CHAPTER 3
The team bus hummed down the dark highway like a secret the night was trying to keep, tires whispering against the asphalt while the rest of the debate squad slept under jackets and blankets, heads lolling against windows and each other. Riley sat in the very back row, the one nobody ever wantedm because it was too far from the bathroom and too close to the rumbling engine. But tonight? Tonight it was perfect. Her head rested on Xander’s shoulder like it was the most innocent thing in the world, her cheek against the soft fabric of his team hoodie, pretending they were just exhausted co-captains sharing warmth after a long day of rounds.
It wasn’t innocent. Not even close.
Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could feel it through her ribs. Three years of hating each othe
