Matchplay A New Adult Romance - By Dakota Madison Page 0,65

the night air. The setting was absolutely beautiful and I knew the night sky and stars would be amazing.

The bonfire was still flaming, although it had died down significantly. I took a seat next to it for warmth. The stars did not let me down. With all of the manmade lights turned off, the illumination of the night sky was breathtaking. It put van Gogh’s Starry night to shame.

I was truly at another crossroads. As much as I loved Aaron with all my heart and I knew he loved me, could we really be together for the long haul? Did we have any future together if all of his friends and family expected him to eventually settle down with Keira? She was everything he was supposed to marry and I was none of those things.

I felt like our odds of a future together were getting slimmer by the moment.

I saw a large figure approaching and felt an initial panic until I realized it was Evan. Then I just experienced the normal feeling of dread he always evoked whenever he came near me.

“Mind if I join you?”

Before I could answer, he sat down next to me.

“You couldn’t sleep either.” It didn’t sound like a question so I didn’t respond.

“I know you think I’m a dick.” Even though I didn’t use that kind of language he certainly captured the right sentiment.

He continued. “Aaron and I have always been competitive ever since we were kids.”

“So I’ve heard.” I still wasn’t sure I wanted to engage him in conversation but he didn’t look like he was going anywhere soon.

“I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you standing there with all of your boxes outside the freshman dorms.”

Not only was I surprised to hear of his interest in me, I didn’t think he even remembered the first time we met. I didn’t know why he was telling me this now or what he wanted me to say. He obviously knew I

was in a relationship with his best friend.

“Aaron and I ran against each other for President of The Clubhouse. I was pissed when he won. I was even more pissed when he got you.”

“I always thought you hated me.”

He shook his head. “Nope.”

The air around us suddenly felt heavy with tension. I wasn’t sure where the conversation was going and it made me nervous. I could tell Evan had an agenda, which usually meant more trouble for me and Aaron.

“I don’t want to see you get hurt,” Evan said. “I’m serious.”

“Okay. There’s obviously more you want to say to me, so what is it?”

Evan looked into my eyes. It was the first time I ever saw anything resembling sincerity in his expression. “I know why Aaron fell for you. It’s not just because you’re beautiful. You’re so spunky and full of life.”

I gulped. I suddenly had the urge to escape. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear Evan was going to lean over and kiss me. I tried to get up but Evan grabbed my arm. “Don’t go. There are a few things I have to tell you.”

I slowly sat back down. I had the distinct feeling that I was like a lamb about to go to slaughter. The only difference was that lambs were not aware of their fate like I was.

“Aaron will never marry you.” He continued to stare at me, his gaze growing more serious. “He can’t.”

“Why not?” I realized I was getting angry and I wondered why I was even still sitting there listening to Evan.

“Aaron has always done, and will always do, everything his parents expect him to do. He’s an obedient son. His parents expect him to marry Keira. They’ve been planning it for years. So have Keira’s parents. It’s inevitable. She knows it. He knows it. We all know it.”

I thought back to the look on Aaron’s face when he saw Keira. I thought he looked broken somehow.

Now I realized the look was him staring at his inevitable future. Even if he didn’t love Keira, even if he wanted to be with me, would he eventually do what his parents wanted and marry her? Maybe Evan was right.

“Didn’t you ever wonder why he never asked you to meet his parents? All the times they’ve visited campus this year and he never introduced you to them.”

That hit me like a brick. I tried very hard to keep my face neutral because I didn’t want Evan to realize I didn’t even know Aaron’s parents had been on campus