“I don’t know why you all seem to think he has this massive thing for me,” Delaney grumbles. “He doesn’t. I’m just a conquest to him. The one thing he wants that isn’t being handed to him.”
“Damn right it’s not.” I grab her arm and pull her into me. “But I really don’t think that’s all it is. He’s…different about you. Territorial, even.”
She rolls her eyes. “Well, it doesn’t matter. He’s just a friend, and I’m not interested in anything more.”
Her words calm me down more than they should, and Zayn notices as my whole body relaxes. He smirks, giving me a knowing look, and if I don’t get Delaney out of here within the next minute, I’m going to regret it.
As we walk out the door, I notice the beautiful Lamborghini sitting in the driveway. A part of me is
shocked she brought it here. This isn’t exactly the nicest part of town. Then again, her family seems to have enough money to afford the best insurance coverage possible.
“Hey,” she says, getting my attention. The second I turn to face her, she tosses her keys to me. “Just don’t crash it.”
My jaw drops as I realize I’m about to drive a car that’s worth more than my life. “Woman, you have lost your everloving mind.”
As she turns back to smile at me, with the sun hitting her face just right, I’m in awe of her beauty. She’s glowing—radiating happiness from every pore—and fuck if it’s not contagious. I could spend all day memorizing the colors in her eyes and not have a single damn complaint.
I slip into the driver’s seat, admiring the interior from this side of the car. I’m practically drooling at how gorgeous it is. The only thing in the world that even begins to compare is the girl sitting next to me.
The engine roars to life, and I can already feel the power in it. Delaney watches me as I carefully back out of the driveway. Once I’m on the road, I press on the gas pedal, and the car lurches forward. My eyes widen and I yank my foot off the gas.
“It takes a little getting used to,” she giggles. “So, where are we going?”
“I have to pick up something from my house, and then I was thinking we’d go for a drive up the coast. I want to see what this baby can do.”
It only takes a few minutes to get to my place, and by the time I do, I’m starting to get the hang of driving a car with over 700 horsepower. I leave it running and open the door.
“I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
Jumping out of the car, I jog inside. It’s quiet, as usual. My mom is probably either sleeping or picked up another shift. I’ve been trying to help out with some of the bills, using the small amount Cal allows me to keep from the fights, but we’re still a long way off from being comfortable.
I go to my closet, grabbing what I’m looking for off the hanger. It’s a risky move, one I’m bound to get a load of shit from my friends for, but I don’t care. If I’ve learned anything from the past twelve hours, it’s that living without her isn’t an option. Not for me. If this is what she needs, I’ll give it to her.
As I get back to the car, I get in and toss the jersey onto Delaney’s lap. She picks it up, inspecting it carefully. The North Haven logo on the front. My name and number on the back.
“Is this for you to wear tonight?” she questions.
“No. It’s for you to wear tonight.”
Her eyes widen as she turns to face me. “You want me to wear the jersey of my school’s rival to the game.” It’s not a question, just a clarification. I nod. “Oh, I get it. It’s a ploy to make Carter jealous.”
I shake my head. “I mean, that’s an added benefit, yes, but that’s not why. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
“Is this—” An amused grin stretches across her face. “Oh my God. This is your way of making us official.”
“Shut up.” I groan, putting my seatbelt back on and putting the car in drive.
“I thought you don’t do girlfriends.”
I chuckle because she’s right. “I don’t, but lately you’ve got me breaking all my rules. What’s one more?”
WHEN YOU LIVE IN a town as tight-knit as North Haven, word spreads fast—especially when it’s about an impromptu football game between the biggest rivals around. Bleachers on both sides are filled to the max, and people who couldn’t find seats stand along the fence. It only takes me a minute to spot Delaney. She’s standing with Tessa on the North Haven side, and, damn, does she look good.
She smiles at me and waves, making me wink in return. Tessa rolls her eyes playfully, and I read her lips when she tells her sister she’s hopeless.
“Is she wearing your jersey?” Zayn questions, squinting over at them.