Chapter 44

44

NEXT DAY: BRIAR HIGH SCHOOL***

“Brett,” Isabella called out as she chased after Brett when class was over. It was her only opportunity to talk to him and find out why he had been avoiding her.

“Brett,” she called again. This time, he stopped running but didn’t turn to face her.

“Shouldn’t you be with your boyfriend, Ace?” he replied, his voice tinged with jealousy.

“Is that why you didn’t reply to my messages and have been avoiding me? Seriously, Brett, I thought we were friends. I thought you were different,” Isabella said, her voice full of disappointment.

Brett finally turned to face her. “What do you expect from me? To just compliment you while you’re with another man? Fine, you looked breathtaking that night. You always do, Isabella, and damn, I—” He stopped himself when he realized he was saying too much.

“I don’t even know what’s wrong with me,” he mumbled, and Isabella just stared at him, speechless.

“I’m sorry if I scared you,” he sighed and began to walk away.

“Did you me