It hurt so freaking much, how easily he could reject the chemistry between us, the constant pull. Didn’t he feel it? The sharp tug in his stomach every time he saw me. Because I did. I felt it and every time, I wanted to grab a hold of it and never let go.“You don’t like me like that?”“Even if I did, it can never happen. There’s too much at stake. We’re practically family. Your dad is my coach. You have plans for college. It would only make things awkward when we—” He stopped himself but I filled in the blanks.“Wow.” I swallowed over the ball of emotion caught in my throat. “Breaking us up before we ever get started. How very cowardly of you.”“Poppy.” He reached for me again. “That’s not—”“Don’t. Don’t touch me.” Silent tears rolled down my cheeks. “I was ready to go out there and tell Eli that I couldn’t see him anymore because it’s you. It’s always been you, Aaron. But it’s never been me, has it?” A bitter, strangled laugh escaped my mouth. “And I knew, deep down I knew it. But

“Okay, let’s see…” She grabbed an empty bottle of water and leaned over to position it in the middle of the table. “Since it’s Aaron’s party, I think he should go first.”“Bring it.” He chuckled, the sound rumbling through me and making my heart flutter.I didn’t miss the way she made sure she was virtually opposite him or how she kept eye contact with him the entire time the bottle spun.Anyone but her, anyone but— “Oh my God, how embarrassing.”I didn’t realize everyone was looking at me until Sofia said, “Poppy.”“Sorry, what?”“It’s you.” Her eyes grew wide.Oh.Oh.“It’s fine, we can respin,” Staci said.“What, why?” The words were out before I could stop them.“Because you’re practically family, it’s weird.”“We’re not…”“She’s right, Poppy,” Aaron said. “I can take another turn.”“It’s okay,” I blurted, certain my cheeks were on fire. But this was perfect.If we kissed, maybe Aaron would feel it too.Maybe he’d finally realize how I felt.“Poppy, it’s fine. You don’t have—”“It

“That’s great news, Sofe.” Poppy beamed. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” She leaned in hugging my sister.“No school for you for at least a couple of days.”“Mom, is that really neces—”“Yes, yes it is. Aaron can bring you any notes home. Since he will be in school.”“Gee, thanks, Mom.” I teased. “It isn’t like I’m injured or anything.” I lifted my taped arm.“You’ll live.”“Oh, it’s like that, huh?” My laughter echoed through the room.“I’m going to go,” Poppy said, moving toward the door.“Bye, sweetheart.”“I’ll walk you out,” I said, hoping we could clear the air. I didn’t want to leave things awkward between us, and she’d been so angry earlier.“N-no, it’s fine,” she rushed out, barely meeting my eyes. “You should stay with Sofia.”I felt my sister’s suspicious gaze on the side of my face. Just what I didn’t need, another person grilling me on what had happened.“Yeah, okay.” I scrubbed a hand down my face. “See you at school Monday.” She murmured something, slipping out of the room.“

Ignoring them, I worked on some more tumbling routines, pushing my body harder and faster every time. Until my muscles ached and my lungs burned and I could hardly breath.When I was done, I glanced over to where Madison and Zara had been working out and noticed they had already left. At least I didn’t have to deal with her snarky comments as I made my way back to the locker room.Grabbing my bag out of the locker, I checked my cell phone, smiling at the text from Eli.Eli: How’s your Sunday? I’m hanging out with Leo. He says hi.Me: Did he really?Eli: No. But I’m sure he’s thinking it. What are you up to?Me: Just about to get a shower at the gym.Eli: The gym, huh, Tell me more…Laughter bubbled in my chest. He always made it so easy. Why couldn’t I like him the way I liked Aaron? It would make life so much easier.Another message came through, but this time, it wasn’t Eli.Aaron: I’m sorry.“Hey you.” I slipped into Sofia’s room and smiled. “You’re looking brighter.”“I feel fine.

“You saw me.” Her expression was hard and unforgiving. “You should go.” “Poppy, come on,” I whispered, taking a step toward her.“Aaron, don’t…” She held up her hand, stepping away. But the stacks were narrow, barely two people wide and I couldn’t fight the tether pulling me toward her.“You didn’t reply to my text,” I said.Her brows crinkled as she inhaled a shaky breath. “What did you want me to say?” Another step closer.“I was hoping you would say you forgive me. That you know I’m right. That this, us… it wouldn’t work.”The air turned thick around us, crackling with tension. Hatred burned in her eyes. But Poppy didn’t hate me. Not really. She hated that I was right. That if we wanted to save our friendship, we had to stop whatever was happening.Whatever this was.So why the fuck was I moving closer instead of backing away?Back the fuck up, Bennet.But all I could see was her staring up at me the other night, eyes brimming with love and lust. All I could hear were those four li