Which to me, is perfect.

I’m wholeheartedly in love with her, and sometimes I think she’s in love with me. She still is a bit prickly and tries to hold back. But when it’s just us, and she wraps around me like an octopus, I can’t help but think that she feels like I do. I’ve wanted to say it, tell her how I feel, but she’s so damn skittish when it comes to that. And why ruin a good thing? We are happy, and while, yes, I want to tell her how I feel, I kind of want her to admit it first. I don’t want her to say she loves me because I tell her. I want her to do it first. But then she could be waiting for me, and, in that case, I guess we will see who gives in first.

What else is new with us, though? It’s always a constant battle.

I did hear once that love was a battlefield. Fits with us, I guess.

Looking over at my brother, I shake my head. “No, she isn’t going. She didn’t want to go alone, and she’s worried that Dad will show up.”

He nods. “Have you talked to him?”

“No, why would I?” I ask, my nose wrinkling up. “Wait, have you?”

“No way, I’m with you. I think the only person who talks to him is Jace.”

“Which I don’t understand,” I deadpan, and he nods.

“I don’t either, but I let it go. He’s his own person,” he says then as I reach for my phone and shrug.

“I hope he doesn’t show up,” I say as I place the phone against my desk so I can tie my shoes.

“Yeah,” Jude agrees. “Is your girlie girl going?”

Grinning, I answer, “She’s on the team.”

“True, things still going good?”

“Great,” I inform him. “She’s really great.”

“Good, you seem really happy, Jayden. That’s good,” he says and I shrug.

“Right girl does that to you.”

“For sure. Does she know how you feel yet?”

Shaking my head, I stand up, shaking my leg out. “Nope.”

“Loser, just tell her.”

“No, I’m gonna let her do it first,” I decide, retucking my shirt. Turning to the phone, I ask, “How do I look?”

“Like a fucking pansy,” he teases with a grin.

“Aw, thanks, just what I wanted,” I say, laughing before reaching for the phone. “Okay, gotta go.”

“Have fun, and if Dad is there, ignore him, okay?”

I nod, my stomach turning from the mere thought of seeing him. “I’m gonna try.”

I just hope he ignores me.

When I show up, most of the team is already here. We were supposed to meet up five minutes before for a short meeting with Coach. I have bubble guts since I really don’t want to see my dad, but Jace has already confirmed that he’s supposed to show up. Not what I want, but instead of yelling at Jace like I was tempted to, I let it go. Taking a page from Baylor’s book, I decide not to let him have power over me. I am stronger because of him; I don’t need to worry.

But it’s hard to remember that as I walk in with Jace.

I tuck my hands into my pockets to keep them from shaking as Jace looks around and says, “I wonder where Baylor is.”

Looking over at him, my brow raised, I ask, “Why?”

“She’s bringing me my cuff links. I forgot them on my dresser,” he says, looking around for her.

“When did you talk to her?”

“In the car.”

“How?”

“You see there is a thing called a phone and you can text people and they can text back. It’s a superamazing invention,” he informs me like the little smartass he is. “What? Why are you looking at me like that? She’s my friend,” he says, making a face at me.

Glaring, I roll my eyes. “Whatever.”

“Jeez, Jay, why don’t you just put a sign on her that says MINE? Oh wait, she won’t let you,” he teases, and my glare deepens.

“Do you want me to kick your ass?”

“Not really, maybe afterward,” he says, and then he points to the left. “There she is.”

Looking at where he is pointing, I actually take a step back in utter shock, holding my chest to make sure I’m still breathing. Because the girl who is walking toward me is by far the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen in my entire life. In a thigh-length, skintight, black lace dress, she walks nervously toward us in some very high black heels that sparkle in the light. Her dress is one-shouldered, with her other arm out for the world to see, and I love the way her shoulders look, so toned and defined. Her hair is down, straight, almost to her ass with some pulled up while her makeup is dramatic and eye-catching.

I said before that I don’t want to give anyone power over me, but Baylor, she has it.

She has it completely.

Sucking in a breath, I shake my head as she hands Jace his cuff links.

“You’re a lifesaver, thanks,” he says, putting them on. He then adds, “You look hot.”

Smiling shyly, she waves him off. “I look fucking stupid. I hate my hair, this dress is too short and too tight, my feet hurt, and I could kill Delanie for sending me all this shit.”

All I can do is grin.

“Yeah. Okay, psycho, learn how to take a compliment,” he says before walking away, shaking his head. I’m sure I heard him mutter that she was crazy, but all I can do is drink her in.

“What, stop,” she says, waving me off. “By the way, you’re stupid hot in a suit.”

Looking away, she runs her hands down her dress. And I can’t help it, I reach out and touch her jaw softly. “Baylor, you are…hell… Baby, you are a beautiful disaster.”

Her eyes soften, her annoyance fades away as a grin pulls at her glossy red lips. “I think I’m the only girl who would totally get that.”

“You’re the only girl I’d say it to,” I say as I take a step closer. “Honestly. I’m having a hard time breathing here.”

With her face turning a sweet pink color, she looks me deep in the eyes and says, “Um, well, thank you. I was sorta kinda hoping you’d like it.”

“I do,” I promise. “A whole bunch.”

As her lips turn up into a grin, she whispers, “I really want to kiss you.”

“Then do it,” I challenge, but she shakes her head.