chapter five

It was finally the weekend.

Which meant one thing at my college—basketball game day.

The entire campus was alive. Students filled the stands, music blasted through the speakers, and everyone was wearing school colors.

And unfortunately for my sanity...

Luca and Noah were playing.

Normally, I would've gone with my parents, but they were returning home today, and Noah had to pick them up from the airport.

I should've gone with him.

I really should have.

But as part of the cheerleading team, I had responsibilities.

Which meant I was stuck with Luca.

Alone.

In his car.

The silence was unbearable.

It had only been two minutes since we left the house, but it felt like an entire hour.

I stared out the window, pretending the view outside was the most interesting thing in the world.

Anything was better than acknowledging the man sitting beside me.

Finally, Luca broke the silence.

"Isn't that dress a little short?"

I slowly turned my head.

Did he really just say that?

I looked at him, completely unimpressed.

"Excuse me?"

He kept his eyes on the road.

"I was just asking."

"No, you were judging."

"I'm not judging."

"Then what's your business?"

There was a small pause.

Then he said the one thing that instantly ruined my mood.

"I'm just looking out for my little sister."

My jaw tightened.

There it was again.

Little sister.

I hated how casually he said it.

I hated how easily that word came out of his mouth.

Because I wasn't his little sister.

I never was.

But apparently, Luca Bennett didn't know that.

---

The game was incredible.

The crowd was wild, the energy was perfect, and once the players walked onto the court, the entire stadium erupted.

The cheerleaders moved into position, and I forced myself to focus.

Then Luca stepped onto the court.

And just like that...

I forgot I was supposed to be angry.

Because Luca wasn't just good.

He was amazing.

He moved with confidence, completely in control of the game.

Every time he scored, the crowd went crazy.

And when he pulled off his jersey during a break to wipe his face...

I swear my brain stopped working.

The anger I had been holding onto disappeared instantly.

Because that was the problem with Luca.

No matter how annoyed I was with him...

One look was enough to make me forget why I was mad.

---

By the time the game ended, it was already getting late.

I decided to stop by the cafeteria to grab something before heading home.

I wasn't expecting to see him.

Or rather...

Them.

Luca was standing there with another guy.

And honestly?

Did my brother and Luca enjoy torturing me?

Because the guy standing beside him looked like he walked straight out of a college magazine.

Tall.

Lean.

Confident.

The kind of guy who made people turn their heads without even trying.

Luca noticed me first.

"Evie."

I froze.

If it had only been him, I probably would've turned around and escaped.

But unfortunately, there was no way out.

"Come here."

Reluctantly, I walked over.

Luca looked between us.

"This is my sister, Evelyn."

I expected the usual irritation.

The usual feeling of being reduced to just Noah's little sister.

But surprisingly...

This time, it didn't bother me as much.

Maybe because I was too distracted by the stranger standing in front of me.

"I'm Ethan," he said with a smile.

He extended his hand.

I took it.

And for some reason, I didn't let go immediately.

His hand was warm, his grip gentle, and there was something effortlessly charming about him.

"Nice to meet you, Evelyn."

Before I could reply, Ethan smiled.

"There's a party tonight. You should come."

I opened my mouth to answer.

But Luca beat me to it.

"She can't."

I looked at him.

Excuse me?

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"I wasn't asking you."

I almost smiled.

Almost.

I turned back to Ethan.

"I'll be there."

His smile widened.

"Great. See you tonight."

Then he walked away.

I watched him leave.

Until Luca's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"You should stay away from him."

I turned around.

"And why exactly?"

"Because he's not a good choice."

I crossed my arms.

"And why do you care?"

He opened his mouth.

Then closed it.

Because we both knew what he was going to say.

"I'm just looking out for you."

I rolled my eyes.

"Because I'm your little sister?"

His silence answered for him.

I groaned.

"You're seriously impossible, Luca."

And the worst part?

I couldn't even tell if I was angry because he was being annoying...

Or because a small part of me wished he cared for a different reason.