Clipped by Love (Bellevue Bullies 2)

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?”