16. Ryan

16

Ryan

T he rustling of blankets and sweet vanilla smell of Violet’s hair wake me up, but I don’t want to move just yet. The night before was full of wine, dancing, and questionable decisions. We needed this power nap. Practice wore me out. I didn’t expect to open up to Violet about my mom, but those big blue eyes could get me to do a lot of things. This is the most peaceful sleep I have had in months, with Violet nestled in my arms.

Sleep doesn’t come easy to me. I have too much on my mind to put it to rest. Waking up from a nap with a beautiful girl against me isn’t new territory. The difference is I don’t want this moment to end. Even one more minute next to her is a win. No one stays in my life long enough for me to become attached, and I don’t allow myself to let anyone inside my head or heart. I’ve been through enough heartbreak and letdown to ever open myself up for failure again. I’ve been done with hope for years, but Violet is a glimmer of hope I’ve never had.

The pull she has on me is different than anything I’ve ever experienced. She makes me believe there is still a reason to look forward to the future. Something about her draws me in, even when I try my best to stay away. When she walks into a room, people notice. She’ll deny it. Maybe because she doesn’t even notice the effect she has on people. That girl has a warm presence about her that makes me want to know every single thing in that pretty head of hers.

She shared a lot with me tonight, and it made my heart grow bigger for her. She’s stronger than she looks and stronger than I’ll ever be. She tries to blend in, but she does the opposite. She doesn’t lead conversations. She surrounds herself with resilient personalities to lean on.

As I’m daydreaming about Violet, I’m jolted by a slamming door followed by a screaming buffoon. I’d recognize that voice anywhere.

Woo hoo, Hartley is home.

“ Someone better tell me what’s going on right now before I lose my mind .”

“You already have Hartley. I’m exhausted, and you’re acting like a maniac,” Violet murmurs against my chest. She’s still half asleep, but Hartley isn’t having it.

“I will not lower my voice when my best friend is about to get naked on our couch with my teammate.” Hartley throws his hands up and down, pointing directly at us where we are both fully clothed.

“We were not about to get naked,” Violet and I answer him calmly followed by a chuckle. She lifts her soft hair off my chest, and I place my hand over hers. The loss of contact hits me hard. I must have a death wish.

“ Liars. He’s grabbing your hand, and you were all cuddled up against him. I will take you to the ground, Shane.” He lunges at me, but I don’t move. I’m much bigger than Hartley, and we’ve been through this stunt before.

“Enough.” She leaves my side on the couch to scream at her best friend. “Cool it. We’re hanging out, and it’s none of your business. I didn’t question you about where you were all night. Let’s not forget that I’m an adult napping with a boy on the couch. No rules have been broken.” I chuckle at how parental Hartley is when Violet is concerned.

The fact that this overthinking, planning, anxiety-ridden girl can have a few moments of peace around me means I’m doing something right.

“Is this a thing? If this is a thing, let me know right now. No sneaking around. Be upfront with me,” Hartley says with an eerie seriousness to his voice.

I’m hanging on to Violet’s answer like it is the most important thing in the world. I want her to tell him that she’s mine. The fact that I’m falling for her so fast is alarming. I don’t allow myself to think too much about that because it’s not who I am. I know she isn’t technically mine. Yet. I need more from her to assure me that this is what she wants.

“It might be. That’s for us to decide. Also, you might want to go on a wine run tonight because I accidentally drank all of yours,” she says as she dashes off into her room, squealing with laughter.

“You did what?” Hartley’s voice trails as he chases after her to the bedroom.

Might . I can work with that. I can change might into something more. She’ll be mine before the school year is over. Guarantee it.