Chapter 6

Cole

I always get the girl.

That’s the truth no one says out loud because it sounds arrogant, but it’s still the truth.

Girls like me.

They’ve always liked me.

The attention, the captain title, the reputation… it’s like I walk into a room and the ending is already written.

That’s part of why they call me the Rogue.

Part of why they think I’m untouchable.

Because I don’t lose.

Not on the field.

Not off it.

And definitely not when it comes to women.

So why the hell am I standing in my own hallway feeling like I’m the one about to be left behind?

Maya is right in front of me.

Her arms are crossed, but her eyes aren’t sharp the way they usually are.

They’re uncertain.

Her lips are glossy.

Still.

Like she hasn’t stopped thinking about how close we were.

I step closer, lowering my voice.

“If you leave now…”

I pause.

“…I don’t get to finish what I started.”

Silence.

Her breath catches.

Bree makes a noise beside her like she’s watching a live sport.

Maya’s voice comes out quieter.

“What you started was stealing my pizza.”

I grin, because I can’t help it.

“That was step one.”

Her eyes narrow.

“And step two?”

My gaze drops to her mouth.

Then back up.

“This.”

Her pulse visibly jumps.

Bree whispers loudly, “KISS HER.”

Maya snaps, “Bree!”

I ignore Bree.

I ignore everything.

All I can see is Maya.

All I can think is that if I kiss her, maybe she’ll stop looking at me like she’s halfway out the door.

My hand lifts again, careful this time, resting lightly at her waist.

She doesn’t pull away.

I lean in.

Slow.

Giving her the choice.

Her lashes flutter.

Her lips part slightly—

And then—

“EVERYONE OUT!”

The shout explodes from downstairs.

The moment shatters like glass.

Maya jerks back.

I freeze, jaw tightening instantly.

Another voice joins in.

“Party’s over! Coach shut us down! OUT!”

Groans echo through the house.

Footsteps pound.

Doors slam.

Someone yells something about dying of boredom.

But all I can hear is the sound of Maya stepping away from me.

Her eyes flick toward the stairs.

That practical part of her kicks in immediately.

Of course it does.

She’s responsible.

She’s disciplined.

She’s the kind of girl who takes an interruption as a sign.

She gives me one last look.

“This is my cue,” she says softly.

My stomach twists.

“Maya—”

But she’s already moving.

Bree grabs her arm, still grinning like the devil.

“Come on, lady in red. We made our point.”

Maya doesn’t argue.

She walks toward the door like she isn’t leaving me standing here with unfinished tension buzzing under my skin.

Like she doesn’t realize what she’s doing to me.

I watch her go, something hot and unfamiliar curling in my chest.

Frustration.

No.

Worse.

Want.

I mutter under my breath, mostly to myself.

“Unbelievable.”

Bree pauses at the doorway and looks back at me.

Her smile is way too pleased.

“Aww,” she says. “Rogue Ryder didn’t get the girl.”

I glare.

“Get out.”

She laughs.

“Oh, don’t worry.”

She hooks her arm through Maya’s and pulls her outside.

“This is way more fun when you actually have to work for it.”

The door closes behind them.

And suddenly the hallway feels empty.

Too empty.

I stand there for a long moment, staring at the spot where Maya was.

I always get the girl.

That’s my reputation.

That’s the story everyone believes about me.

But Maya?

Maya just walked away.

And for the first time…

I don’t know if I’m angry because I lost.

Or because I want her enough that losing actually matters.

I exhale sharply, jaw clenched.

“Yeah,” I murmur to myself.

“This isn’t over.”

Not even close.