ON MATCH DAYS...
I stay as far away from the court as possible—and everything around it.
I never wanted to get caught in the crossfire of cameras and livestreams that surround the school on days like this.
In Iowa, high school basketball was a big deal. Scouts came from all over the country to watch the games, and the gyms were packed to the brim.
Even merchandise of favorite teams and top players like Cade Morrison and Flynn Case from Rock Valley always sold out. It was a multi-million-dollar enterprise.
Parents weren't left out. Aside from attending games, they also joined in the school rivalry banter.
Sometimes, it got so bad that cops had to break up fights.
I knew today was one of those days filled with madness. The school was about to fill up with people again. And after Kayla's previous outburst, I wanted to be nowhere near it.
The field was empty during this time. Most people were already at the games. I went to the bleachers and sat underneath them.
I pulled out my sandwich and bottled water, and I leaned back and delved into the world of carbon and petroleum compounds.
Chemistry.
I was having trouble with some of the names of carbon compounds. I might have to ask Miss Miranda for help after school.
No, I can't do that because of the games. I'll ask her tomorrow.
"Hey."
Dust from the bench above me slipped into my eye just as I looked up. Rubbing my eyes to get it out, I tried to open one eye. I closed it and opened it again in disbelief.
It was Cade.
Sitting above me.
Staring.
I glanced around. I already knew I was the only one beneath the chairs, but I still wanted to make sure he was talking to me. I pointed at my chest.
"Are you talking to me?" He chuckled softly. "Yeah."
I raised a brow.
His smile was like the men my mother dealt with—
I shook my head, driving the thoughts away. I knew that smile all too well. It was the one used to disarm. The one guy, like Cade, used to make girls feel like they were the only ones in the world.
Cade was a problem, and an interaction with him was something I didn't need.
I packed my sandwich into the paper bag, put it back in my bag along with my chemistry textbook, zipped my bag, slung it over my shoulder, and walked out from under the bleachers toward the school building.
Cade looked shocked, but I didn't care.
I crossed the field quickly, walking fast.
In a blur, he was suddenly in front of me, blocking my path.
He had run, but he wasn't even breaking a sweat.
I sidestepped and kept walking.
Again, he stepped in front of me. I wasn't fazed.
I sidestepped.
Again.
And once again, he was in front of me—
throwing up his hands in frustration.
"I said hey, and you took off. What the hell? You didn't even know what I intended to say!"
"I am not interested," I said. "Move."
He didn't.
"I know you are not going to watch the games. You are never at any of the games. So, where are you in a hurry to?"
"Why do you care?"
He leaned and bent low, so he was staring directly into my eyes.
I rolled my eyes. What the hell is wrong with him?
"That is weird," he said.
"Yeah, whatever," I said dismissively.
Then, I walked past him.
He grabbed my arm.
I turned sharply, glaring at him.
He let go immediately, stepping back with his hands raised.
"I mean no harm."
"Don't care."
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Most girls would be curious," he said, "When I said that was weird… they'd ask why."
Oh, I understand now. Golden boy isn't used to being ignored.
"If I pretend to be curious," I said flatly, "will you move?"
His smile slipped—just a little.
"That's not what I meant."
I didn't respond.
My eyes dragged over him—slow, unimpressed—before I looked back at his face.
I shrugged.
"I don't care. Move."
I stepped past him.
This time—
He didn't stop me.