Page 72 of Cheap Shot

“Get in a room, and we’ll tell you!” She waved them off. We’ll tell them? Was this suddenly a joint effort?

Sadie opened her door, and we all filed in. I took a seat at the foot of Ella’s bed and tried not to laugh at their expectant expressions. They were dying for information.

“Okay, Haley. Tell them what you told me.” Krystal sat on one of the desk chairs with her palms flat on her thighs.

I glanced around and smiled. “I just had the best kiss of my life.”

Squeals and gasps filled the room, and my heart nearly bursts. Their excitement and support were something I’d never experienced before, and I loved it more than I could have ever imagined.

“You guys!” Ella waved her hands. “Settle down so we can get the details.”

A hush fell over them immediately.

“What do you want to know?” I asked, stretching this out. This was my first time being the center of attention in such a positive way, and I was enjoying teasing them.

“Um, how about we start with the most important part! Who was it?” Cassie did a little shoulder dance in her spot on Sadie’s bed.

“It was Reid,” I admitted with a smile I couldn’t contain.

“I knew it!” Sadie pointed to Krystal. “I told you, didn’t I?”

Krystal rolled her eyes. “I never said you were wrong.”

“Oh, he’s so hot! I bet he’s the best kisser.” Ella gazed off, and I laughed as I shoved her shoulder, not wanting her to think about him like that.

“Stop that. He’s mine.”

“Yes, he is!” Cassie whooped.

“But I thought there was the problem with your brother?” Krystal reminded me of that unfortunate detail.

“Well, Reid told him he had feelings for me, and Ethan punched him. He’s rocking a black eye now, but at least my brother knows.” I shrugged.

“He literally fought for you.” Krystal sighed. “How romantic.”

The others agreed.

“So, are you guys together now? Like a couple?” Cassie asked.

I shrugged a shoulder. “We didn’t really talk about it, but I guess so.”

“Um, he fought his best friend for you. I’m pretty sure that means you guys are a couple.” Sadie nodded confidently.

“So, Reid told your brother, but have you?” Ella asked.

I brushed my hair behind my ear and sighed. “No, but I need to.”

It was time to stand up for myself. Things wouldn’t come to blows as it had with Reid, but I knew it could get heated. He and I didn’t see eye to eye on much, but if we were going to survive the rest of the year together, we needed to get on the same page. That started with my relationship with his best friend. I just had to get him to finally see me as an adult rather than his kid sister.

Chapter 24

Reid

I didn't know where Ethan had been staying for the past few nights, but he was successfully avoiding me. He was the last to arrive for practices and the first to leave, not giving anyone the chance to talk to him. That had to end today. We had a game, and there was no way we’d manage to pull off a win with drama hanging over us. We needed to be in sync with each other, and that wasn’t going to happen until we talked. I just hoped he would listen before throwing his fist in my face again.

None of the guys knew where he was. I’d assumed he was staying with another teammate, so it was concerning when I realized that wasn’t the case. Where was he sleeping?

Ethan had plenty of friends on the football, basketball, and baseball teams, so it was probably one of them.