Page 57 of The Apple Tree

“So, no questions? We’re good?”

My jaw dropped. “Am I good?” Of course, I found my voice when he had to tend to Josh. It was too late to ask why he almost kissed me and touched my hand and neck.

“I mean,” he grinned. “I’m sure you’re good, but I mean are you comfortable watching Josh at the game?”

My brain exploded.Whatdid he say? Was my mind in the gutter thinking that he meant I was good at sex? Or did he mean he knew I was good, as in okay—no questions, mentally stable, capable of walking home?

WHAT DID HE MEAN BY GOOD?!

“I think I hate you,” I said with a steadfast determination to keep a straight face.

“Because you’re Evil Eve,” he said with a wicked grin and a gleam in his eyes.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

DEF LEPPARD, “HYSTERIA”

Kyle

I metMelinda at the beginning of my senior year of high school. She had moved to Colorado from Connecticut. Her inquisitive amber eyes, glowing brown skin, and crooked smile melted my insides like a handful of chocolate in late July. After one date, I knew I loved her. Adam called me a pathetic lovesick puppy when I had to go two days without seeing her because her family spent most weekends camping or skiing once the resorts opened. He, on the other hand, rejoiced when Lizzy had plans because he said seeing her every day was a little too much.

Melinda and I’s relationship persevered long distances between us, college, two breakups, and her mother's death, only to fall apart when it seemed that we found our happily ever after. How did easy become so hard? It’s like we weathered the storm only to choke to death on a piece of chewing gum while staring at a rainbow.

I lost her, but she lost everything.

At that moment,everythinghad my whistle, and heran around the field, blowing it at my players as I scanned the area for my favorite neighbor before the Friday night game.

“Eve!” Josh pointed behind me and dropped the whistle on the ground.

I turned, breathing a sigh of relief. Her long brown hair flowed behind her, part of it tied with gold and red ribbons—the high school’s colors. She wore a Devil’s Head hoodie, stone-washed jeans, and white high-tops.

It took me back to my senior year when the prettiest girl in school eyed me on the football field. And I knew I’d break a new record, get the win, refuel with pizza or burgers, and strip her from the waist down in the back of my car.

Josh hugged Eve, and she ran her fingers through his hair. I was so envious. She smiled at me with her teeth trapping her bottom lip. It was as sexy as it was innocent.

“What are you doing after the game?”

I looked behind me when Drew asked Eve about her post-game plans. He wore a cocky grin as he gawked at her. I turned just as she casually shrugged.

“I have someone else who can start tonight if your head isn’t in the game,” I warned him.

His smirk fell off his face. “Sorry, Coach,” he said, jogging in the opposite direction.

“Are you friends with my quarterback?” I asked Eve.

She watched him over my shoulder. “It’s a small school. I’m friends with everyone.”

“Just friends?” I asked and regretted the question before it made it all the way out of my mouth.

Josh took her hand and tried to pull her away from the field.

Her white teeth peeked out from her glossed lips. “Coach, are you jealous of your quarterback?”

It wasn’t the time or the place to discuss my fucked-up feelings, so I nodded toward the bench. “Have Josh grab his backpack. Do you have the money I gave you for the concession stand?”

“It’s in my back pocket. Do you want to check?” she baited me.

I’d met my match. But I never imagined she’d be eighteen.

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