One Temptation

Wanting Him (Chapter 55)

DAMN 

Little hint: 

think back to ten chapters ago 🤭

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Madison's POV:

I woke with mixed feelings from yesterday. 

Though West promised me he'd give me an explanation to why he left so early and what's going on with him, I still can't shake the nervousness. 

I don't want things to be awkward between us. I understand that all the leaning in, touches, flirting, and teasing is building up. And that's why what happened in the tent happened the way it did. 

But I don't want to lose what we have because of these feelings. 

I can't deny it anymore—I want him. 

I've fought it for so long, but now I see it clearly: I don't just care about him like a friend, and this isn't some fleeting crush.

We've known each other our whole lives, and for most of it, we couldn't stand each other. 

Eighteen years of rivalry, tension, and biting remarks. 

But now, when I see him, I feel something different—like he's become more than just the person I once thought I knew. 

It's beyond just liking him. I see who he really is—the kind of person who hides so much, but never for the wrong reasons. 

I don't just want him in passing or as a friend—I want him, flaws and all, and it's terrifying because this isn't some fleeting feeling or crush. 

He's become one of the most important people in my life. 

We've fought, hurt each other, and come back together. We've pushed each other away, only to find each other again. After everything, he's become too close to let go.

Things feel uncertain and awkward right now, especially after everything that's happened. But I don't want that to ruin what we've built. 

I'm going to bring us back to the way we were.

************

Walking into school, my mind was swirling with questions.

Then, I spotted West down the hall, surrounded by his teammates, looking every bit the star in his jersey—either just coming from practice or heading there. 

And god, he looked so good. 

That easy confidence, the slight mess in his hair, the way he looked at me as he passed...it was almost painful.

Our eyes met, and he gave me a soft, genuine smile that instantly settled the nerves twisting inside me. He was okay. Something about that smile told me I would've walked right over if he hadn't been with his team.

They all passed by, and unlike the usual side-eyed glances I'd get from the basketball guys, the footie team actually just nodded or gave polite smiles, all standing next to their captain. It felt so much more grounding then the disgusting looks.

I exhaled slowly, giving a soft smile back—though mostly for him—and let my gaze linger a little too long as I headed toward my first class. 

***********

Lunch was in full swing, and I found myself lost in thought.

My mind had been drifting all morning, but now, with nothing to distract me, it was full-on chaos up there.

Cole leaned forward, casually throwing an arm around Lia. "So..." he started, drawing all our eyes, "Ray's Roo is throwing another party."

Jake rolled his eyes, mimicking impatience. "And?"