Page 85 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

I turn out of sheer need to put some distance between us and look over my shoulder at him. “Just trying to keep you hydrated T. Lane.”

“I’ll follow you anywhere.” He chuckles, following me.

As I look around, I see Dad standing with Ry, who looks down. Dad gives me a nod but isn't looking at me; he’s looking past me, scrutinizing Tommy.

Great, just flippin' great.

I look over my shoulder at him, and he shifts his gaze from them to me. “Any chance the big angry man beside Brooks, the one who has the same eyes as you, would rip off my nads?”

I can’t help but laugh as I head to the water jug. “No.”

His chuckle from behind makes me smile even though I want to go off on Ryan because he clearly has Dad’s ear.

I press the nozzle and pour another glass of water and fix my face, yes fix my face. I know, God how I know that the only person able to break the mask is also the only person able to make me feel when I don’t want to.

Turning, I smile. “You need me to help you with this, or do you think you can manage to get it in your mouth this time?”

Closing his eyes, he fights back a smile and opens them again. He truly has the prettiest blue eyes. He tilts his head slightly toward Ry and Dad. “Not sure that would be wise.”

“No?” I ask, handing the glass to him.

“Gonna want the father of the girl I plan to have wearing my number to like me and not⁠—”

“Rip off your nads, yeah I get it.”

“Jade!” Tessa gasps.

19

NOT A DATE

Tommy

“Pretty sure I have hay clippings in my ass crack.” I grumble as I take my track pants off.

“It’s called chaff Country Club.” Ryan Brooks huffs.

“I’ll call it whatever I want to if it’s gonna get this damn familiar with me,” I say as I shake out my pants, not wanting to get Link’s ride covered in the one thing worse than sand in the crack of my ass.

I hear a chuckle from behind, glance over my shoulder, and see John and Jack Ross school their features. I have no idea what they’re thinking, but I know that it’s probably not good since Jade’s father is staring at me, expressionless… in my undies.

“I don’t normally walk around in my boxers,” I explain.

Jack looks at me like I’m a moron —he’s not wrong, I fumbled that ball— then looks at John. “Heading home. Have Jade call if she needs a ride.”

I open my mouth to tell him we’ll bring her back, and Ryan Brooks of all people steps in front of me. “You cannot be that stupid.”

“Let’s roll.” Lucas chuckles.

“Park that car at the top of the hill; you’ll bottom out if you try driving it down to the pond.” John chuckles as he and Jack turn and walk away.

We slide in the car, and Lucas turns the key. I take notice that he doesn’t rev the engine. “Brooks just saved your ass.”

“Not sure he saved it or just wanted to assert some sort of dominance.” He shifts into drive and begins pulling out toward the road. “We did good, man.”

I hold out my hand; Lucas knows the move. Palm slap, backhand tap, done. “We did.”

It’s like pulling teeth to get anything out of him about any girl after Sadi, who I fucking loathe. “So, Tessa…”