ELLA'S POVOur gazes remained locked, the tension crackling between us in the space. Trent's intense green eyes seemed to bore into me as his face began drifting closer. My breath caught in my throat when I felt the ghost of his exhale fan across my skin.."You should...probably go check on your parents," I managed in a strangled whisper, fighting to keep my voice steady.Trent didn't so much as flinch, holding my stare boldly. "That's true," he murmured in a low rumble that sent a shiver coursing through me. "But I don't think it's them. My mom would have already come barging up here by now."I gave a nod, mouth suddenly dry. "Well, all the more reason you should go see who it is then," I insisted, struggling to inject some resolve into my tone. "It could be Lucinda."One dark brow inched up. "And what would she be doing here?""How should I know that?" I fired back, feeling nettled all of a sudden. Hadn't he been the one to take her back?Something flickered across Trent's expressio
TRENT'S POV"Quit basketball before I make you." My father's cold voice sliced through the air, his eyes boring into mine with intensity.I felt my breath catch in my throat. "I can't," I managed, forcing the words out. "Basketball is my dream, and now that I finally got the captainship, you can't just take it all away from me."His eyes narrowed to slits as he took a step closer. "It was never your dream in the first place, boy," he spat, jabbing a finger towards my face. "It was your brother's, but you stripped him of it the moment you did that to him." The memories came rushing back in a torrent, threatening to drown me. I clutched my head, desperately trying to keep them at bay. "I didn't do anything," I rasped, my voice sounding foreign to my own ears. "I didn't..."But he was already leaning in, his hot breath fanning across my face as he hissed in my ear, "You remember the blood, the glasses, the car." He hissed, his words like venom into my ears."Stop it," I choked out, sque
ELLA'S POVI rushed into the restaurant, already running late after staying behind at school. As soon as I stepped inside, the workers who were wrapping up for the night immediately stopped what they were doing. Hushed murmurs rippled through the group. "Oh my god, do you see how handsome he is?" one waitress whispered loudly to her friend, fanning herself. "I wouldn't mind him taking my order, if you know what I mean."Her friend giggled before leaning in. "I heard he's coming in to look for work here. Can you imagine having someone like that on our staff?"Who were they talking about? I frowned slightly, turning to try and spot the supposed new potential hire. That's when the harsh voice of Agatha cut through the chatter."You," she barked, jabbing a finger at me. "Why are you stumbling in this late? Your shift started over an hour ago."I swallowed hard, caught off guard. "I'm so sorry, Agatha. I had some delays after school that set me back and--""We don't allow lateness here,"
ELLA'S POV. "What are you doing here, Lucinda?" Ryan's firm voice cut through the noise of the restaurant.I looked up from where I was assisting with some prep work to see Lucinda standing there, hands on her hips as she leveled her gaze at Ryan. "It happens that we have some people coming in to book reservations for a celebration," he continued sternly. "This really isn't the best time."Lucinda tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I actually came to discuss our class project," she stated in a sugary-sweet tone that immediately set me on edge. "And well...to see my love since I heard he's started working here too."Her eyes bored into mine as she said the last part. My love? Did she actually just refer to Trent that way?Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Look, this really isn't the appropriate place or time for that kind of thing right now. We're incredibly backed up with work as you can see. Please leave.""Not until I see Trent," Lucinda stated, crossing her arms.
ELLA'S POVMr. Donovan's slow smile spread as his eyes searched me. "Who would have believed we'd cross paths again in such a manner?"I tensed, swallowing hard as unease prickled my skin under his stare. "So I see you're working here," he remarked.My mouth felt dry as I forced out a stammered, "Yes."Mr. Donovan's gaze sharpened. "Did you happen to be the server who waited on us yesterday in the VIP lounge?Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to meet his stare evenly. "Yes, that was me.""Excellent." He laced his fingers together atop the table. "Then you must have overheard part of our private conversation as well."My breath caught in my throat as the implication hit me. They knew. But how?Forcing a tight smile, I shook my head. "No, sir. I simply dropped some plates by accident which caused a loud noise. But I didn't hear anything from inside the lounge." Mr. Donovan's smile only seemed to widen further. "Is that so?" He reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved his
ELLA'S POVMy heart pounded hard in my chest as I scanned the hallway, finally spotting Damien at his locker. This was my chance. I had to warn him, no matter how awkward it might be between us.Taking a breath, I started towards him, dodging between the clusters of students. "Damien!" I called out once I drew closer.He looked up at the sound of my voice, brows knitting together slightly. There was a pause before he responded. "Ella? What's up?"I came to a halt in front of him, gnawing on my lower lip. How was I supposed to phrase this? "Look, I...I need to tell you something. In private."Damien's frown deepened, but after a moment's hesitation he gave a slight nod and stepped away from his locker. "Okay, let's talk over here."He led the way to a secluded place, out of earshot from the other students walking about. Once we were alone, I turned to face him fully, struggling to maintain his stare."I'm just going to cut right to it," I began in a low tone. "You need to warn your dad
ELLA'S POVWe seemed to hold our breath as Mrs. Winslow cleared her throat, shuffling the papers in her hands. "And the letter of recommendation goes to..."My heart leapt into my throat, the silence pressing down on me. I could practically taste the anticipation in the air."I'm definitely going to be the one," Lucinda's voice cut through the silence. She was beaming at Trent, her smile widening. "We crushed that Romeo and Juliet scene."I suppressed an eye roll, ready to simply accept defeat gracefully. There was no way Mrs. Winslow would endorse our...unprofessional display out there as the winner thoughMrs. Winslow's throat clearing made the entire class sit up straighter. "The team I've selected to receive my highest endorsement is..." She paused, building the anticipation as she broke the seal on the envelope.My palms grew clammy, a sound filling my ears. Just get it over with already! Then finally, the name passed her lips:"Ella Thompson and Trent Donovan."A stunned silence
ELLA'S POV"Okay from the top again," Ryan instructed, clapping his hands together.I sighed deeply, rolling my eyes as the music filled the room once more. "Ryan, I don't think this is a good idea," I said again. "You can't just assume I have some hidden dance talent just because of one drama performance."Ryan chuckled lightly. "Trust me Ella, I know raw talent when I see it," he murmured, eyes twinkling.Stepping forward, he grasped my hands, his fingers tightening around my waist as he pulled me flush against him. Our bodies moved together seamlessly in the intimate proximity."Just feel the rhythm and let your body move," Ryan breathed, his lips close to my ear. "You've got a natural grace."A flush crept up my neck at the compliment. Swallowing hard, I met Ryan's intense gaze and gave a slight nod. Squaring my shoulders, I tried again to mirror his steps, letting the pulsing beat of the music guide me.Ryan kept one hand splayed at my lower back as we moved. "That's it, nice and