It was too much. My heartbeat took off at a feverish rate and my chest tightened. I hated being the centre of attention, and being broadcast to thousands of people was more than I could handle. Add Romeo’s kiss into the mix and I was an anxious-ridden mess. I was a firm believer that not everyone should be in the spotlight; I put myself first in that queue.

I turned slowly to face the field where Rome was doing interviews and, surprise, surprise, Shelly jumped in the shot next to him, kissing him on the cheek, acting the proud girlfriend.

I felt my heart plummet as I stared at Shelly and Rome together, and one thing became glaringly obvious—I was way out of my league.

I’d been so friggin’ stupid in coming here, in thinking anything could happen with someone like Rome. He was the most popular guy on campus, lusted after by a stampede of aggressively determined girls, and I was a bookworm, a painfully private introvert.

Romeo Prince should be with someone like Shelly. Someone who fit seamlessly into his high-pressured, glamorous life.

I turned to Ally and Cass, trying to hide my emotions. “I’m off home. I have to get back to study. I’ll catch you guys later.”

I walked out of the stadium before they could put up a protest and tried, over and over, to forget the feel of Romeo’s beautifully soft lips against mine.

To quote Romeo himself. “Easier said than done.”

7

“Molls, get your juicy English ass out! We’re gettin’ trashed and need the fourth musketeer!”

“Seriously, Cass, for the last time, I’m gonna pass, but thanks anyway.” A loud rustling blasted through the speaker and I had to hold my phone away from my ear. Cass was clearly already intoxicated—friggin’ moonshine.

“Molly? Molly!” Ally had taken charge of the phone.

“I’m here, Ally.”

“You sure you won’t come, darlin’? I don’t like that you’re alone in your room and everyone’s here having a good time.”

“Seriously, Ally, I’m fine. I’m just tired.”

There was a long pause, allowing me to hear the Zac Brown Band and loud chattering booming in the background. “Fine, darlin’. I’ll catch you in the morning, but if you change your mind, call me.”

“Okay, hun. Have fun!”

I pressed end and slumped to my bed, rubbing my thumb across the screen, staring at the wallpaper of a pink lotus flower in a tranquil pond.

Once I’d arrived home, I’d showered and changed into my old faded pink nightdress, declining any invitations to hit up one of the parties celebrating the big football win.

Cass, Lexi, and Ally had decided to attend Rome’s fraternity’s party across the street and had tried everything in their arsenal to get me to join them. I needed to distance myself from all things Romeo Prince, so I made my excuses not to go.

I was smart enough to know I was falling for him, big time, and the battalion of butterflies in my stomach, the jitters of my heart, and the countless erotic dreams that were haunting my sleep confirmed that emphatically for me.

The time I’d spent with Romeo on our own over the past week had cranked my feelings up a notch and I just didn’t know how to deal with what we were to each other. So my plan—though admittedly not exactly CIA worthy—was to just avoid being in such close proximity to the Tide’s superstar QB.

That plan began effective immediately.

Shifting around my bed, I let loose my long hair, feeling the ends skirt across my lower spine, set to massaging my scalp from the strain of holding the mass of curls all day, and settled myself under the soft lilac covers with a good book. I picked up my dog-eared copy of Jane Eyre and happily settled into the world of old England, Mr. Rochester, and lost myself in its pages.

About an hour later, I was completely engrossed and slouched in relaxation when I heard a tapping noise. I darted my eyes around my empty room, the only light coming from the soft red glow of the lamp beside my bed. I began to feel nervous; I was the only sister in the entire house.

When I heard it again, I jumped up, standing in the middle of the room—it was coming from the doors of my balcony.

I cautiously crept forward and twisted the lock, checking that no strange men were waiting on the other side. When I slid the door open, there were pebbles scattered around the red-tiled floor. I stepped forward, letting the gentle evening breeze wrap around me, and bent to pick up a stone. Just as I was standing up, more landed on my shoulder.

I took a deep breath and walked to the rails and risked a peek over. At first all I saw was darkness. Then from it stepped a figure.

“Shakespeare?”

There was no mistaking that sexy southern drawl.

Romeo moved from the shadows into the glimmer of the light coming from the porch. His large frame silhouetted in the dusky glow and he looked absolutely gorgeous. He was back to normal—low faded blue jeans and a sleeveless Tide T-shirt in red—and I tried to stop the excitement racking through my body.

“Hey, Mol,” he whispered with a coy smile.

“Hey, you,” I answered quietly. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you.”

“You did? Why?” I was genuinely shocked. I assumed he would be out celebrating the win.

Rome hunched his broad shoulders and tucked his hands in his pockets, casting a shy glance in my direction. “Because I noticed you weren’t out.” He stepped farther forward, making it easier for me to see him. “And I wanted to check you were okay after today. I’ve been thinkin’ about you all night.”

“Shouldn’t you be with Shelly?”

“Why the f**k would I be with her?”

I shrugged. “She was with you after the game, the two of you looked cosy. I thought you might have wanted to celebrate with her tonight.”

His whole body stiffened. “Let’s get this straight right now. She’s not f**kin’ anythin’ to me. Never will be.” His head cocked to the side as he stared up at me. “Is that why you bailed on the party? ‘Cause you thought I’d be with that connivin’ bitch?”

I grimaced at this whole conversation. “Rome, I just didn’t fancy the party tonight, that’s all. You go and enjoy yourself. You don’t need to check on me.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

My heart beat rapidly as I stared at him directly below my room—below my room, assuring me nothing was happening with Shelly. I relaxed and realised just how much I’d been strung out over the thought of him with someone else.