Page 143 of Only Ever You

“Of course we did,” Dad says. “We love you. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for you.”

My heart swells. “I love you too.”

“Well, I won’t keep you from your friends. I just wanted to say again how proud I am of you. You’re doing such a good job with the Hawks. I love watching you play. You’ve grown so much this season.”

The words lodge in my throat. I want to tell him about the pressure. About the noise from social media. About how hard it is to constantly be compared to him. But I don’t know how to say any of that without making him feel like he’s the problem.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“All right. Go have fun, kid.”

I slip my phone back into my pocket and take a deep breath. I don’t remember the last time I felt this steady. Classes don’t feel like a waste of my time anymore. Training and practice still kick my ass, but they don’t drain me the way they used to. I wake up with energy. With purpose. Like the battle that’s been raging in my head has finally come to an end.

Even the comments and DMs I get on social media don’t get under my skin the way they usually do.

Part of it is having my best friend back.

The bigger part is knowing the girl I’ve wanted since forever is finally here—with me.

“Happy birthday, Thompson.” Blake gives me a quick hug. “Hope it’s a great one.”

“Here’s hoping.” I smile at her, though my attention quickly shifts to the door that leads into the dorms.

Stepping back, Blake chuckles. “Isla will be here in a minute. She was ready to leave when I headed out, but she said she forgot something and rushed to her room.” She shrugs. “She sent me here to tell you she’s coming.”

“Good.”

The door opens, and Asher swaggers outside. Grinning like usual, his eyes on me, he stops beside Blake. “Here you are, birthday boy. I thought I was running late.”

“You’re right on time.”

“Where is our Ice Princess?” he asks.

How is it that ‘“Ice Princess” sounds so much nicer than “Ice Queen”? I can’t help but smile at the term of endearment. She’s a princess indeed.

“She should be here any minute,” Blake tells him.

Just then, the door opens, and Isla appears. My breath hitches, warmth spreading through my veins. She’s so fucking gorgeous. Being this close to her makes it hard to think clearly. Her hair is down, cascading over her shoulders in soft waves. She’s wearing a short black dress that fits like it was made for her, highlighting every perfect curve, with a black leather jacket and nude stilettos.

My girl is stunning.

“Sorry I’m late,” she breathes, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “I forgot to send the film from today’s practice to Elena.” She presses her palm to her chest and inhales deeply. “Should we go?”

I unlock my car and guide Isla to the passenger side, but Asher darts around us and climbs into the front seat.

Pulling up short, my hand still on the small of Isla’s back, I scoff. “Ash, you sure you took the right seat?”

“Positive.” He keeps his focus fixed on the world outside the windshield rather than looking at us. “It’s my seat.”

Head thrown back, Isla laughs. “Promise me you’ll never change, Ash.” She peers up at me, her lips twitching. “It’s fine. I’ll sit in the back with Blake.”

A thread of disappointment winds through me at the idea of not being able to touch her while I’m driving. “You sure?”

“Positive.” She pops up onto her tiptoes and kisses my lips. “Don’t worry about it.”

She steps back, heading around the car to sit behind the driver’s seat, but I call out, stopping her. “No, you’re sitting behind Asher.”

Face scrunched up in confusion, she returns, “But why?”