Past…
Strobe lights bounce off the walls of the gymnasium like laser beams as Liam and I finish what must be our twentieth dance in an hour.
I can tell he’s getting a little worn out even though he won’t say it.
I wave an arm when the song changes and a slow one cues up. “How about we get some juice?”
The relief that crosses over his face is adorable. “S-s-sure. If you w-w-want.”
We walk over to the table full of refreshments and I pour him a cup before doing the same for myself. “I can’t believe I’m about to admit this, but I’m actually having fun.”
His face falls and I realize my error.
“Not with you, silly. I always have fun with you. I meant here at the dance. I’m happy we came.”
Regardless of the stink-eye Britney aims my way every time she spots me or how hot Jace looks in his button-down shirt and dress slacks—or the massive surge of jealousy I get whenever I spot them dancing—I don’t regret coming here.
He smiles. “Me t-t-too.”
I rest my head on Liam’s shoulder. “Thanks for still being my friend despite your brother being a giant douche canoe.”
He laughs. “You don’t have t-t-to t-t-thank me. I c-c-care—”
“Well, if it isn’t my two-favorite people,” a familiar voice behind us says.
Liam juts his chin. “Hey, T-t-tommy. Having f-f-fun?”
I don’t miss the way Tommy’s eyes shine with mischief when he looks my way. “I am now.” Leaning against the table, he surveys the dance floor. “It looks like your brother’s having a good time.”
I fight the urge to toss my fruit punch in his face.
Liam shuffles his feet. “Yeah.”
Tommy nudges Liam with his elbow. “Britney—and her twins—are looking pretty hot tonight, huh?”
I don’t miss the look he gives me as he pours himself a cup of juice.
Frowning, Liam moves closer to me. “Nah. Not r-r-really.”
And that, right there, is just one reason Liam is so awesome. Unlike his stupid brother, he’s loyal to the people he cares about.
Tommy’s stare lingers on us for a minute too long before he smiles. “Oh, snap. I forgot to tell you.”
Liam takes a sip of his drink. “T-t-tell me w-w-what?”
“Rumor has it Heather Gibson wants to dance with you.”
His eyebrows lift in confusion. “S-s-she c-c-came here with C-c-cole.”
After placing his drink down, Tommy points to Liam’s twin, who sure enough is not dancing with his date. “Cole’s been hanging out with Hayley for the last ten minutes.” He gestures to a brunette who’s sniffling by the bleachers. “Needless to say, Heather doesn’t look happy about it.”
That’s because two out of three Covington brothers are jackasses.
Liam’s frown deepens. “S-s-so why d-d-don’t you danc-c-ce with her?”
Tommy winces. “Can I tell you a secret?”
I grind my molars. I know Tommy well enough to sense when he’s up to no good.
He looks around the gymnasium, like whatever he’s about to say is groundbreaking information. “You see, I’m into Heather…but you know how I am. Always screwing everything up and saying the wrong things.” He swipes his drink off the table and takes a lengthy sip. “I was hoping maybe you could do me a solid and dance with her for a bit.” Smiling slyly, he motions to himself. “Put in a good word for your boy.”
Liam looks at me. “B-b-but w-w-what about Dylan?”
Tommy rolls his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep your little date occupied.”
Like hell, he will.
Liam’s eyes dart between me and a visibly hurt Heather across the gym, and I can sense his internal struggle.
Liam’s too kind for his own good. The thought of a girl crying on the sidelines because his twin brother is a jerk doesn’t sit well with him.
Heck, it’s the reason he’s here with me tonight instead of someone he’s actually interested in.
“You should go,” I tell Liam. “She’s obviously upset, and if anyone can cheer her up, it’s you.”
“Are you s-s-sure?”
“Positive. Don’t sweat it.”
He blows out a breath. “Ok-k-kay. I’ll be bac-c-ck s-s-soon.”
Leaning down, I kiss his cheek and whisper, “Don’t ever change, Liam Covington. The world needs more awesome people like you.”
He blushes. “T-t-than—”
“Come on, man,” Tommy interjects. “Ronnie Higgins looks like he’s about to ask her to dance and if he does, I’m toast.”
“Don’t w-w-worry. I’m on it-t-t.”
“You’re an asshole,” I tell Tommy after Liam leaves.
He places his hand over his heart, feigning offense. “And here I thought I was doing something nice for that poor girl.”
I motion to Liam, who’s rummaging through his pockets for a tissue to hand Heather. “Liam’s the one doing something nice. You’re just manipulating him.”
He shifts his stance so we’re standing next to each other. “What makes you say that?”
“You don’t like Heather Gibson.”
He waggles his eyebrows. “I might.” His voice drops to a whisper. “Would that make you jealous?”
“Being jealous would imply I like you.” I muster my best dirty look. “I don’t.”
His breath whistles between his teeth. “Damn, I forgot. My last name isn’t Covington.”
“Don’t be like that.”
“Like what?”
“The reason I don’t like you has nothing to do with Jace. I don’t like you because you’re mean.”
“Not to you.” His gaze zeros in on Liam, who’s now dancing with Heather. “Or him. Not since you told me to stop.”
He’s unbelievable. “That’s not how it works. I appreciate you being nice to Liam, but you shouldn’t do it because you like me. You should do it because you like him.”
He winks. “Sorry, but he’s not really my type.”
I roll my eyes and he playfully knocks his shoulder against mine. “Relax. For once, my intentions are good. Liam’s my boy, so I’m going out of my way to play matchmaker and set him up with Heather.”
He obviously hasn’t thought this through. “How do you expect that to happen when you sent Liam over there to put in a good word for you?”
His arms open wide. “All part of the plan. No matter what Liam says about me, Heather will be too focused on the guy who actually cared enough to see if she was okay.” He grins. “No girl can resist a white knight. Ten bucks says they name their first kid after me.”
I can’t help but laugh. No matter how frustrating he can be, Tommy has a certain charm that sucks you in.
“You’re insane.” I give him a sincere smile. “It’s sweet of you to do that for Liam. I hope this little diabolical plan of yours works out.”
He deserves something good.
Something passes in his gaze. “Dance with me.”
“No.”
His voice lowers. “You know you want to.”
“Then why would I turn you down?”
He leans in so close his breath tickles my ear. “Because you still haven’t figured out your prince charming has already found his Cinderella.”
My heart rises in my throat when he tilts his head and I follow his line of sight.
Jace is slow-dancing with Britney. His hands are on her waist and her head is on his shoulder. They’re so beautiful and perfect together, they should be on the cover of a magazine.
“You and I are a lot alike, you know.”
A scoff pushes through my lips. “How so?”
“We don’t have everything handed to us on a gold platter like your prince does. We have to fight like hell for everything we want.”
It’s clear he has no idea who Jace really is. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He shoots me an incredulous glare. “What makes you so—”
“Because he’s my best friend,” I snap. “I know everything about him. Like how much it sucks that his mom died and how her death forced him to grow up way before he was ready to. Or how he would literally do anything for his siblings because they’re the most important people in the world to him. Jace isn’t some spoiled rich kid with an attitude problem. He’s the guy who makes dinner, helps Bianca and Cole with their homework, goes with Liam to his speech therapy appointments so he’s not alone, and somehow still finds time to hang out with me and listen to my—”
He snorts. “Sounds like he’s Cinderella.”
Revulsion, anger, contempt—it all surges through me like a tsunami. “You’re pathetic, Tommy.” It’s not enough, I want to hit him where it really hurts, because right now, I’m hurting. “A pathetic and jealous loser. It’s why you bully everyone all the time.” I get close to his face. “No matter how much Jace likes Britney—even if he marries her and they have a million babies—I’d still never be with someone as insecure and pitiful as you are.”
With that, I storm out of the gymnasium.
I’m passing the lockers when I hear footsteps behind me.
“Dylan, wait,” Tommy calls out.
Rounding the corner, I continue down the empty, semi-lit hallway. I’ll apologize for blowing up later, I just need some air so I can get a grip.
“I just want to be alone.”
He clamps a hand on my arm. “I’m sorry.”
He speeds up so he’s ahead of me. The genuine remorse on his face is enough to make me speechless.
“You were right,” he whispers. “I am jealous.”
I swallow, unsure how to respond.
“My dad left for good after my little brother was born, and even though my mom works two jobs, things are still really tight.” He rakes a hand over his scalp. “I don’t have it easy like half the kids who go here do. And seeing someone like Jace, who walks around like he owns the world, and acts like everyone should bow at his feet just for breathing the same air as him.” His teeth clench. “It pisses me off.”
Tommy’s got it all wrong. “Jace isn’t lik—”
“Yes, he is. You might not want to believe it, but he’s not a good guy.” He flicks a hand in my direction. “Look what he did to you.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to argue, but I can’t. Jace didn’t just pull the rug out from under my feet, he strangled me with it.
“I’m sorry I upset you back there. I just wanted you to understand.”
“Understand what?”
“I like you, Dylan. A lot,” he confesses as he takes a step closer. “And I’m pretty sure you like me too. Even if you won’t admit it.”
“I—” Words jam in my throat. I should deny it and tell him no…but a small part of me knows he’s right.
It’s not all-consuming or intense like what I feel for Jace, but it’s a flicker of…something.
As much as I wish I could force myself to like Tommy because he’s obviously the better choice for me…I can’t.
It would be like running after experiencing what it’s like to fly.
It will never be enough. Not when my heart knows what the real thing feels like.
Tommy’s an almost.
But Jace is my absolute.
Tommy’s eyebrows pinch in concern. “What’s wrong?”
I can’t answer him. If I do, I’ll break his heart.
I’m not the kind of person who could do a cruel thing like that.
I’m not my best friend.
He takes another step. “If you’re scared I might hurt you, don’t be.” His hands frame my face. “I’m not Jace—”
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
I jump at the sound of Jace’s voice.
Tommy’s eyes flash with anger. “Do you mind? We’re in the middle of something.”
I can practically feel the rage swirling around inside Jace as he approaches us. “Yeah, I do mind.” In one fell swoop, he snatches Tommy’s collar and yanks him back. “You’re wasting your time. Dylan isn’t interested.”
Tommy snorts. “How would you know? You’ve been too obsessed with Britney and her tits—”
Tommy doesn’t get to finish that sentence because Jace shoves him. Hard. “Shut your mouth or I’ll make you eat the floor.”
My stomach rolls. “Stop it, Jace.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ve been wanting to beat his ass for a while now.” Tommy takes off his jacket. “Let’s do this, Covington.”
Jace removes his tie and cracks his neck. “Ready when you are, dirtbag.”
Exasperated, I look up at the ceiling. “You both need to calm down—”
I scream when Tommy’s fist goes sailing into Jace’s cheek and he stumbles back.
“What the hell, Tommy?”
His eyes narrow. “Rule number one when you’re in a fight—pay attention to your opponent. Not his girl.”
Jace bares his teeth. “She’s not your girl.”
“She’s not yours either.” An evil gleam lights Tommy’s face. “You’re too much of a p-p-pussy.”
Seething, Jace charges for him. However, Tommy moves at the last minute, causing Jace to slam face first into the lockers.
“Son of a bitch,” he roars.
Cackling, Tommy bounces on the balls of his feet. “Wow, for someone who runs their mouth the way you do, you sure fight like a sissy.”
My heart constricts when I see the blood oozing from Jace’s now swollen nose.
I need to put an end to this before they wind up killing each other. Since I already know how stubborn Jace is, my best option is Tommy.
“Tommy, you need to relax.”
It’s like he doesn’t even hear me.
“Come on prissy boy.” He points to his jaw. “Take your best shot.”
Drastic times call for drastic measures. Jace is already hurt and there’s no way in hell I’m going to let Tommy make it worse.
Stepping between them, I grab Tommy’s face. “Did you mean what you said before?”
He nods. “Yeah, why?”
“Stop fighting and go back inside.”
“Are you kidding—”
“Please, Tommy.” I hold his gaze. “I know you’re a good guy. You don’t have to fight Jace to prove it. Take the high road for once…for me.”
If Tommy’s really changed, he will.
“I—fine.” His eyes search my face. “You coming with me?”
“Yeah. I’ll meet you after I talk to Jace.”
I can tell he wants to argue, but to my surprise, he relents. “Okay.” He leers at Jace. “Keep your grubby paws off my girl, pansy.”
I place my hand on Jace’s chest when he lunges for him.
“Tommy, go,” I growl like a mother protecting her baby cub.
Hell, right now I kind of feel like one.
My stomach is in knots for the several agonizing moments it takes Tommy to walk down the hallway and turn the corner.
“He’s gone.” I spin around. “Are you okay?”
Jace looks like someone kicked his puppy…and then butchered it right in front of him.
“Tommy DaSilva?” For a second, I think he’s going to be sick. “You like him?” He kicks a locker. “Jesus, it’s like I don’t even know you.”
Pot meet kettle. “I can say the same about you.” Placing my hands on my hips, I stare him down. “You came here with Britney Caldwell, remember?”
He averts his gaze. “I didn’t want—” Shaking his head, he wags a finger in my face. “It doesn’t matter what my reasons were. You have a lot of balls coming here with Liam and then ditching him to make out with Tommy. What the hell is wrong with you?”
I fight the urge to smack some sense into him. “Did hanging out with Britney rot your brain cells? Liam is in there dancing with Heather Gibson.”
He blinks. “That’s Cole’s date.” Before I can explain, he circles his ear with his finger. “I think your little tonsil hockey session with Tommy has you all screwed up. Liam is the twin you came here with.”
I roll my eyes. “I know that, you jackass. Cole ditched Heather in the middle of the dance to hang out with Hayley. She was crying, so Liam went over to check on her and now they’re dancing.”
His nostrils flare. “So you decided to come out here and make out with your new boyfriend.”
He spits the last word out like it’s rancid.
For someone so intelligent, he can be awfully stupid sometimes.
I start ticking things off with my fingers. “Okay, one—Tommy’s not my boyfriend. Two—we weren’t making out. But even if we were, Liam and I are friends, so I really don’t think he’d care. And three—stop acting like I did something wrong when you’re the one who came here with my enemy.” Anger spikes through me and I push him. “You are literally the worst best friend ever.”
“Yeah? Well, you’re not much better.”
He’s downright certifiable. “Screw you. I’m a great friend. I haven’t done a damn thing wro—”
“You ruined everything,” he shouts so loud I swear the lockers rattle. “We were fine, but then you had to act like some kind of lovesick puppy and dare me to kiss you.”
It would hurt less if he punched me.
Because he’s right.
We would still be friends and my heart would still be intact if I hadn’t fallen in love with him.
I ruined everything. Just like he said.
“Right, well, don’t worry. It won’t happen again.” Curling my arms around myself, I head down the hallway. “You should get your nose checked out. It looks pretty bad.”
“Dylan,” he growls.
Closing my eyes, I force myself to breathe. “Go back to Britney.”
I hate the way my voice cracks.
My mom used to tell me it was okay to cry if someone hurt me, but after the pain subsided, I needed to get up off the floor and dust myself off…because I didn’t belong there.
However, I don’t know how to get back up when Jace keeps kicking me down.
Every time I see him, he steals another piece of me.
Pretty soon there won’t be anything left.
“Dylan, stop.” His voice is rough, unsteady. Almost like he’s unraveling too. “Please.”
“Go back to Britney,” I repeat with conviction I don’t feel.
“I can’t.” He sounds out of breath, like he just got done running a marathon. “I can’t.”
That does it. I turn around. “Why?” I laugh, but there’s not a drop of humor. “Let me guess—”
“She’s not you.” The force of his stare has my heart pounding and my knees going weak. “She doesn’t make me feel even half the things I feel for you. I don’t think anyone ever will.” He looks utterly defeated. “God, I’m so screwed.”
My heart stops cold. “Why?”
A combination of turmoil and determination lines his face as he starts walking toward me. “Because what I’m about to do will change everything.”
Nerves pluck at my belly the closer he gets. I can’t tell if this is about to be the greatest moment of my life…or the worst.
I find my answer when he grabs my face and his mouth captures mine.
