AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chloe apparently takes the hint, because for the next several minutes, she seems to settle down with her book. I start to forget she’s there, except for when she occasionally shouts out a request for me to flex, or to “circle real slow-like so I can see the goods.”
I do my best to ignore her.
It’s not easy.
Kristin’s serve is sloppy today, which I’m guessing has something to do with her sister’s distracting presence, but I’m not really complaining. It’ll give me a chance to touch her as I correct her form.
“You’re using too much wrist,” I say, nabbing the ball she’d just sent over. “Let’s work on it.”
I start to head over to the other side of the net, and our eyes lock as I make my way toward her, but then her eyes move over my shoulder and widen in surprise and something else before a huge smile breaks across her face.
“Devon!”
I freeze for a split second, the name splintering through my consciousness. It’s possible there are other Devons, of course, but not likely.
And the Devon I know is dating Kristin Bellamy.
It’s the reason I’m after her. Well. That and the body.
I turn slowly, waiting to get my first glance at one of the very reasons I’m in Cedar Grove, Texas, in the first place. But even though I think I’m prepared for it, his features are still a shock.
This kid is a dead ringer for Tim Patterson.
I realize that I’m not dead inside like I’ve been thinking these past few months.
I watch as Kristin’s arms go around Devon’s neck, and my fingers tighten on the handle of my tennis racket.
I wait for a stab of jealousy.
I feel nothing.
This had been the plan all along: Use Kristin to get to Devon.
Then use Devon to get to Tim.
I let them have their moment. The game I’m playing is a long one. No need to rush things.
As I go to grab a bottle of water, my eyes inadvertently fall on mouthy, messy Chloe Bellamy.
I pause.
Gone is the snarky, don’t give a shit Chloe who’d been hollering smart-ass remarks just a couple minutes before.
Her eyes are locked on her sister’s boyfriend, and the look on her face is painfully familiar.
I know that look.
I know that look better than I’ll ever admit to anyone.
Chloe Bellamy is in love with her sister’s boyfriend. I’ve got a pretty damn good idea how shittily that’s going to work out for her.
Chloe rips her eyes away and stares unseeingly down at her book. Her eyes squeeze shut.
I shift my gaze back to the couple, who are now kissing in earnest, and the anger starts creeping in, mingling with the jealousy and causing a hot stab of resentment to lodge in my chest.
Objectively, I know that I’m watching Kristin and Devon, not Ethan and Olivia.
But it’s the same, isn’t it?
