Perfect for You(17)

My legs are long and would probably look good in the short skirts and shorts Liz wears, but I’m not a slut so I’ll never find out for sure. Damn, I’m thinking about her again.

I wrap my leg around Ash’s and squeeze. “They’re strong, too.”

“You’re seriously killing me…again.” He kisses my neck, sending chills throughout my body. “Two can play at that game.”

I laugh and playfully push him away. Yes, this is perfect. The way it should be. Even in a room full of people, it’s like Ash and I are the only ones here. He makes me forget about the rest of the world. I wish it could always be this way. Here, at school, on the courts…when Noah is around.

Noah. Why does he get to me so much? Why can’t I remember moments like this when he’s around? How is he able to break the spell that Ash and I cast when we’re together? It’s like he has this power over me.

And I’m not sure how I feel about it yet.





Chapter Eight


The first few days of school are filled with talk about college applications and other things I don’t want to think about right now. It’s like all the teachers have the same thing on their minds—getting us out of this place. If we weren’t so anxious to do just that, we might be offended. At least I would be. But really the only thing on my mind is the match against Brighton on Thursday. Ash has practice so he’ll miss most of the match, but he promised he’d run straight over to the courts the second practice ends.

Thursday comes too quickly. I’m not sure I’m ready, and I spend study hall tapping my pencil on the table in the library until Noah comes over and sits next to me.

“Nervous?”

I haven’t seen him since before Jackson’s party. We don’t have any of the same classes. I did catch a glimpse of him at lunch yesterday, but he was with his friends and I was sitting with Ash, so we didn’t talk at all.

“Today’s the match against Brighton.”

“I know.” He reaches for my hand, steadying the pencil. His hand lingers on mine, and all I can do is stare at our fingers. “I’ll be there.”

I raise my eyes to his. “You will?” Noah’s never come to one of the girls’ matches.

“Of course. I want to see that girl’s face when you wipe the court with her.” His fingertips lightly tickle my palm, and suddenly it’s not the match that’s making me nervous anymore. My pencil drops and rolls across the table.

“How have you been? I haven’t seen you in a while,” I say, realizing I’ve missed him. Even though I’ve been basking in my relationship with Ash, which has been absolutely perfect ever since Jackson’s party, I really did miss Noah. Especially his dimple.

“I figured you needed to clear your head.” So he knows he makes my head spin.

“Yeah.” This whole situation is so complicated. It’s like my heart wants to split in two.

“You know volleying is her weakness, right?” Noah says, bringing me back to the conversation.

“How would you know? She never comes to net.”

“That’s how I know. She avoids the net. Make her go there and you’ll beat her no problem.” He’s still tickling my palm.

“Thanks.”

“And I’ll be there to calm you down in case you get into any trouble.”

Calm me down? Noah has the exact opposite effect on me.

Before I know it, the bell is ringing and the day is over. “Time to go face Kendall Mercer.”

Noah stands up, pulling me to my feet. He doesn’t let go of my hand. “Time to beat Kendall Mercer.” He squeezes my hand and smiles. “You’ve got this, Meg.”

He means it. He believes in me, and right now, that’s exactly what I need. Someone to believe in me because I’m still doubting myself. “I should go.”

“See you out there.” He squeezes my hand one last time before letting go. I watch him leave, wondering if the last twenty minutes undid the past week in any way. I thought I was over the whole Noah thing. I was happy focusing on Ash. But seeing Noah now…I’m not sure.

I stop at my locker, dropping my books inside and grabbing my uniform and racket. Ash’s arms slip around me, and I spin around to face him. Before I can even say hi, his lips are on mine. Instantly, everything I feel for him is back. My heart races. My hands abandon my gear and find Ash’s face. This feels right.

“Just wanted to wish you luck, not that you need it. You’re going to do great.” He leans his forehead on mine.

“Thanks.”

“I’ll get there as soon as I can. I even told the guys that when we go on our run, we’re circling the courts so I can cheer for you.”

Ash will see Noah there. Jackson will see Noah there. “You don’t have to do that. I don’t want to get you in trouble. Come by when you’re finished.” I’m suddenly hoping my match ends before Ash’s practice is over so I can convince Noah to leave before Ash sees him.

“Hey.” Ash lifts my chin. “I’m going to do everything I can to be there for you. What’s the worst Coach can do to me? He’s not going to bench his best player this close to Saturday’s game.”

I force a smile. “Great.”