Page 98 of Too Far

But two? When the whole town—hell, the entire state—expects at least two of the star players to go pro? That’s unheard of. Unacceptable.

It was only a matter of time before people started asking questions and looking for clues.

I’ve been photographed with Decker on numerous occasions. We were together on campus all the time and seen together at his NIL events.

Now? We’re nothing.

Since I’ve been out of the picture, the Crusaders have lost their shot at a perfect season. Now they run the risk of missing the playoffs.

Never mind that their star running back has been out for the last three games with an alleged groin injury. Or that their right guard has been benched for the last two games because of his arthritis. Not to mention there are at least three guys on defense who are grappling with injuries or illness.

But yeah. Sure. It’s my fault that the Crusaders aren’t Crusading.

It’s ironic. Pathetic. Just plain sad.

Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter that Decker Crusade cut me out of his life.

I can’t seem to cut him out of mine.

Chapter 45

Josephine

Iwakeuptoa vibrating phone dancing on the nightstand and all sorts of banging in the kitchen down the hall.

I’m alone.

The lack of companionship was expected, but it doesn’t dull the pain that hits me square in the chest when I remember. I’m alone, and I’m lonely. It’s nothing new. I’ve been lonely for most of my life. Yet now it hurts more than it ever has before, because I’ve spent the last few months basking in the attention of four passionate, devoted, borderline-obsessed men.

How can a twin-size bed feel so empty?

Last night was Kendrick’s night, but he was needed elsewhere.

As the sheriff, Mr. Taylor’s working around the clock to prepare the town for a smooth evacuation in light of Tropical Storm Theo, so it was up to K to look after his sisters.

I refused to let Nicky suffer through two nights in a row on this tragically small mattress. He’s doing better, but he’s still not well. Sleeping in his own bed helps, so it wasn’t difficult to convince him.

Kylian, on the other hand, was exhaustingly adamant that I not be alone.

If not for the storm, he would be here. When he checked coverage sometime during the night, he decided it was time to secure a safe place to shelter once we leave Lake Chapel.

His commitment to keeping me safe is the only reason I don’t stress when I read the messages Hunter sent early this morning.

Hunter:Hey girl. Greedy’s pestering me about you and the evacuation. Do you have plans to go with the guys?

Hunter:We’re heading to Dr. Ferguson’s cabin near Beech Mountain. Do you want to come with?

Kylian:I’ll be by to pick you up at ten. Kendrick wants to get on the road before lunch.

Yawning, I type out a reply to Hunter.

Joey:I’m fine. Kylian has a plan. We’re leaving in a few hours. Stay safe!

Hunter:Where are you guys going? Decker’s place in the mountains?

Shit on a crumbly cracker.

I didn’t even bother to ask. I just trusted Kylian to handle it. Surely he doesn’t expect me to cohabitate with the man who broke my heart. The guys can barely stand to be around him on the nights they’re not here. There’s no way they’d willingly push us all back together.