--
"Ace," Alexis whispered, her voice shaky. "Can we talk?"
Ace clenched his fists, trying to keep his emotions in check. "What is there to talk about?"
"I just... I don't understand why you hate me so much," she said, her voice filled with sadness. "I've done everything I can to be there for you, to show you that I care, but you keep pushing me away."
Ace's jaw tightened as he took a step closer, his eyes flashing with anger. "You don't get it, do you? This was never about love. This was a business deal, plain and simple. You're just a part of the package."
Alexis flinched at his words, her heart breaking all over again. "That's not true, Ace. I've loved you since we were kids. You're the one who refuses to see me."
"Maybe because I don't want to," Ace snapped, his voice harsh.
The words hung between them like a weight, and Alexis felt her heart shatter. She didn't know what else to say. She had tried so hard, but it seemed like nothing she did would ever be enough for him.
Without another word, Alexis turned and walked away, her steps heavy with despair.
As Dallas and Drayton navigate life in the spotlight, Spencer is navigating intense feelings for Nathan - her best friend's brother.
*****
Dallas and Drayton are planning their wedding, talking babies and learning how to navigate life in LA now that Drayton is a hotshot football player in the big leagues. Meanwhile, Spencer and Nathan are back at home in Colorado, coming to terms with their feelings for one another and learning how to co-parent with Grayson, the father of Spencer's daughter. Will the realities of adult life strengthen them - or will their relationships break?
[Sequel to The QB Bad Boy and Me]
[[word count: 150,000-200,000 words]]