Page 114 of Breakaway Hearts

“We’re friends.” I sound so fucking unsure that I add, “I think.”

“So…acquaintances?” Colt tries.

“How’s Rachel?” I ask of the girl he came home with last night.

“Rebecca?” he says with uncertainty, looking to the guys he came in with, but I shake my head. “You’re guessing I’m wrong, or…”

“She’s friends with Tab,” I remind him. It’s also my sister’s name.

“I called her Rebecca all morning, so I’m thinking she won’t be reaching out.”

“Asshole.” Dave sighs.

“She could have corrected me. I wasn’t trying to be an ass on purpose.”

“Of course not, it just comes naturally.” Mike smiles innocently before sliding an omelet onto my plate.

“How is your battle wound?” Dave asks me.

“It’s fine. Good as new by tomorrow.”

“Coach is only sitting you out because we need you next week.”

I nod, but it isn’t comforting.

I head to the library after checking in with the team trainer, and am stoked to see Maddie at a table, biting her bottom lip, staring at her laptop screen like it’s a puzzle she’s trying to solve.

“My lady,” I say, plopping down across from her.

“Owen.”

She’s flustered, which makes me smile. I love seeing a softer, more vulnerable side of her, and it isn’t like my name on her lips doesn’t do things to me as well.

“Missed you this morning,” I whisper, though there isn’t anyone around.

I hide my smile at the blush that creeps up her cheeks.

“I’m sorry I fell asleep.” She briefly glances my way, but mostly keeps her eyes on the screen.

“You only snored a little,” I tease. “Lord and Lady Lark are the ones who deserve the apology, though.”

“I’ve rewatched the previous season every time a new one came out, so…”

“That was your eighth rewatch?” I do the math, and reveal that I’ve looked into the show.

“Are you judging?” She raises an eyebrow.

“Never. Why make anyone feel bad about liking something that makes them happy?”

Or someone, I think, but don’t say it out loud.

“How are your abs?”

“Wanna see them?” I ask innocently. “Or feel?”

Maddie sighs and rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling.

“Healing nicely, according to our trainer, but gnarly to look at, so judging by your reaction last night, I’d stick to touching them.”