Powerless: A Small Town Friends to Lovers Romance

Rhett yells, “Marry me, Jasper!” right as Summer elbows him in the ribs.

“I’m just . . .” I shrug, regarding the buzzing arena. “Happy. Even if they lose tonight. Everything feels . . .” “You’re both settled. Figured out what counts in life. It’s the people. Not the things. Not the acclaim. The people.”

“Sterling,” I wheeze out. “I will never marry you. Like . . .” A giggle hits me and I force it back down. This sentence is just so much more offensive to deliver while laughing. But I can’t even muster any fucks to give about that. “Ever.”

“Kick his fucking chair over?” Jasper provides, cutting off my dad’s question. “Yes. Because you might be okay with him talking to your daughter that way, but I am not. Must have learned better manners in the trailer park.”

Little boys. That’s precisely what they are. After the last couple months spent in the presence of real men, I’m seeing the difference clearer than ever. It has nothing to do with money or education or a person’s public reputation. It has everything to do with what’s inside. Soul. Heart. Actions speaking louder than words.

He swats the back of my head lovingly. If that’s even a thing. “Then tell her, you idiot.”

I have a knack for fucking people’s lives up who love me and who I love back. It’s my specialty.” “That’s not true. You’re looking at it wrong. I love you and you’ve done nothing but make my life better.”

“So are you two broken up then? Family reunions are gonna be awkward now. Violet is gonna kill you.” “We’re not broken up,” I snap. Harvey arches a brow at me as if to say, Watch your tone, idiot.

“Son, I’m going to tell you something that I’d only say to a man as good as you.” He pauses, eyes scanning my face. “In this instance, you’re being too respectful.”