Page 37 of Racking Up Penalties
“Look,” he finally says, his gaze shifting to me before settling back on Liam. “Tessa’s her own person. She doesn’t need my permission to date anyone. She can see how it goes with you and Ethan but I’m committed to her.”
His response hangs in the air, a declaration of trust and respect. I feel a rush of affection for Tristan’s open-mindedness.
“Thanks, man,” Liam says, genuine relief coloring his words. “That means a lot. I am in.”
“Of course,” Tristan nods, clapping Liam on the shoulder in a brotherly fashion. The gesture is laden with unspoken camaraderie, and for a moment, the courtyard around us fades away, leaving just the three of us in our own little bubble of understanding.
But the peace shatters as Ethan strides up to us, his dark hair tousled from the autumn breeze, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “What’s this, group therapy?” he quips, eyes glinting with mischief. “Or are we discussing Tessa’s share schedule?”
The tension slices through the air like a cold front, and I tense, watching as Liam stiffens, the playful light in his eyes dimming into something harder, more defensive. It’s clear there’s history here.
“I’m not property to be shared,” I retort, frustration nipping at my words. Ethan’s comment feels like a step backward after the progress we’ve made, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment.
“Relax, Tessa,” Ethan says, looking at me with those intense brown eyes that have always been capable of seeing too much. “Just making an observation.” He leans back casually, but his stance is all coiled energy.
“Let’s keep it respectful,” Tristan interjects, the voice of reason once again. His calm demeanor stands in stark contrast to the electric current of unease sparking between Liam and Ethan.
I swallow hard, caught in the middle of their silent war. I wish I knew how to smooth over the rough edges of this situation, to ease the friction and find a way for us all to coexist without the constant undercurrent of rivalry.
I nod, hoping my agreement will somehow bridge the gap between them, even as my mind races with the complexities of our intertwined lives.
They just keep glaring at each other.
I take a step back, my heart thrumming a frantic rhythm against my ribs. The charged air around us is thick enough to slice through, and I can’t stand being in the middle of it any longer. “I have to go to class,” I murmur, almost drowned out by the clamor of students milling about the campus courtyard.
“Wait, Tessa—” Liam starts, but I’m already pivoting on my heel, needing space to breathe.
“Class,” I manage to say with a half-hearted wave over my shoulder, not trusting myself to look back at their faces. The tension between Ethan and Liam feels like a weight on my chest, and I worry it could crush the fragile thing blossoming between Liam and me.
I weave through the crowd, my platform sneakers slapping against the concrete path that leads to the Fashion building. The crisp air does little to cool the heat flushing my cheeks.
“Hey, Tess,” Ethan’s voice slices through my troubled thoughts as he falls into step beside me. His athletic gait effortlessly matches my hurried pace.
“Hi, Ethan.” My words are tentative.
“Mind if I walk you to class?” There’s a gentleness in his tone that belies the sharpness I saw moments ago.
“Sure.” I glance up at him, trying to read his expression, but he’s a closed book with dark eyes that don’t give away much. We fall into a comfortable silence that isn’t quite comfortable, not with everything left unsaid swirling around us.
“Look, about before…” Ethan starts, and I brace myself for more sarcasm or a defensive jab.
“Yeah?” I prompt when he doesn’t continue.
“Nothing. Just forget it.” He runs a hand through his hair, a sure sign of frustration. But there’s something else there too, a flicker of vulnerability maybe?
“Can’t be that easy, can it?” I ask, my voice softer now.
“Sometimes I wish it was,” he admits, and there’s an honesty in his words that tugs at me. Ethan, the one who always seems so sure of himself, is just as caught up in this mess as I am.
We reach the entrance to the building, and I stop. “Thanks for walking me,” I tell him, meaning it. For a moment, we just stand here, two people unsure of their next move.
“Anytime, Tessa.” Ethan gives me a lopsided smile, and I return it.
“See you later?” I venture, hoping the rest of the day can be salvaged.
“Count on it.” He winks, and then he’s gone.
I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I’m trying to make three guys get along. How can I turn the tides between him, Liam, and Tristan?
