Page 83 of Unrivaled Love
“It doesn’t,” Jo says and she finally wrangles my hand free. She squeezes it and the skin-to-skin contact is soothing. I’m starting to understand the power of a simple touch from your person. “Your feelings are totally valid and we’re only teasing because we love you.”
“A strong like, but yeah.” Aiden says and I roll my eyes.
“Do you know why I had to leave as soon as you got up to speak at that rally? I told your mom I had to get to practice but,” she pauses and tries to pull her hand away but I tighten my grip.
"I'm a big boy, I can take it."
"No, you’re a big boy andIcan take it." She jokes and I resist the urge to ask Harper to pull over and let us out here so I can get her alone in the woods again. "But, seriously, I saw you up there, celebrating your championship and I was jealous. Actually sick with envy. I hated that you got the championship before I did. I hated that you won the rivalry."
“What rivalry?” I ask.
“The one I kept in my head all these years.”
“I never wanted to be your rival Jo. I was always in your corner. Always supporting you. Even when you wouldn’t let me.”
“I know.” She says but she can’t look at me. I want her green eyes on mine so she can see how sincere I am. I lean forward to get into her line of sight but get caught by the seat belt. “Fuck.” I grumble but it works.
Jo turns and her eyes search mine. I do everything I can to convey howwithher I am.
Up in the front seat Aiden and Harper have linked their fingers together and are quietly giving us the space we need to have this conversation.
Thank goodness he’s such a perceptive mother fucker.
“We’ll figure it out.” I tell her.
“We will.” Jo smiles and then clears her throat. “Right after I get some new clothes.”
“What’s wrong with spending the rest of the week in my clothes?”
“Bryson, let the girl go shopping.” Harper says.
“Oh, I plan to.” I say with a wide smile on my face.
Chapter 27
Jo
"Ultimatums never work."
"Ican'tgetoverhow nothing has changed." I say to Bryson as we walk through Old Towne Mall. Harper and Aiden dropped us off a few minutes ago. "I spent every free moment here in 8th grade."
"Which was like zero time.” He says with a laugh. “By 8th grade you were on a travel team and your school team."
"Oh, I’m aware. I haven’t had free time since." Bryson smiles as he grabs my hand and walks me towards Aberdeen & Rich.
"Really?" I ask as we head inside. I brace myself to be knocked senseless by overpowering cologne and squinting to see in the low lighting.
But the lights in the store are actually on and it smells, fine.
"Yep, I'm gonna help you find something cute to wear today and tomorrow and then we'll go down to Athlala and you can get whatever you want, on me."
"You don't have to buy my clothes."
"I'm not."
"I'm not shoplifting them to get a rush. I'll buy my own clothes."
"I'm an Athlala rep so I get a monthly stipend I rarely use. You can spend a grand no problem. And as much as I want you to keep wearing my clothes I'm looking forward to picking out a sexy little dress for you."
