Page 351 of Ruthless Court
Jalen keeps insisting everyone wait because the movie explains it later.
I sit in the middle of Stanford basketball’s inner circle wearing Kane’s oversized hoodie, sharing Twizzlers with men half the campus treats like royalty.
And they’re treating me like I’m the interesting one.
Not because I can help Kane’s game.
Not because my father knows coaches.
Not because I can fix anybody’s paper.
They just seem happy I’m here.
I glance up at Kane.
He’s already looking at me.
Again.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“You keep doing that.”
“Doing what?”
“Watching me.”
His mouth curves.
“I like seeing you in my world.”
The words land softly.
I look around.
His roommates.
His hoodie.
My hand resting against his thigh.
Then back at him.
For once, being inside an athlete’s world doesn’t feel like disappearing into it.
Maybe because Kane keeps making room for mine.
I settle closer.
“Don’t get sentimental, Haverhill.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
I steal a piece of popcorn from his bowl.
“You're making breakfast tomorrow.”
