The Harder You Fall (Rixon Raiders 3)

Felicity offered to go and get our drinks while we weaved through the huddles of people to reach Cameron.

He stood up, letting Hailee slide in. I took the other side.

“Thanks for this,” I said, drumming my fingers against the table.

“It’s the least I could do. I’m glad you came.” His eyes slid from me to Hailee. “I’m going to go hang out with the guys, but I’ll come check on you later, okay?”

She nodded, leaning in to kiss him. My heart ached watching them. But if two people deserved happiness it was the two of them.

“This is silly,” I said when he’d gone. “You don’t have to sit over here with me. I’ll go and you can—”

“If you think we’re going to abandon you, you really don’t know us at all,” Hailee replied around a small smile. Flick appeared seconds later, sliding a tray of drinks onto the table. “We’re celebrating. My treat.” She handed me a bright pink cocktail.

“What is it?” I sniffed the contents.

“Happiness and sunshine in a glass. Drink up.”

“Isn’t Jerry going to get into trouble for serving everyone?”

“Asher’s mom is awake; it’s a private celebration.” She winked at me, slurping at her own drink.

“Have you seen—”

The words died on my tongue as Asher filled my line of sight. He was joking with a couple of his teammates, his hair pushed back in that messy style of his, his smile easy and eyes bright.

I swallowed, feeling tears pool behind my eyes. “He looks happy,” I whispered. Just then, Kellie Ginly sauntered over to him and hugged him, making a show of kissing him on the cheek.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” Felicity said under her breath, a hint of disapproval there.

“It doesn’t matter. He’s a free agent.”

“Mya, you don’t mean that.”

“So, do you have any plans for spring break?” I changed the subject, forcing myself to look away from Asher and Kellie. He wasn’t mine anymore. He could hug and kiss whoever he wanted. It was something I was just going to have to get used to.

“I think Cameron and Jason want to take Asher away for a few days; maybe to his Dad’s place in the Hamptons.”

It was like I couldn’t escape him.

But slowly, I was becoming okay. I glanced back and found Asher watching me. Our eyes locked, so much passing between us. My pulse spiked. His mouth curved into a smile and he gave me a little nod before turning away.

I smiled to myself. Things between us would never be the same, but maybe, just maybe, we could find peace after everything.

“Come dance with us,” Felicity pouted, her eyes glassy with the effects of all the sugary sweet cocktails she’d consumed since we arrived at Asher’s house.

I hadn’t wanted to come when they’d announced the party was moving to the Bennets’. It didn’t feel right. But the need to be in close proximity to Asher, to see him happy, was too much of a temptation, plus, she wouldn’t take no for an answer and no one else seemed to care whether I was there or not. People were too happy and relieved to have their loveable funny party host back. And Asher played up to the role flawlessly. But I couldn’t help but wonder how much was real or whether he felt forced to oblige them. It wasn’t my place to ask him though, and despite caving to Felicity and Hailee’s insistence I come with them to the party, I kept my distance.

“I owe you an apology,” Jason came up beside me as I watched the girls twirl and dance without a care in the world.

“I’m listening,” I said, running my thumb around the rim of my cup. It had been tempting to get drunk and join the celebrations, but I didn?

??t want to lose control, not surrounded by Asher and his adoring fans.

Especially not with Kellie Ginly throwing me icy stares like we were mortal enemies.

“Asher is like family and you’re—”

“Not?” My brow rose.