When the instructor blows the whistle, Jayden comes at me hard.
I stand my ground, using his momentum against him to execute a perfect form tackle that takes him down swiftly.
A couple of people in the room gasp at seeing my much smaller frame take down this big brute. But it’s all physics, using the force of Jayden’s own momentum and manipulating his energy and gravity like putty in my hands.
I smirk down at Jayden as he lies stunned on the mat. “How’s that for biology?”
Around us, the room buzzes with impressed murmurs. Despite our rivalry, Jayden and I move in seamless synchronicity. As we help each other up, a spark of electricity passes between us. There’s no denying the chemistry brewing beneath our antagonism.
Later, I replay the moment in my mind. As frustrating as Jayden is, there’s something about the way he challenges me that’s unique.
As the seminar ends, Jayden approaches me with a grudging look of respect. “Not bad today, Dylan,” he says. “I still can’t believe you took me down like that. I was mad at first but, if I’m honest, I’m mainly just very impressed. It’s clear why you were selected to be part of the program.”
I nod briskly, trying not to let my surprise show. Was that actual sincerity from the insufferable Jayden? “Yeah, thanks,” I reply, before turning to leave.
“See you at home, princess,” he calls out after me, and I roll my eyes.
I mull over the day’s events as I walk to my car. Jayden is infuriating, no doubt about it. But working together in close quarters has only magnified the intense connection between us. As much as I hate to admit it, I felt alive in a way I haven’t in ages when I was sparring with him.
There’s something about Jayden that challenges me, that forces me to bring my A-game in a way I take for granted with most people. I have a feeling this season will be anything but boring with him around.
As frustrating as it is, I can’t deny the attraction simmering under our rivalry. Jayden is cocky and competitive, but he also makes me feel seen—really seen—in a way few people ever have. In some ways, despite a rocky start, I have a feeling this is just the beginning for us. What that means exactly, I have no idea.
“Damn him,” I mutter under my breath, smiling despite myself as I exit the training building.
No matter how much we clash, Jayden has lit a fire in me. This is going to be one hell of a season.
By the time I reach the apartment, I’m still replaying the day’s events in my mind. As much as I want to write Jayden off as an arrogant jerk, there’s something about him that lingers in my thoughts.
The whisper of his voice saying, “See you at home, princess,” sends an involuntary shiver down my spine. I hate the pet name, but can’t deny the way it made my pulse quicken when he said it.
I shake my head, as if the physical motion could dislodge Jayden from my mind. This is ridiculous. I’ve just met the guy, and here I am obsessing over every interaction we’ve had like a teenager with a crush.
No, this isn’t a crush. This is a rivalry, plain and simple. I refuse to let Jayden think he can get under my skin that easily.
I’m here to play rugby, not get distracted by arrogant pretty boys who are all talk, and who seem to think they’re entitled to what amounts to royalty status just because they were born with a dick.
As I go inside and begin preparing dinner, I make a promise to myself: I won’t let Jayden or any other man distract me from my goals, no matter how hot they are. No matter how worked up they may make me. Every barbed word between us will only make me more determined to put him in his place however I can.
This season is mine, no matter how much Jayden wants to get in my head. I’ve fought way too hard for far too long to let anyone take this from me, least of all him.
Let him whisper all the pet names and veiled challenges he wants, I will answer only with the scoreboard.
This princess is out for the crown.
Game on, Jayden.
Chapter 22
Dylan
Thesunbeatsdownon my shoulders as I sip my iced coffee.
Beck nudges my arm from across our patio table. “So, come on, spill! What’s going on with you and the hotties since we last spoke?”
My cheeks grow red, and it’s not from the sun. “Nothing! I told you, I can’t go there.”
“I think you ought to go for it!” Sarah pipes in. “You only live once, right?”