Page 9 of Catch
Before I know it, I’m running again—to the other side of the field.
And that’s when the gamereallykicks off.
CHAPTER 3
JETT
Scoring that goal is a good start to exorcising this morning’s nightmare from my brain. A hard workout is always therapy. It’s been that way since I took up rowing.
My euphoria, however, is short-lived when cheating, lying Renner appears on the sidelines and refuses to leave.
“What part of ‘I don’t want to see you again’ and ‘leave’ don’t you understand?” I call out.
“Come on, Jett. You’re gonna throw our relationship away because of one freaking slip?” Renner counters.
Hudson shakes his head.
“Not here, man. You heard what Jett said, get going. This is not the time or place.”
Renner’s scowl turns to fury.
“Fuck off, Hudson. What thisis,is between me and Jett.”
Renner moves suddenly, and I’m not ready for it. He pushes forward and grabs my bicep in a surprisingly tight grip. I shove at his hand and try to pull my arm back, but he won’t let go, and shit, the last thing I need is a shoulder injury to start off the rowing season. Or a fist fight while half the campus is watching us.
I pivot and elbow Renner’s chest with my other arm to get loose, but he won’t let go.
Then I don’t need to do anything.
Suddenly Ethan’s in the mix, stepping between me and Renner, and my arm is free again.
Um, what is happening right now?
“Don’t ever grab him like that,” Ethan growls. “Or anyone, for that matter. He told you to leave, now leave. Or do you want to do this the hard way?”
“This is none of your fucking business, Ethan! Get out of my way!”
I’m in some kind of shock because I stand there like a statue. I can’t move.
Jackson, Hudson, and Archie surround Renner, and the rest of our crew—Iggy, August, Kai, and Wyatt—follow. Not just my crew, but the Cougars too. It won’t be a matter ofifmy asshole ex leaves, but how quickly he can run.
“Jett wants you gone, so get!” Ethan insists. “And if you don’t move your ass off this field in the next five seconds, my friends and I are gonna do it for you.”
I’ve never heard Ethan use that tone before. Renner, however, doesn’t take the hint and stares at me.
“You’re being stubborn, Jett. It was one fucking time.”
“I doubt that,” I snap. “And I’m going to ask around to be sure.”
“You uptight cunt,” Renner sneers and finally backs away. “Whatever, bitch. Your loss, not mine. You might look hot, but you’re a lousy lay and a shitty boyfriend.”
I flinch, my face burning hot. His hateful words are loud enough for everyone standing around me to hear.
Ethan steps towards Renner again and points to the other end of the campus.
“Fuck. Off. Now.”
Renner finally relents and stalks off.
