Secrets

9 | hadley

Devon climbs into the passenger seat of my car once we've dropped Clover and Mason off at their respective houses. She buckles the seatbelt wordlessly once she's settled, still wearing her uniform from practice. She smells of grass and the outside heat, and her cheeks are flushed from all the running she did today.

I can tell something is bothering her when I shift gears into park and she still has yet to glance my way.

She hasn't talked about it much–about Sloane coming back. She says she's fine, that it doesn't matter, that it doesn't mean anything.

I think she's lying. Because the truth is that Slaone being back–it means something. Whether we acknowledge it or not, there has most definitely been a shift in the air between Devon and I. Things have been weird between us ever since my ex showed up at my house out of nowhere.

I don't want Sloane being back to ruin what I have now, though I have a sinking suspicion her sudden return has barely touched the rim of chaos it will no doubt stir.

"Hey," I say softly, removing one hand from the wheel before me to grasp Devon's. "What's up?"

Devon sighs, running a hand over her long and dark ponytail, still refusing to glance my way. "Just tired. Long practice."

"You did good out there today," I tell her in an attempt to lift her spirits, watching her carefully out of the corner of my eye.

Devon shakes her head. "Not good enough."

I go to open my mouth, though quickly purse my lips. Devon has been harder on herself these past few weeks than ever when it comes to soccer. She wants to make it into a D-1 university–she's relying on a full scholarship to get her through a higher education. She thinks she has to work herself to the bone to prove that she deserves to go pro in the sport. What Devon doesn't know is that everyone else around her can already see how amazing she is when it comes to the field–there is no doubt in my mind she'll make it big someday.

"Haven't you already gotten a few recruitment calls?" I question, trying to keep the conversation going. "Isn't that good, babe?"

Devon bristles. I don't comment on this, though I notice the switch in her demeanor. A sharp pain stabs my heart that I try my best to ignore.

"Just a few D-3 schools wanting me on their team," Devon says dismissively. The words leave her lips in a rush, almost too quickly. "I'm aiming a little higher."

"You know you'll–"

"I don't really want to talk about it," Devon cuts me off abruptly.

I bite my tongue. I don't know why she's been so distant from me lately.

Or maybe I do.

"Devon . . ." I trail off as I stare out into her driveway, turning in my seat to face her. "Can we please–"

"I'm sorry," Devon interrupts before I can finish my sentence. She leans forward and sighs, rubbing her temples like she has a headache coming on. "I know. And I'm sorry. I'm just stressed right now, with soccer and stuff. Coach is pushing me and I'm pushing myself and–I'm sorry."

"Nothing is going to happen," I murmur gently, rubbing my girlfriend's back. "I know it's bothering you, Dev. You don't have to lie or admit it or anything, but I know. And I promise you–it's over."

Devon purses her lips, her gaze drifting from mine to the windshield. She appears confused for a moment, as if uncertain what it is I'm talking about. Her facial features tense as realization seems to dawn on her. She clenches her jaw tightly.

"I know," she says gravelly. "It's just . . . I know you never ended things with her, and I know you thought you'd never see her again. And now she's living right across from you . . ."

"And I'm with you," I remind Devon, taking her face in my hands so she has no choice but to look at me. "And I want you. Only you."

Devon's features soften as she holds my stare, eyes filling with adoration. I smile at her faintly, a gesture she quickly returns.

"I've never been the jealous type before," she mumbles under her breath sheepishly. "Until you. I don't know . . . You mean more to me than anyone else ever has, Hadley."

"And I feel the same way," I reassure her. "I love you."

"I love you," she whispers back, leaning forward until her lips are a breath away from my own.

When I kiss her, it's as if the world stops spinning. I'll never get used to the way her lips feel against my own–soft and gentle and loving. I still get butterflies in the pit of my stomach, as if every kiss is the first all over again.

"Did you want to come inside?" Devon questions once we part ways, resting her forehead against mine as she offers a devilish smirk. "My mom's not home."

I open my door and step out of the car in response, not having to be asked twice.

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a/n: happy late valentine's day 💘 I LOVE YOU ALL