Page 41 of The Pinkie Pact

Sky's thumb caressed my hand. "Stop thinking so much, and just watch the movie."

How did she know the insanity of my mind?

"Just take a breath and relax, Kieran."

I did as she said. I took a breath. And then another. I'd deal with all the damn guilt later. But clearly, I needed to do something because this wasn't right, and most of all, I was not that kind of guy.

We watched the movie twice, making me forget about everything else. I just had fun with her, fun laughing, even singing, always with our hands connected, keeping me grounded, keeping me sane.

After the second time through, she suggested we watch more Disney movies. And sometime during the next movie, I must have fallen asleep because hours later, I felt a pulsing light behind my eyes that wouldn't stop. I squinted to see the sunshine coming in through the windows, shining right in my face.

For a second, I wondered where I was and why I'd forgotten to close the curtains. In the next moment, I became aware of a warm body sprawled up against me. I'd fallen asleep in the corner of the couch, my head on the armrest, with Sky squeezed in between me and the cushions, half her body on mine, our arms wrapped tightly around each other.

Not daring to move, I stared at the top of her head, letting myselffeelher. Her slow, steady breathing just emphasized the fact that her breasts were crushed against my stomach. She was so stunningly beautiful, and her body felt like heaven. Even our legs were tangled together. And the way she was so close to my...

Damn it! I shouldn't be feeling these things. Shouldn't even be thinking these things. I was not this person.

My heart stopped as the events of last night flashed through my mind. Closing my eyes, remorse and guilt tangled together inside me.

I needed to get up, get away from her. This needed to stop.Now.

Breakdown

Sky

My warm, comfortable bed suddenly moved, and I sat up. Completely disoriented, I saw Kieran jerk away from me like he'd been burned.

Everything that had happened last night came crashing over me as we stared at each other, a strange look on his face, making me beyond curious to know what he was thinking.

"Are you feeling okay?" I scooted back on the couch, putting some distance between us, any warmness I was feeling evaporating as I waited for his response.

"I—I—" he stammered, smoke practically coming out of his ears while he thought.

I saw his Adam's apple move up and down as he swallowed. Was he sick? Was he upset about the closeness we'd shared last night? After all, hewaspractically engaged.

Did he blame me? Did he blame himself? And did he know that Kara was the one responsible for the damn cookie mess?

Where the hell was she anyway? It'd be really nice if she came out of the bedroom and apologized right about now.

There was a strange silence that hung in the air between us while I searched his face.

He stood up, giving me relief from those green eyes that had been piercing me so intensely. I glanced toward the hallway, hoping to see Kara emerge. But she didn't.

"I need to go," he said, shoving his coat on.

Frozen, I sat there watching as he grabbed a few things from a bowl on the nearby shelf and opened the door. And then he was gone, leaving me with sudden tears filling my eyes.

I was so damn confused. What on earth was Kieran thinking? Was he mad at me? Why had he left so abruptly?

My emotions swirled around me as I remembered how close I'd felt to him just a few hours ago. We'd held hands. We'd laughed so much together. We'd even slept with each other on the couch all night.

God, I felt sick.

And where was Kara anyway? I bolted up from the couch and looked in the bedroom. Oh, great. She wasn't even there anymore. What the hell? Had she snuck out sometime in the night, trying to escape any repercussions for her actions?

For the first time since I'd met her, I was mad at her, and I hated the feeling.

Finding my phone, I shoved it in my pocket before grabbing my coat. I needed fresh air, and I needed to get home.

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