Page 19 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

“Sure.”

We headed out of the arcade and onto the promenade. A couple of girls from school spotted us and waved.

“She’s cute,” I said, and Cole shook his head. “What? It wouldn’t kill you to have some fun.”

“I have fun,” he said.

“When was the last time you got any?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

Shit.

I’d walked right into that one.

“I fooled around with Zara the other night.” The second the words were out of my mouth, I regretted them.

“Something I’d rather not talk or hear about.”

“You really dislike her that much?” I asked.

“Zara is toxic, and I don’t want to tell you what to do with your life, or your dick, but just… be careful. I know you want to smooth things over between the football team and cheer squad but it’s not worth the headache if you ask me.”

“Relax.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “I know what I’m doing.”

He gave me a look that said he disagreed but swallowed the words.

“Oh, hey, Bennet.”

No.

Fuck no.

I turned slowly, guiding Cole around with me to come face to face with Eli Hannigan. “Hannigan, what’s up?”

“Just blowing off some steam.” He smiled. “This is Leo.”

“You don’t go to Rixon High,” I said.

“Nope, I’m an Eagle.” A knowing glint lit up his eyes as he referred to our rivals, the Rixon East High Eagles.

“Then you’ll be ready for us to kick your ass on the field this season.”

“Actually, I’m on the swim team. But I’m sure I could wipe the floor with you in the pool.”

Cole smothered a laugh and I shot him a hard look.

“I’m just messing,” the guy said. “Me and Eli go way back.”

“I’m Aaron and this is Cole.”

“I know who you both are. I might not play football but it doesn’t mean I don’t follow the game.”

“How’s the new building?”

Rixon East High had burned down the summer before last. All the kids were shipped to surrounding high schools in the area. It had caused a few problems for Coach Ford last season, especially when their star player Kaiden Thatcher turned up to play for the Raiders and fell ass over elbow for Coach’s eldest daughter Lily.

“It’s good to be back.”

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