Heat floods me. Fuck, I miss him too. His eyes shine with triumph.
“Not today, War.” I glance over at the other table where Zach is still making out with Sidney, but watching me. A shiver of disgust flows through me. He’s using her, but isn’t she using him too?
Fuck, this is all so complicated.
“Come here, sweetheart.” Jack holds his hand out to me.
I kiss Caden and walk around the table. Jack tugs me down on his lap and his lips brush little flames along my ear.
“I have a plan, but I need your help.”
My eyes widen and I nod. Good. A plan is good. I can tell he hasn’t slept much. If we could risk it, I’d drag him back to my house and force him to take a nap. Somehow, I don’t think Mom would approve.
“How can I help?” I lean back so I can see his eyes.
He arches an eyebrow and gets this smirk like he’s going to suggest something, but then he sighs. “No time for that.”
I just shake my head a little, even though a smile creeps onto my face.
He glances at the girls’ table again. “I may have a way to get help, but it’s going to take a huge ask.”
I swallow and my insides burn for another reason. “No cheating.”
He chuckles and tugs me in against him. “Nah, sweetheart. I’m happy to have just you. This is about Penny.”
My eyebrows rise and I glance over at Penny as she talks with Nat. A guy comes over and squats next to them with a huge grin. He reaches out and touches Penny. She rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
Nat turns red and even though I can’t hear her, it’s clear that she’s angry.
The guy stands and holds his hands up, backing away.
“What do you need me to do?” I turn back to Jack.
“It’s time to see how good of an ally and friend she really wants to be.”
CHAPTER 42
The Ask
Harper
I wring my hands as I wait for Kenz. I don’t know how any of this is going to go. It all exploding in my face is an option.
Kenz and Brandon round the corner and her eyes light up when she sees me. She says something to him and then presses up on her toes to kiss him. When she draws away, he grabs her hand and pulls her back in for another kiss.
She laughs and presses her hand to his chest before heading my way again. When she gets closer, she sneaks a look over her shoulder. He’s waiting for it and grins before heading off to football practice.
They’ve always been a super cute couple. Kenz said they probably weren’t long term, but I could see them going the distance. I mean, if you love someone, why wouldn’t you at least try to stay with them? To give it a chance?
I rub at the squeezing of my heart. I don’t think my love is one-sided, but I might also be caught up in a lust haze with the guys. But there are definite feelings involved on both sides. I just don’t know if some of the guys will ever be able to own up to their feelings.
“Hey, H.” Kenz bumps into my shoulder, shaking me from my thoughts. “What’s the deal? I thought we were meeting the girls for coffee again.”
“Slight change of plans.” I sigh and lean against the locker. “I need to talk to Penny alone.”
“Everything okay?” Kenz’s eyes soften. “Is she causing trouble for Luke?”
I shake my head. “We just have an ask and I don’t know how she’ll take it.”
