16

“She acted like I was no one, Jason. Do you have any idea how horrible that makes me feel? Knowing that she thinks she can have you? As if I’m nothing.”

“Babe.” I stepped forward, needing to touch her. Needing to stop any more ridiculous words coming out of her mouth. “You know what she’s like.” A lot of the cheerleaders were the same, all desperate to bag a player. And unfortunately for me, I was at the top of the food chain. But I’d never even looked, let alone touched.

Not when I had all I could want right here.

“I thought I was strong enough...” she murmured, dropping her gaze again. “I thought we would come here, and I’d be at your side...”

“You are at my side.” I grabbed her shoulders. “You’re the only one I need at my side. I know I’ve been prioritizing the team, but it’s just for a few more weeks and then the season is over, and things will calm down.” My eyes bored into hers, pleading with her to believe me. “Shit, babe, where is all this coming from?”

“I’m barely keeping my