Juliette:
The sun was low, casting golden light across the quad as I made my way toward the football field. Practice had just ended, and from across the fence, I spotted Maddox jogging off the field, helmet tucked under one arm, his black practice jersey clinging to his broad chest with sweat.
He looked exhausted—but still like trouble.
The best kind of trouble.
The kind I couldn’t get enough of.
But I wasn’t here just to stare at him.
I was here because I needed answers.
I waited near the bleachers, hands stuffed in my hoodie pocket, rehearsing the words in my head for the tenth time.
Don’t sound needy.
Don’t sound insecure.
Just ask, Juliette. It will be fine.
Maddox spotted me almost immediately and grinned, jogging over without hesitation.
“Well, this is a nice su
