AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sure you do,” she purrs, stepping closer. “But are they the right ones?”
I shrug and force a chuckle. “Guess we’ll see, won’t we?”
She pauses, eyes narrowing, and I know I’ve thrown her off her game. It’s my turn to push forward, a little feint before the breakaway. “I should get going. Amanda’s waiting.”
Juliette steps aside, finally, but her eyes follow me. I can feel them like a hook on my jersey, pulling and threatening to unbalance along with the weight of her words. But I shove it all to the back of my mind. Amanda’s safety comes first, and I’m not about to let anyone, especially Juliette, score a cheap shot.
With each step toward the bookstore, my resolve hardens. Amanda doesn’t need this drama. She’s got enough on her plate between classes, work, and volunteerism. And she studies harder than I train, if that’s even possible. No way am I letting Juliette—or anyone—throw off her game.
Amanda stands outside the bookstore when I approach. Her dark brown hair fell over her face as she stuffed books into her backpack, unaware of the chaos she had almost walked into. My chest tightens at the sight of her, this girl who’s slowly becoming my own personal blue line—my limit, my boundary, where everything starts to make sense.
“Hey,” I say, my voice steady despite the storm Juliette just tried to stir up inside me.
Amanda looks up, her keen eyes locking onto mine. “Hey. I was about to text to see where you were.” Her smile does something strange to my insides, like a deke that leaves me off-balance.
“Sorry I’m late,” I start, shoving my hands into the pockets of my jeans as I lean against the brick building. “Got ambushed by some fans wanting to talk shop about the last game.”
Amanda’s eyebrows rise, her arms crossing over her chest like she does when trying not to smile too wide. “Fans or fan girls?”
“Does it matter?” I shrug, the corner of my mouth twitching. “You’re the one I came to see.” The setting sun’s rays catch in her hair, and I have to remind myself to breathe.
“Smooth, Morton.” She hoists her backpack onto her shoulder, a playful glint in her eyes. “Very smooth.”
We step toward her apartment. I could offer to drive, but walking her home gives us more time to spend together.
“Think you could spare some of that charm for the chemistry department?” she teases, nudging me with her elbow. “I’ve got an exam coming up that could use some convincing to be easy on me.”
“Charm doesn’t work on inanimate objects,” I say, sidestepping a couple lost in their own world. “Or does it?”
“Guess I’ll stick to the old-fashioned way then.” She chuckles, and the sound draws my attention to how her cute nose scrunches.
“Hard work and dedication?” I guess, wearing a smile.
“Exactly.” Her gaze meets mine, and it’s like everything else fades away. “It’s gotten me this far.”
“Can’t argue with results,” I say. We’re close now, close enough that I can see the flecks of gold in her green eyes. “Besides, you don’t need charm when you’ve got talent.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she says, but there’s warmth there, a connection that’s been growing since … well, since before I even realized it.
“Good to know.” I fall into step with her, our shadows stretching long on the pavement. “I’ll file that away for future reference.”
“Make sure it’s a big file,” she warns, bumping her shoulder against mine. “I’m full of surprises.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” And I mean it. Every moment with Amanda is like a new play on the ice—unpredictable, exhilarating, and worth every second.
I glance at Amanda, the soft evening light highlighting the wisps of hair framing her face. She looked more delicate and ethereal than ever.
“So, there’s this dedication ceremony for Coach and photoshoot next Saturday for the team,” I begin, my hands tucked into my pockets as we amble along the campus paths. “They sprung it on us last minute, but I hoped you’d come with me.”
She slows down, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and looking away. “Next Saturday?”
“Yeah.” Why is my heart racing? It should not be a big deal if she can’t make it. Yet, I’m hanging on as if my life depends on her agreeing.
“I can’t, Blake. I’ve got a shift at the bookstore in the morning, and I’m volunteering at the shelter in the afternoon.”
My stomach knots. I hadn’t expected a no, not with how things have been going between us. I take a breath, trying to keep cool. “The bookstore, sure, but maybe you could skip the shelter just this once?” I suggest, raking a hand through my hair.
Amanda stops walking, her gaze fixed on the ground. “I can’t do that. I’ve already committed.”
