Invisible To Her Bully Chapter 59

Noah

The field was chaos.

Everyone was celebrating the win, cheering and shouting as the crowd spilled from the bleachers. The lights glared overhead, bright against the dark night sky, and the smell of sweat, turf, and concession stand food hung heavy in the air.

But all I could see was Jessa.

She stood off to the side, her hair a little messy, cheeks flushed, Noah’s number painted proudly on her face. My number.

And for a second, the rest of the world disappeared.

I’d kissed her.

That thought hit me like a linebacker, knocking the breath out of me all over again. I hadn’t planned it. I hadn’t even thought about it—not consciously. But the second I saw her standing there after the pep rally earlier, looking like she belonged to someone—like she belonged to me—I’d lost it.

And now, staring at her, still tasting her lips, I wanted to do it again.

Then Jackson stormed over like a hurricane, grabbed me, and shoved me back like I’d just punched his dog. The rage on his face had been blinding, and before I could even process what was happening, he was dragging me away.

Now Jessa was frozen in place, looking like she might cry—or scream.

I took a step toward her, my chest tight, when Daniel’s obnoxious laugh cut through the moment.

“Well, well, well,” Daniel said loudly, strutting up with that stupid smirk plastered on his face. “If it isn’t our little Lombardi family soap opera. Tell me, Jessa, how’s it feel knowing the only reason Noah’s paying attention to you is because he lost a bet?”

My blood ran hot.

“What the hell, Daniel?” I snapped, spinning around to face him.

Daniel just shrugged, clearly enjoying himself. “Relax, man. It’s a joke. You know, humor? Or are you too busy swapping spit with Jackson’s baby sister to get it?”

Jessa’s face crumpled, hurt flashing in her eyes.

“Shut up,” I growled, shoving Daniel’s shoulder hard enough to make him stumble back. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I know exactly what I’m talking about,” Daniel said, his smirk widening. “You’ve been off your game all week because of her. And let’s be real, dude—she’s not worth screwing up your shot at state. Or at a scholarship.”

“Back off.” My voice was low and dangerous now, every muscle in my body coiled tight.

But before things could escalate further, a deep, commanding voice broke through the noise.

“Noah Carter?”

I turned, my heart jumping into my throat.

The college recruiter stood there, wearing a crisp team jacket, clipboard in hand, looking me over like he was already calculating whether I was scholarship material.

Holy crap. He’s here.

“Yes, sir,” I said quickly, forcing my anger down and plastering on what I hoped was a confident smile.

Daniel’s smirk faded, replaced by surprise as he realized who was standing there. Even Jackson, who’d been pacing like a caged animal a few feet away, froze.

The recruiter extended his hand. “Great game tonight, son. You’ve got speed, solid instincts, and you know how to read the field. I’d like to talk with you for a bit—get to know you better.”

For a split second, my brain short-circuited.

This was it. This was everything I’d been working for.

But out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Jessa.

She was standing near the edge of the crowd, hugging herself tightly like she wanted to disappear. She wasn’t looking at me, though. She was looking at Daniel—and the way he was still smirking at her, like he’d won something.

My chest tightened. Part of me wanted to stay here and fix this mess. To grab Jessa, tell her Daniel was lying, tell her that kiss had meant everything.

But this opportunity… I couldn’t blow it. Not now.

“Of course, sir,” I said to the recruiter, my voice steady even though my heart felt like it was being split in two. “I’d be honored.”

As we started walking toward the sidelines, I risked one last glance back.

Jessa’s wide, confused eyes locked with mine. She looked like she didn’t know whether to run after me or run away completely.

And honestly?

I didn’t know what the hell I wanted either.