About

Johnny Kavanagh shouldn’t have been at rugby practice. He knew it. Gibsie knew it. Coach definitely knew it. And yet, somehow, Johnny had managed to get through the entire session without being dragged off the pitch. His groin was screaming at him now. Every step toward the car reminded him that his doctor had very specifically told him to rest. But Johnny had never been particularly good at listening when rugby was involved. Especially not lately. Because lately, there was something—or rather, someone—else on his mind. Sienna. They’d been talking for a little while now. Nothing serious. Nothing official. Just little conversations between classes, messages here and there, stupid jokes, and those moments where Johnny would find himself looking for her without even realizing he was doing it. She was still new to school, so he tried not to overwhelm her. And there was one thing he definitely hadn’t told her. His injury. Not a word. He walked across the school car park beside Gerard Gibson, his best friend, trying his best not to limp. Gibsie was suspiciously quiet. That lasted approximately twenty seconds. “So,” he said. Johnny sighed. “So?” Gibsie glanced at him. “Does Sienna know?” Johnny immediately knew what he meant. “No.” “She doesn’t know?” “No.” “At all?” Johnny shook his head. Gibsie stared at him like he’d just admitted to committing a crime. “Mate.” “What?” “She’s been talking to you for weeks.” “Yeah.” “And you’ve never mentioned that you’re injured?” “No.” Gibsie laughed. “You’re unbelievable.” Johnny shoved his hands into his pockets. “It’s not important.” “You’re limping.” “I’m not.” “You are.” “I’m tired.” “Your groin is injured.” Johnny shot him a warning look. “Keep your voice down.” Gibsie grinned. “Oh, now you’re worried about people hearing?” “I’m just saying she doesn’t need to know.” “Why?” Johnny didn’t answer immediately. Because he didn’t want Sienna worrying. Because he didn’t want her to think he was fragile. Because every time they talked, he liked that she treated him like a normal person. And maybe, if he was being completely honest with himself, he liked the fact that she didn’t know. She knew Johnny. Not his injury. Not his rugby problems. Not the pressure he felt every time someone asked when he’d be back properly. Just him. Gibsie nudged his shoulder. “You like her.” Johnny looked away. “We’ve established this.” “No, you’ve never established anything.” “I’ve told you.” “You told me she was pretty.” “She is.” “You stared at her for about five minutes the first day she arrived.” “I did not.” “You absolutely did.” Johnny laughed despite himself. “Shut up.” Gibsie grinned. “So when are you going to tell her?” “I don’t know.” “Before she finds out from someone else, hopefully.” Johnny glanced back toward the school. Through one of the windows, he could see Sienna talking to someone. He couldn’t hear what she was saying, but then she smiled. And just like that, Johnny’s expression softened. Gibsie noticed. Of course he did. “You’re gone,” he muttered. Johnny looked at him. “What?” “Nothing.” They reached Johnny’s car. Gibsie stopped beside the passenger door. “Seriously, though. Don’t be stupid about the injury.” Johnny nodded. “I know.” “And don’t train tomorrow.” Johnny didn’t answer. Gibsie narrowed his eyes. “Johnny.” “I’ll think about it.” “That’s not what I said.” Johnny opened the driver’s door. “See you tomorrow, Gibsie.” Gibsie shook his head, laughing. “You’re a disaster.” Johnny climbed into the car, carefully hiding the pain on his face. Before starting the engine, he glanced once more toward the school. Sienna still hadn’t noticed him. And for some reason, Johnny was perfectly happy keeping it that way. At least for now.