Chapter 14 #3
“He’s not,” Nox says, adamant this time.
He runs a hand through his hair, casting a furtive glance at me, before returning his attention to his sister.
That brief moment of connection ties my stomach in knots, though I can’t pinpoint why.
“Trust me,” he continues. “I’m doing everything in my power not to end up like him. ”
“Good,” she says, so quietly it almost sounds like a confession.
Then she shakes her head, bringing herself back from whatever internal place she drifted.
“Tell him to call me. In the meantime, I’ll talk to Mom.
If she wants me to smooth it over, I will.
We both know I can play the happy family when I need to.
It’s the only reason he still gets one holiday a year from me. ”
Palpable relief flashes in his eyes. “Thank you.”
Nox leaves after that. A guilty feeling washes over me, witnessing the intensity of their conversation. I suddenly feel like a huge bitch for thinking he just came here to piss me off somehow. It’s so much bigger than that.
Nova turns to me, her smile a bit too wide to be real. “Welcome to the Monroe Family Freakshow.”
I laugh because I know that’s what she needs. “How was Europe? Tell me everything.”
Gratitude softens her features, because she doesn’t have to ask me to stay quiet, to forget what I heard. We both know it’s already forgotten.
Willa returns about two hours later. I feel whole in a way I haven’t since before Christmas, with all three of us together, lifting each other up, having fun, with no underlying pressure.
We go out after dinner, opting for the football house at Grant’s invitation.
Since it’s hockey season, Logan and his friends have calmed down immensely, but the football crew is just ramping up for the winter.
They won their bowl game over J-term and have pretty much been in celebration mode ever since.
We play games and dance and sing. I’m having the time of my life—until I spot Nox in the corner.
A girl hangs off his broad shoulders, kissing him as if she’s trying to suck his soul out of his body. I immediately avert my eyes, inhaling sharply, as if I’ve been punched.
But they’re drawn back.
Again and again.
Each time, this sour feeling curdles in my gut.
It’s been months since I’ve seen him with another girl, since before Halloween I suddenly realize.
It’s not that big of a deal, I try to reason.
It’s to be expected. But a stronger voice, somewhere deep inside, is drowning out the rational one.
Do something. Anything. Get out of here.
“I think I’m going to go,” I shout to Nova and Willa over the music.
Their faces twist in disappointment. “No! Stay! We’re having so much fun!”
“I’m going to text Evan,” I say, the words spilling from my lips before I can stop them. Willa’s and Nova’s faces light up, just as I knew they would.
“Get some!” Nova chants.
Willa leans over my phone. “What are you going to say?”
My fingers tremble as I hover over the message thread. It takes all of my willpower not to glance over at Nox again. I don’t need to—the image is burned in my brain. And hopefully, this will wipe it all away.
Still want to finish that conversation?
The girls grin. I press send before I lose my nerve. It’s one o’clock in the morning. If he was unsure about my answer earlier today, he sure as hell won’t be worried now.
The reply is immediate.
Yes.
Where?
My room. I’ll be back in ten.
On my way.
Nova shrieks and grabs my shoulders to shake me with an infectious energy that leaves me grinning like a giddy schoolgirl. Willa pushes me toward the stairs. I sneak one more glance at Nox, but he’s gone.
Good riddance.
Evan is waiting outside the dorm when I get back. A nervous twinge creeps up my spine at the anticipation shimmering in his eyes. We barely speak as I lead him inside. My throat is too clogged, my body too on edge. Out of habit, my gaze darts to the window the second I step through my bedroom door.
Nox is there.
He looks at me, then flicks his gaze over my shoulder, his unchanging expression severe.
I don’t wait to see the girl who’s undoubtedly in his room step into the frame.
I’ve seen enough of her already. Taking a move out of his playbook, I march over to the window and grab the string for the blinds.
Then I tug, offering him a sweet smile as they slam decidedly closed.
Take that!
A thrill shoots up my spine. Evan’s hands land on my hips and I spin.
His lips crash into mine before I even have time to process.
I tell myself the buzz beneath my skin is because of him.
His mouth. His touch. His presence. But I don’t let it go too far.
Our clothes stay on. No lines get crossed.
And in those few brutally honest moments before sleep takes hold, when my subconscious gains an unruly mind of its own, Evan isn’t where my thoughts wander.
Yes, my head may be on his chest.
My heart is another thing entirely.