Page 53 of Scoring Eden

I hate how much I like the way he’s looking at me. Like I’m something worth desiring. Like I’m someone worth wanting.

Leo claps him on the shoulder, and the moment is lost. “We’ve gotta go, bro. Game starts soon, and you need to get a new shirt.”

Alex nods, eyes locked on me. “Do I get a kiss for good luck?”

A kaleidoscope of butterflies breaks out in my stomach.

Get a fucking hold of yourself, girl.

He doesn’t wait for a response, or maybe the forceful swallow I make is answer enough, because his fingers meet my chin and drag me toward his lips.

The kiss is short. Chaste, really. He doesn’t even attempt to slip his tongue inside my mouth, which is unexpected, given that I know him to be quite the opportunist. But I can still taste him there…even as I watch him walk off the field with Leo to the locker room…

Even as the game starts…and the first half ends…

Even as ninety minutes turns into ninety-eight…

I feel him there. The ghost of his lips on mine. And the promise of more to come.

TEXT THREAD BETWEEN EDEN AND SEBASTIAN

Sebastian: Why are you ignoring my calls?

Sebastian: Answer your goddamn phone.

Sebastian: You’re being immature as always.

Eden: I was busy. We can arrange a conversation if that’s what you need, but my lawyer will be present.

Sebastian: You were at a soccer game, Eden. I saw the photos online. That isn’t a good enough reason to ignore my calls when I’m trying to talk to you about our son.

Eden: As I said, I was busy. I am happy to arrange a conversation, but I will be bringing a lawyer.

Sebastian: Stop being so melodramatic. This would be much easier for everyone if you didn’t fight it. Put your selfishness to one side for once and think about what’s best for Macon.

Eden: Let me know when you want that conversation.

Sebastian: You’ll regret being so difficult. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Eden: Are you threatening me?

*Sebastian unsent a message*

FIFTEEN

ALEX

“Wait, what?” I blink at my sister then at her husband. Formerly, my best friend. “You’re moving?”

It’s been twenty-four hours since we won the game, with my hot-as-fuck fake girlfriend there to witness it, and I didn’t think anything could sabotage the high I was riding.

Boy, was I wrong.

Leo and I have lived in the same apartment building for six years. My sister moved in last year when she began nannying for Salem and never moved out, and though I like to pretend they both irritate me endlessly, I like my proximity to them. I get to see my nieces whenever I want, have dinner with them sometimes, or just chill out with Leo and Brynn in the evenings once the kids are in bed.

They’re my family. And annoying as they might be, I want to be close to them.

“Why? Why would you do that?”