Axel had stayed late into the evening talking to Chayton and Emma. Mason hadn’t returned until just before Axel left, and all the good feelings he’d had with Mason’s parents evaporated as he realized Mason and Kaitlyn had probably been making out the entire time. His stomach soured, and a jealousy stronger than anything he’d known reared inside him. Axel excused himself shortly after Mason came in and fought against these feelings, not liking the jealousy or angst, at all.

The next morning, he slept in later than he should have and hurried to shower and get ready for camp, devouring the breakfast some fabulous person had left outside his door. He grabbed his phone and noticed texts from his brother, a teammate, and an unknown number. He stopped and quickly swiped the last text open.

Thanks for pretending you didn’t know who I was.

Axel’s heart thudded quicker. It was her. She was finally texting him. Why? Had she broken up with Mason? He’d waited for this text or a phone call for the past three months, but she probably hadn’t initiated contact earlier because of Mason.

No problem. I’m a fabulous actor. When I quit playing lacrosse, I’m headed to Hollywood.

Ha! Obviously, my sarcasm didn’t come through with the text. I’m really ticked you pretended you didn’t know who I was.

He didn’t know her well at all, but he loved that she was teasing him.

Ticked enough you won’t go to lunch with me today?

Who said I was going to lunch with you today?

The deal was when you texted the number on the ball, we would set up a lunch appointment.

Oooh, that was smooth, Superstar. Okay, I’ll play your game. Yes, I’m ticked at you, but I think I could be bought off with a picnic from Fay’s at Chickadee Lake and chocolate from the Candy Counter at Kenworth’s after.

Axel’s heart beat out of control. He had to ask her about Mason and get her reassurance that Mason was gone so long from his house last night because they were calling it quits, not kissing. He felt guilty that he wanted to break them up. She didn’t seem like the type of girl who would play both of them, but he didn’t know her well enough to be certain. He headed down the stairs and toward his car, typing quickly.

Am I going to come between you and Mason?

We’re dating other people now.

Yes! Had she just decided to date other people because of Axel, or had this been a long time coming? Either way, he wasn’t going to question it. He switched back to the previous subject.

Glad to know you’ll always forgive me for something as easy as lunch and chocolate.

Don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s only lunch.

Don’t shoot down my hopes. I’ve been dreaming about you for a while now.

There was no response for at least thirty seconds. Axel slid into his sport utility and started it, waiting, even though he should be driving toward the field. He clutched the phone and wondered if he’d revealed too much, pushed her too fast. She’d stuck right by Mason’s side last night, like she was afraid Axel might throw her over his shoulder and haul her off. He was dumb to be so excited that they were having a conversation through text.

Guess we’re both hopeless dreamers. I’ll see you at the lake at one.

Axel’s heart was beating in his throat now. They were both hopeless dreamers? She’d had dreams of him too? But if they were hopeless that wasn’t good.

Can’t wait.

She never replied. That probably wasn’t a great sign, but at least she’d texted him and they were going to have lunch. He shifted his Lexus into gear, grinning as he sped toward the high school.