Oh, for the love of God. This is ridiculous.
“Anderson is just such an amazing guy. I’ve only ever dated losers.”
Knox, ever the smug bastard, cradles his chin in his palm as he rests his elbow on his crossed leg. “You know, I think Anderson wouldlovethat. Parents love him—the big, loveable golden retriever he is.”
Fucking kill me now.
One look at my mom tells me she’s as done with this charade as I am. Then, turning my attention to my dad, he’s smirking, like he’s enjoying this. He’s worse than Knox.
Miraculously, we’re able to get through the rest of the day without any more discussion of plans for the future that’ll never happen. We stayed on the boat for the rest of the afternoon.
I’ve tried texting Crew a few more times. No response. My skin is crawling with the desire to go over to his house and make him talk to me. This isn’t us. We don’t shut the other out, and it pisses me off that Calina is here and I’m not able to do that.
Which isn’t fair. It isn’t her fault, and it’s not something I should be angry with her for.
It doesn’t help that I drank on the boat. More than I should’ve. I shot-gunned three beers with Aston, then drank another two. We were on the water for several hours, but I didn’t eat much more than a couple of granola bars, so I’m feeling tipsy now that we’re back home. Mom and Dad decided to stay at the cabin by the water for the rest of the weekend. I’m pretty sure it’s only because Mom doesn’t want to be here when I break up with Calina.
Thankfully, Calina is tired and didn’t try anything with me. It would’ve been awkward talking my way out of it, given we haven’t seen each other in a while. Most guys would be dying to fuck their girlfriends. And I’m usually one of them. Instead, she fell asleep almost immediately in the bed beside me, but I don’t have the same luck. Sleep seems to be evading me tonight, and I know why. I’m staring at my phone, silently willing Crew to finally text me back.
Sighing heavily, I type another text to him. Clearly, I have no chill.
Me: I realize this is getting pathetic. I’ve texted you half a dozen times and should probably take a hint… but I can’t. Please talk to me. I hate this.
I hit send before I can talk myself out of it and head to the bathroom. Taking a piss, washing my hands, and then brushing my teeth, I make my way back to bed. Much to my surprise, my phone is lit up.He actually texted me back.
Crew: I’m outside. Can you let me in?
Shit. He’s here? I hate how excited that makes me. Glancing over my shoulder, Calina is still asleep.
Me: Be right down.
Shoving my phone into my sweats pockets, I close my bedroom door softly behind me and make my way downstairs. My heart is pounding in my chest and my stomach is fluttering with anticipation of seeing him. Crew is the only person on the planet who has the ability to make me feel like a giddy teenage girl. I’m not even mad about it, either. I’ve always looked forward to seeing him—he’s my best friend, it’s exciting to see your best friend—but it’s intensified since we started whateverthisis.
I jog down the stairs, trying to make as little noise as possible. It sounds like Aston and Knox are asleep already, so I don’t want to disturb anyone. Reaching the bottom, I swing the door open, coming face to face with Crew.
And fuck. He’s so fucking gorgeous. I let my gaze travel down his frame before coming back up. He’s in black joggers and a form-fitting plain white V-neck tee, with black Nike slides and white socks. He has a black beanie on his head, and his dark-framed glasses on his face. Even though he doesn’t wear his glasses often, choosing instead to wear contacts, they look amazing on him.
“Hi.” My voice is breathy and quiet, palms sweaty and fingers itching to touch him.
“Hey.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“Where isshe?”
My stomach drops at the mention of Calina coming from him. “Upstairs. Sleeping.”
“Is there somewhere we can talk?” His bored expression is not helping the flip-flopping happening in my gut. His face is void of any emotion, which is so unlike him. Especially when it comes to me.
“Of course. We can go into the living room. My parents are at the cabin.” Turning on my heel, I lead us in that direction, not bothering to switch on the lights. The moonlight pouring in through the large bay windows is enough to illuminate the room.
Neither of us sits down. The air surrounding us is strained and suffocating. I hate it.
“So, what’s up? I’ve tried texting you a bunch today.”
“I know. I needed to cool down before I talked to you.”
“Okay… are you calm now?”