat as he surveyed the chaos around us.

"This is intense," he said, his voice loud enough to carry over the noise. "Didn't know you were into football."

"I'm not," I admitted, scanning the field. "But Carson's playing. He's the captain."

Wyatt's brow arched, and his grin took on a teasing edge. "Carson, huh? This the guy Luke vaguely mentioned?"

"Vaguely mentioned?" I scoffed. "What exactly did he say?"

"Something about you seeing someone, but he didn't go into details. I'm guessing he doesn't approve."

"Luke doesn't approve of anyone," I said, rolling my eyes. "And I don't exactly consult him about my personal life."

Wyatt chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "So, tell me about this Carson guy. What's he like?"

"Why do you care?"

"Because I'm nosy, and you're my favorite little sister by proxy," he said with a wink.

I shook my head, biting back a smile. Wyatt always knew how to push my buttons, but there was something comforting about his presence. Although the nerving realisation that my past was catching up with me drew back the comfort.

When halftime arrived, I spotted Carson near the sidelines. He was surrounded by teammates, but his gaze found me instantly. His gray eyes softened for a moment—until they landed on Wyatt beside me. His expression hardened almost imperceptibly before he turned back to the field.

"I'll give it to you," Wyatt said, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. "This place is impressive. Big step up from back home."

I smirked. "What, the high school bleachers didn't have the same charm?"

He chuckled. "Not even close. But it's not just the stadium. You seem... good here. Happier."

His words struck something deep, but I shrugged it off, offering a casual smile. "It's been a fresh start."

"You're quiet," Wyatt said, breaking the silence as we found our seats in the stands.

"Just distracted," I replied, glancing at the field.

Carson was there, standing tall in his uniform, commanding the field like he was born for it. His presence was magnetic, and the way he carried himself—calm, confident, and focused—was something I admired more than I'd ever admit out loud.

Wyatt followed my gaze, his lips twitching into something between a smirk and a frown. "That him? The boyfriend?"

"He's not my boyfriend." I said, although I didn't think I could call what we were doing just friends with benefits. The late night sleepovers, Ice cream movie marathons.

"He's tall," Wyatt noted dryly.

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the astute observation."

"Looks like a wide receiver," he added.

"He's a quarterback."

"Same difference. Does he always look like he walked out of a cologne ad?"

"Wyatt," I warned.

"What? Just trying to figure out what kind of guy you're hanging out with now."

"He's a good guy," I said firmly.

Wyatt didn't respond, but the skeptical look on his face said enough.

The game was a nail-biter, with Carson's team pulling off a narrow victory in the final moments. The crowd erupted in cheers, and I couldn't help but join in, pride swelling in my chest as I watched Carson celebrate with his teammates.

As the stands emptied, Wyatt and I lingered near the edge of the field, waiting for Carson. I spotted him cutting through the crowd, his jersey slung over his shoulder and his gray eyes locked on me. But as he got closer, his gaze shifted to Wyatt, and his easygoing demeanor hardened.

"Hey, I didn't think you were coming today." His gaze shifted to Wyatts "I'm Carson."

"Wyatt" he replied, his voice carrying just enough edge to set my nerves on edge.

Carson nodded, extending a hand. "Thanks for keeping Eve company today."

Wyatt took the handshake, but there was nothing friendly about it. "Didn't realize she needed keeping."

"Stop overreacting, Carsons is just trying to be nice." I said, absloutley appalled that Wyatt had the nerve to pick a fight.

"Oh, I'm sure he's great at being nice," Wyatt said, his eyes never leaving Carson. "Probably comes naturally when you've got everything handed to you."

"Excuse me?" Carson's voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it. I stiffened, I knew this was one of Carsons pet peeves. Assuming that he never worked to be where he is right now was all bullshit, Carson had worked harder than anyone I ever knew.

"You heard me," Wyatt said, his posture shifting as he crossed his arms. "Guys like you—you don't have to work for anything. You just glide through life, and people like Eve get caught in your orbit."

"Wyatt, that's enough!" I snapped, but he ignored me.

Carson's gray eyes flashed with irritation. "You don't know anything about me."

"Don't I?" Wyatt countered. "I know your type. Rich, entitled, thinks the world revolves around you."

"Is that right?" Carson's voice dropped, low and dangerous.

"Yeah, it is," Wyatt said, stepping closer. "And let me give you some advice: Eve doesn't need someone like you messing up her life."

"Messing up her life?" Carson shot back, his calm veneer cracking. "I care about her, and I'm here for her, which is more than I can say for you."

Wyatt's jaw clenched, his fists tightening. "You don't get it, do you? You don't know what she's been through, and you never will."

"Maybe I don't," Carson said, stepping forward, "but I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere. You're the one who doesn't belong here."

The air between them was thick with tension, and I felt like I was standing on the edge of a minefield.

"Both of you stop acting like toddlers!" I said, my voice rising.

But it was too late. Wyatt shoved Carson hard, sending him stumbling back a step. Carson's eyes blazed, and before I could stop him, he lunged forward, shoving Wyatt back with equal force.

"Don't touch me," Carson growled.

"Or what?" Wyatt taunted, his voice cold and mocking.

Carson's fist clenched, and I saw the exact moment he lost his composure. He swung.

The punch connected with a sickening thud, and everything spiraled into chaos.