Chapter 26
Chapter
Twenty-Six
ADAM
I sabelle doesn’t let go of my hand as we walk to the theater, and I don’t want her to. She pulls me into the movie closet and waves her hand at the musicals section. “Pick.”
I look at her, noting how small this closet feels after our barely-kiss. I can imagine pushing her up against the wall and kissing her senseless, knocking DVDs off the shelves…
Focus, Adam.
I don’t have to think hard about my choice. I pull Singin’ in the Rain off the shelf and hand it to her.
“The ultimate classic,” she says with a smile. She lets go of my hand and heads back to the main room.
I guess she’s not having the same fantasies that I am.
She puts the movie in the player and settles on the couch, patting the spot next to her.
“By the way, thank you for my popcorn,” she says.
“Do you want some now?” I ask, starting to stand.
She pushes me down. “No, I’m good. Let’s just watch the movie.”
We settle into the couch and watch Gene Kelly explain his entrance into the world of acting, laughing at his lies and marveling at his dance moves.
“That’s how it was for you, right?” she asks, bumping her shoulder into mine.
I smirk. “Oh, yes. Lots of singing and dancing.”
“Seriously, though. You didn’t have to tough it out? At all?”
I shake my head. “I know I’m fortunate in that way.”
“Well, it seems like it went to your head.”
I turn my head sharply to look at her, and she has a devious smile on her face. “What is that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“You know.” She rolls her eyes. “You have this reputation of getting whatever you want, and it’s definitely not because you’re so sweet.”
“Fine. That’s true.” I cross my arms over my chest, irritated that she’s taking this in such a negative direction.
She puts a gentle hand on my bicep. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m just trying to put the pieces together.”
“What pieces?” I ask, the movie long forgotten now.
She shrugs a shoulder. “You’re a mystery,” she says. “I know you have your secrets—and I won’t push you to tell them to me—but I’m just trying to understand where you came from and why you are the way you are.”
I unfold my arms, but she keeps her hand where it is. “And how would you describe the way I am?”
She twists her lips. “Broody.”
“Broody!” I exclaim, insulted. “Like a hen?”
She laughs out loud. “Maybe the word is brooding. Mysterious. Brusque. But when you let your guard down…” She focuses on me. “Generous. Considerate. Protective.”
Each word tightens my chest, knowing that she’s seen past my stony exterior. Of all the words she could use, she chose the ones that hit at my core desires, especially when it comes to Lily .
“I wish that were true,” I finally say.
“It is true,” she insists. “I’ve seen it… It’s the way you act with me.”
Her brown eyes blink with innocence, but there’s so much more to that sentence than she understands. Because I don’t let just anyone see this side of me. I don’t let my guard down with just anyone. I would blame it on our forced proximity here in the castle…but if I’m being honest, it’s Isabelle. The pull between us is undeniable, and it would be even if we were somewhere else. But maybe I wouldn’t have the opportunity to feel this tether between us if we weren’t stuck together. I thank the snowstorm for the opportunity to get to know her and connect with her.
The movie continues in the background, but neither of us pays attention to it. Our eyes are locked on each other, and I feel a desire to tell her everything about the last eight months. Everything that has been weighing on my heart, a burden I’ve had to bear for nearly a year.
The way I’ve disappointed my sister and let her down, and my determination to never let her go through anything like that again.
I pick up the remote and pause the movie. “What I’m about to tell you is private,” I say. “I can trust you, right?”
She nods slowly. “You can.”
I let out a breath. “Then I’m going to tell you exactly what happened last fall with Tristan Jackson and my sister, Lily.”