Page 118 of Chasing After You
“Thank you,” Mirabelle says, and without responding, Stacey walks back the way we came. “Do you think our parents knew about Hunter?” she asks, glancing up at me.
“If they didn’t, they do now.” I knew Duke wasn’t going to happen, but I never thought Hunter would commit to their rival school.
Mira pulls her phone out of her pocket, frowning as she looks at the screen. “My parents said we’re all meeting at your house. I guess Kaitlyn and Hunter left during the game to go there, but they’re not answering their phones now.”
At least, for once, we’re not involved. I’ll take the wins where I can get them, but the biggest win of all is knowing I have Mirabelle by my side. I’m crazy about her. I would have saved us both a lot of grief if I had been able to accept my feelings for her sooner.
I refuse to let go of her for longer than a few seconds on the drive back to my house as Tom follows behind us in Mirabelle’s car. I need Mirabelle like a mermaid needs water to survive.
“I don’t know if I’ve told you, but you’re doing better with the press,” Mirabelle says as I pull into my neighborhood.
“Because of you,” I admit, stealing a glance at her.Goddamn, she’s so pretty.I knew she’d look incredible wearing my jersey, but it’s given me an idea for something I might like even better.
“No, Henry. It’s because of you. You’re finally letting everyone see who you are instead of refusing to speak with them at all. I’m proud of you,” she says, squeezing my hand as a lump forms in my throat.
What I’ve learned since becoming a professional athlete is that most people only like theideaof me, but she likesme. I don’t know what I did to deserve Mirabelle Walker’s affection, but I’ll do anything to keep it.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice nearly caught in my throat.
I pull into the driveway, but as Tom switches vehicles to leave for the day, everyone else arrives.
“Maybe we should go in first, in case my parents are going to yell at Hunter,” Mirabelle whispers. I wish I could try telling her she’s wrong, but considering her parents’ tempers, it’s probably a good call.
“Do you really think they’ll yell?” I ask, opening the front door.
“Who knows? It’s Oceanside,” she says, shrugging and I follow her through the doorway into the living room.
My jaw drops at the sight of Hunter and Kaitlyn making out on my couch, and it makes sense why they weren’t answering their phones. Hunter’s shirt is on the floor, and I’m ready to stare at the sun long enough for it to permanently burn my retinas.
“Oh my fucking god,” Mirabelle swears, causing them to immediately separate.
“What? Are they not here?” Thalia asks from behind us while Hunter pulls his shirt back on, but there’s no fixing their disheveled appearances.
“They’re here, but I think what you should ask is what were they doing,” Mirabelle muses, and I drag my hands over my face. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around Kaitlyn and Bailey, but now she’s with Hunter? What the hell is going on?
“What were they doing?” Sebastian asks, and this is giving me serious PTSD from when they walked in on me and Mirabelle.
Hunter’s cheeks are flaming red, and he scratches the back of his neck as he looks at Kaitlyn. “We’re together.”
Dad snorts, shaking his head. “Yeah, and I’ve been to the moon. What were you really doing? We’ve been trying to get ahold of you.”
Kaitlyn looks at me, desperation shining on her face, and I know her well enough to understand that she wants to know if I’m going to say anything about Bailey.
Sebastian tilts his head before turning to my dad. “Chris, I don’t think they’re joking.”
“We’re not,” Kaitlyn confirms.
“I’m living my dream. First, Mirabelle and Henry get together, and now Hunter and Kaitlyn? Lia, I totally called both of these relationships.” My stepmom shrieks, and I’m lost.How long has she hoped this would happen?
Hunter grabs his phone off the coffee table, his eyes widening. “Why the fuck did you call me over a dozen . . .oh. That’s why,” he mumbles, continuing to scroll.
Mirabelle rests her hands on her hips. “Sorry, we’ll circle back to this relationship, but why didn’t you tell anyone about Oceanside?” she asks.
“I’m sorry. I swear, I was going to tell everyone after the game.”
“You’re still not answering the question,” Thalia adds.
Hunter shrugs, putting his hands in his pockets. “Because I went with my gut. I knew if I asked everyone for their opinions, I wouldn’t be able to decide. I like the coaches, and one of my old teammates who I trust plays there. I have a good feeling about this, but I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.”
