“You should know by now that it takes patience and a forgiving attitude to be friends with Travis. He’s his own universe.”I shook my head. “That’s the Travis everyone else sees…not the Travis I know.”

“Shepley shook his head. “No way. No fucking way, Trav. The guy’s a maniac!”“Yeah,” Travis smiled, “but he’s not fighting for his girl, is he?” Travis cradled me in his arms, kissing the top of my hair. “You okay, Pigeon?”“This is wrong. This is wrong on so many levels. I don’t know which one to talk you out of first.”“Did you not see me tonight? I’m going to be fine. I’ve seen Brock fight before. He’s tough, but not unbeatable.”“I don’t want you to do this, Trav.”

“Shepley stomped into the apartment and slammed the door behind him. “She’s fucking impossible!” I kissed Travis on the cheek. “That’s my cue.” “Good luck,” Travis said. I slid in beside America, and she huffed. “He’s fucking impossible!”

“My name’s Travis. Travis Maddox.” I rolled my eyes. “I know who you are.” “You do, huh?” Travis said, raising his wounded eyebrow. “Don’t flatter yourself. It’s hard not to notice when fifty drunks are chanting your name. “ Travis sat up a bit taller. “I get that a lot.” I rolled my eyes again, and Travis chuckled. “Do you have a twitch?” “A what?” “A twitch. Your eyes keep wiggling around.” He laughed again when I glared at him. “Those are some amazing eyes though,” he said, leaning just inches from my face.”

“Travis tapped my apple with his fork. “You gonna eat that, Pidge?”“No, you can have it, Baby.”Heat consumed my ears when America’s head jerked to look at me.“It just came out,” I said, shaking my head. I peeked up at Travis, whose expression was a mixture of amusement and adoration.”

“Travis clenched his eyes shut, and a sinking feeling settled over me. It was agonizing seeing him suffer, knowing that not only was I the cause of it…I was the only one that could take it away.”