“If you want to go, go. Show them that you’re not going to let them say whatever they please anymore. We’re not in high school, and quite frankly, it’s embarrassing they think they can rule campus like it’s their kingdom,” she murmurs harshly. “They need to grow the fuck up.”
I walk towards her as she tilts her head back. “I think I need you by my side to fight my corner, sunshine,” I tease. “You’re more passionate about it than I am.”
She shakes her head. “I’m passionate about assholes getting what’s coming to them, and for you to be able to go to something you love without the worry of being shoved out for no good reason whatsoever.”
My eyes flick between hers, and I see the fire and rage simmering behind them. I cup her face and lean down, leaving a long kiss on her pouty lips. It brings me back to life in ways I can’t explain. She chose me, and I’ll grasp every moment with her with both hands.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “For supporting me and always fighting in my corner.”
“I want you to be happy,” she murmurs against my mouth.
“I am happy. The happiest I’ve been in years.”
“And do you think going back to football will help with clearing your mind?”
“Football has always been an escape for me.”
Maya’s eyes glitter as she stares up at me. “Then go get them,” she says fiercely as she grabs onto my hoodie with both fists. “And show them what you’ve got. Clear that mind. Be grateful for your body. Enjoy it, and don’t let anyone try and bring you down. We’re keeping our heads high.”
I kiss her again because I can’t help myself. My hands slide around her lower waist as she wraps hers around my neck, pressing our chests flush against one another as I widen her lips and slide my tongue inside.
She squeals before pulling away. “Skye will be awake from her nap any second.”
“So?”
I drag my mouth over the curve of her neck. “Finn?—”
“Sorry, I’m so fucking obsessed with you.”
She releases a soft chuckle. “That’s good to know.”
CHAPTER 47
MAYA BROOKE
The moment I see Jade and Alice, a squeal escapes my lips. I jump up from my seat in the reading room and rush towards them as they wrap their arms around me. We stay like this for a while. I haven’t seen them in weeks as they’ve spent the majority of the Christmas break with their families.
“So good to see you, Maya,” Alice says before squeezing me even tighter.
“I missed you girls,” I murmur into Jade’s shoulder.
They release me and draw up two chairs as we tuck ourselves into the corner.
“How was your break?” Jade asks.
“Good,” I say with a smile. “Spent it with Finn’s family, and we’re back together.”
Both of their eyes widen, and I brace myself for the‘have you thought about this’ or ‘are you sure this is what you want’ type of responses. But neither comes. Instead, their expressions relax, and Alice gives me another hug.
“Back together, back together?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
“We’re so happy for you, Maya.”
“You are?” I blow out a breath of relief.
Alice pulls back and holds me at arm’s length. “I mean, I think we both knew it would only be a matter of time before you rekindled. And we’ve all seen how hard Finn has been working at his sobriety and being a family. If it’s what you want, then we’re happy for you.”
