Tell him while he can’t escape.
I smoothed my hands over my thighs, trying to pluck up the courage. It wasn’t like he could go anywhere, and part of me knew if I didn’t tell him now, I might never get the chance.
“You know how football means everything to you…”
“Yeah?”
“Well, writing means everything to me. I’ve had my heart set on going to Northwestern since I can remember.”
“I don’t understand what this has to do with me.” His eyes slid to mine, confusion furrowing his brows.
“I’m just saying… you’d do anything to win, right? Anything to make sure the team comes out on top? Well, I’d do anything to… to make sure I come out on top, I mean.”
He let out a frustrated sigh. “It’s not the same thing, Miley.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, me too.”
We didn’t talk again. Avery was lost in his own thoughts, and I was too busy wishing the seat would gobble me up.
I’d blown it.
Any chance I’d had with Avery had gone up in flames when the exposé had gone live. I’d chosen my future over everything else.
What was that saying though? You didn’t know what you’d lost until it was gone?
I was beginning to think there was some merit in that.
He finally pulled up outside my house.
“Well, this is me,” I said.
He pursed his lips.
“I’ll guess I’ll just…” I thumbed to my house. “Good luck at the game tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll be seeing you then.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
The air crackled between us. His eyes homed in on my lips again and I wondered what it would be like to kiss him. Would he push me away or pull me closer?
“At least there isn’t long before I have to submit my article.” I laughed, but it came out strangled. “Then you’ll never have to see me again.”
His eyes shuttered.
“Avery?” I croaked.
But then he was on me, his hands buried deep in my hair, kissing me. My hands twisted into his jersey, pulling him closer, fireworks going off inside my stomach.
Avery was kissing me.
And it was everything.
His tongue curled around mine as his lips devoured me. He tasted so yummy, like caramel and chocolate. I never wanted to come up for air.
Slowly, he pulled away, touching his head to mine as we both caught our breath.
“That was amazing.” I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt. Feeling confident, I leaned in and brushed my lips over his again.
But he didn’t kiss me back.
My stomach plummeted into my toes. Not again. He wouldn’t do that…
“Avery?” My voice cracked. I felt his breath warm on my face, the sickly-sweet scent on his lips.
“You should go.”
I jerked back as if he’d slapped me. “But I thought—”
“You thought wrong.” His expression hardened. “This was a—”
“Mistake. Yeah, I got the memo the first time. You know?” I sucked in a sharp breath, trying to swallow the tears rushing up my throat, “I know I did a really shitty thing to you, Avery. And if I could, I would take it back…”
He stared blankly at me, and I knew I’d lost him. He hated me too much to let the past go.
“You’re right, this was a mistake.” I shouldered the car door and scrambled out.
“Miley, wait…” Avery called after me, but I didn’t look back. I couldn’t. He’d trampled on my heart again, and although I knew it was only what I deserved, it didn’t stop the tears from falling.
The Raiders won. It was the only thing anyone was talking about Monday morning at school. I walked the halls invisible, as kids still rode the high of the win.
“Miley,” a voice called, and I glanced over my shoulder to find Lily and Ashleigh approaching me.
“Hey, Lily. How are you?”
“I’m okay, thanks.” She smiled. “I missed you at the game Friday. Avery scored two touchdowns. He was amazing.”
“Gross, Lil, that’s my brother you’re talking about.” Ashleigh chuckled. “I’m Ashleigh,” she said. “You must be Miley. Lily told me all about you.”
“She did, huh? All good things, I hope.”
“She said you and my brother had some crazy chemistry at Ice T’s.”
“I… really don’t know what to say to that.” I flushed.
“My brother’s never had a girlfriend before.”
“Oh, I’m not his—”
“I know.” She snickered. “But you could be.”
The thought made my stomach clench. But it was a fantasy. Avery didn’t want to talk to me, let alone be with me.
“Oh, I don’t know about that. Your brother isn’t exactly my number one fan.”
“Because of the article you wrote about the team?”
“I see you’ve done your research,” I said.
“I like to know things. But you helped Lily and I think everyone deserves a second chance, so as long as you don’t plan on screwing my brother over again, I think we can be friends.” Ashleigh thrust out her hand.
This was so not how I saw my morning going, but I slid my palm against hers and said, “To new friends.”
Just then, an announcement came over the speaker that Homecoming tickets were on sale. The hall exploded into cheers, but I wasn’t celebrating.
“I can’t wait until we’re old enough for Homecoming,” Ashleigh let out a dreamy sigh.
“Oh, you can go to Homecoming. Anyone can,” I corrected her.
“Yeah, I know, but I mean like go… with a guy. No way my dad will let me go on a date yet.”
“I bet he’d let you go with Ezra.”
“Who’s Ezra?”
“He’s in our class. Ashleigh has a crush on him.” Lily grinned.
“I do not. He’s… not my type.”
“And what type would that be?” My brow arched.
“Ezra is complicated. We hang out sometimes, but he tends to do his own thing. Hey, we should totally go together.” Her face lit up.
“Oh, I don’t think so. I’m not a fan of organized social events.”
“Please, it’ll be fun.” Lily gave me a reassuring nod. It was nice to see her more confident than she had been the other day.
“I’m not sure Avery will want me there.” And he’d no doubt be crowned Homecoming
