***A week had gone by quickly. The Atomic Heat had a successful game against a local college in Luxford, and the following weekend, they were facing off against Suncrest Institute of Technology and Arts.The Suncrest Valley teams were considered competitive, so the Atomic Heat were busy practicing
“We used to be neighbors at Viera Homes. It’s a smaller community than this,” Dawn shared. “My mom and Maxwell’s mom, Aunt Mina, had been best friends since they got married and lived next door. My mom is Maxwell’s godmother, and Aunt Mina is mine.”The door was shut tight, and Dawn spoke very softl
### END OF FLASHBACK ###***Back to the present.Dawn didn’t know why, but she cried while sharing that story. She laughed at herself, saying, “Stupid, right? Crying over a middle school bullying experience.”“Bullying in middle school is just the worst!” Mia said. “It’s the puberty stage, and boys
Dawn's mother, Lorelai Rivers, held Charlie's hand at the dinner table. She stared at her with tears and said, "I don't know how to thank you, Charlie. One day, I'll repay you for the money you lent us."Charlie smiled. Lorelai's words made her teary-eyed. She gripped Lorelai's hand and said, "Actua
Charlie and her friends still had time to make an initial plan for their project, and Taylor hung out with Maxwell while waiting.When Charlie returned home with Taylor, she tried to get information. But as they walked into the living room, Taylor said, "Babe, I was just as surprised as you when I f
“Miss King, do I get a raise for doing this?” Ross asked, already wearing sunglasses. “Remind me again why I’m involved in this theatrics.”“Uncle Ross, if you do this perfectly, you’ll get a raise in my respect,” Charlie said. “Not all bodyguards can act!”From what Maxwell told Charlie, Dawn had a
Charlie, “...”One second.Two seconds.Three seconds.“Whaaatttttt?” Mia, Frank, and Charlie screamed.Inner Devil paused and then burst out laughing. Inner Devil 2: ‘I wish I didn’t see that.’“Wait.” Charlie gulped. “That wasn’t part of the script.”“Plot twist,” Frank muttered. ***“What the h
### MAXWELL'S FLASHBACK ####At Luxford K–8 School, Maxwell was the second-best basketball player in middle school. He loved the sport, loved the team spirit, and had grown close to his teammates despite knowing some, like Paxton Owens, had a mean streak.Their dads worked at the same company, so ma
“You like predictable?” Maxwell furrowed his brows.Okay, Dawn had to admit—Maxwell looked way too sexy. His tank top showed off his muscles, and his messy hair added to his charm. But she knew she had to hold back from admiring this beautiful man.“What’s wrong with predictable?” Dawn asked. “Bette
“I go to Suncrest Valley College of Medicine, and I started my hands-on training last week at Luxford General Hospital,” Thomas said during dinner. “That’s when I got to know Dawn a little better. I met her three weeks ago when I visited Aunt Matilda. Dawn was taking care of baby Cassy.”Thomas look
“How did you know?” Charlie asked. “I mean, it could have been Grandpa?”“Seriously, Charlie, Mr. A of Spades emailed us, saying he would continue funding as long as the rules are met,” Taylor said, his eyes still closed. “The second I read the rules, I knew it was him. It’s your dad’s trademark.”“
“So, this is your side hustle, huh, West?” Daniel asked after Taylor tested the soil in one section of the excavated land at the Suncrest Valley Project.“Cool job, Taylor,” Maxwell said.“Do you have to get your hands dirty?” Dylan asked.“Yeah, I need to make sure the soil isn’t prone to erosion.
Taylor had no bitter feelings about it. He was happy for Jeremy but sad for his girlfriend, who would have to hide in the shadows for the next three years of their relationship.After filling half of the lineup, the rest of the job was left to Carlos Ronaldo, whose sports management agency scouted t
“So, what do you say, Daniel? Are you in?” Taylor asked Daniel Langly, the captain of Suncrest Valley State University’s basketball team.“Honestly,” Daniel said, looking up. “I thought it was the end of my basketball career. I’m grateful for this opportunity, so... it’s a yes!”“You made the right
“I agree,” Drew said.“Same here,” Mark added. “Maxwell, you’ve got the talent. You are very fast.”“And I could really use friends to back me up,” Taylor said.“I’m touched,” Drew said, placing a hand on his chest.“But you gotta stop flirting with my girl,” Taylor said.“You know I was just messin
“And that’s the game! The Atomic Heat dominated with a final score of 102 to 48!” the announcer called out, just as Taylor sealed the win with a powerful slam dunk, hanging on the rim for dramatic effect.Playing in Luxford’s grand stadium, the Atomic Heat prevailed over a visiting college from Rose
“Charlie’s social media can stay private,” Kate added, “but Taylor needs a public one for game posts and endorsements.”Taylor, seated beside Charlie, gripped her hand. The thought of her being hurt bothered him. The last thing he wanted was a jealous girl mocking Charlie’s cooking skills.Charlie p