Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
To lighten the mood, I ask, “So you weren’t just a little bit worried about me out there? That I would get hurt?”
She giggles, and I can’t pretend it isn’t gratifying. “Right. Like he could do anything to you.”
“I don’t know. I mean, I hate to say it, but he’s bulked up a little bit this semester. There’s more muscle on him than there was back when classes started.”
“Is there?” She shrugs. “I didn’t notice.” It looks and sounds like she’s telling the truth, too. I wish he was here so he’d know for sure he doesn’t have a chance with her. Nobody could do to her what I do.
And nobody could protect her the way I can.
As I walk to the bathroom, I can’t help but remember that note, the only one left in front of the door. You Can’t Protect Her. The memory leaves a sour taste in my mouth, even with Mia following and leaving a trail of clothing in her wake.
As much as I believe I can—as much as I have to, with every fiber of my being—I can’t help but hope as she steps into the shower along with me that I never have to prove it. Because that would mean her life was in danger.
And I don’t know anymore how I could live if that was ever the case.
26
MIA
I was a total asshole. I’m sorry. Stress from finals, all that shit.
I get it, I type out before glancing up at Zeke. He’s busy driving, humming to the radio, and tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. It’s nice, seeing him like this. He’s relaxed, almost happy. I know he’s looking forward to his long rides on the Harley, one of the few things Dad lets him do once I’m in for the night. He shipped it back to the house a few days ago rather than leave it in the garage at the condo. I wouldn’t want to leave it sitting around either, not if I was ninety minutes away on a good traffic day.
It’s a shame there’s no way Dad would ever let me go for a ride with him because I would love nothing more. But we have plenty of time for that once we get back.
And then you were so cool during the presentation. Nobody would ever know anything happened.
Yes, and I had to get Zeke to swear on his motorcycle he wouldn’t start anything during that final class—and that if Dean did, he would walk away rather than fight back. They both behaved themselves, and I’m still grateful.
That’s what needed to be done, I tell Dean, typing on my phone and glad I’m sitting in the back seat so Zeke can’t see. It’s all over now.
The fact is, I want to continue my friendship with Posey and Zoe, but I wouldn’t care if I never saw Dean again. I will, I’m sure, but it’s not like I’m going to seek him out on campus. Any chance we ever had of being good friends was ruined when he looked at me like he did that day. He was so nasty, too. I’m willing to forgive and forget a lot of things, but that?
Are you home yet? he asks.
Not yet. On the way. Are you?
Yeah, I left first thing in the morning. Then another message. I’m meeting up with somebody later, too. I’m looking forward to it.
I bite back a knowing laugh. So this is how it’s going to be, huh? He wants to make sure I know I’m not the only fish in the sea. Yeah? Somebody special?
“Everything okay back there?” Zeke looks at me in the mirror, and though I can’t see his entire face, I know he’s smiling by looking at his eyes. Right now, their gray is soft and comforting.
And as much as I love to see that, it’s a problem. “Hey, careful. You can’t go around smiling at me while we’re at home. You have to go back to being your grumpy self.” I scowl at him as an example.
“Right, what was I thinking?” He rolls his eyes before lowering his sunglasses, then he grunts. “Better?”
“That’s more like it.” Sure, we’re joking about it, but we both know how serious the situation is. Nobody can find out about us.
It’s going to be an interesting break, finding ways to sneak around. And I’m not going to waste energy telling myself we won’t, like we’ll be able to keep our hands off each other the next three weeks. I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities.
There’s a new message from Dean. It’s one of those things that kind of got left hanging a while ago, and I’m hoping we can get things moving again. He sends an emoji, too, a hand with fingers crossed. I send it back to him.