Page 101 of Voices

His face is buried in my chest with his arms around his middle.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers into my hoodie.

“Shh. There’s no need to apologize. I know you didn’t do any of that.” I lean back and tilt his chin up.

He has tears in the corners of his eyes and he’s chewing on his bottom lip. I gently pull it free and place a lingering kiss on his forehead.

I step back and pick up his bag that he dropped in the hall, sling it over my shoulder and wrap my arm back around his shoulders.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Charlie

It's the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and I’m doing everything to not have a panic attack. My classes were canceled, and Shane is in his only class for the day. I’ve been pacing outside of his class for thirty minutes, not able to sit still. He wanted me to stay at home with Ryder, but I grabbed his hand and refused to let go.

I rake my fingers through my messy hair and tug on the ends. I check the time on my phone for the millionth time. Twelve twenty-seven. Shit. I have about thirty minutes before Benji pulls up to my townhouse to pick me up. We weren’t supposed to leave until five, but I guess some of his old high school friends are coming home early and he wants to hang out with them. And since he has the only car here, I have to ride with him.

I startle at the feel of hands on my shoulders. I jerk my head up and sigh when I see light blue eyes looking down at me.

“You ready?” Shane asks as he threads his fingers through mine and starts walking to the door.

“So. I was thinking we stop by Duci Pizza, say hi to Elio and Lorenzo, grab a few pizzas, and have an early dinner with the guys before you go. How’s that sound?”

He walks up to the passenger side door of his truck and opens the door. I chew on my bottom lip, looking everywhere but at him.

“What’s wrong?” He pulls my lip free and tilts my chin up with his finger.

I swallow a few times before I’m able to speak. “I have to leave. Benji said he’s going to pick me up at one,” I whisper. “I’m sorry.”

He scrunches his brows. “I thought we had until five?”

I shrug, pulling my lip back into my mouth.

“Do you have to ride with Benji? I don’t mind driving you. I enjoy road trips,” he says with a crooked smile.

I wish I didn’t have to go at all. But I can’t let Shane see the monstrosity I grew up in or all the housekeepers and butlers. Plus, he’d have to come in and greet my father and I don’t want Shane anywhere near him.

I clear my throat. “Thanks, but it’s okay. I don’t want you to waste the rest of your day on the highway.” I bite the inside of my cheek as I look up at him. “Benji wants to get home to meet up with some friends. I’m sure he told our father that we’re leaving earlier so I’d be expected to arrive home along with him. Sorry.”

“What did I tell you about the S word? No more, okay? This isn’t your fault, so you don’t have to apologize.” He checks the time on his phone and then looks back at me. “You have about fifteen minutes. Hop in and I’ll drive you over so you can pack real quick.”

I try to smile in thanks, but it feels fake, so I drop it as I climb into his truck.

The short drive is quiet with soft rock music playing. When he pulls into a spot in front of my building and turns the truck off, I grab his arm before he can climb out.

“I don’t need to pack. I have plenty of clothes there. Can we wait here instead?”

He leans over the center console and drops a quick kiss on my lips. “We can do whatever you want beautiful.” He kisses me again before sitting back in his seat. “What time is the event tomorrow? I want to make sure I don’t miss those selfies you’regoing to send of you in a sleek black suit, looking sexy as hell.” He pumps his eyebrows with a sly smile.

I shake my head at him and let out a soft snort. “I have no control over what I’ll be wearing and I don’t remember agreeing to send selfies.” I’ve never even taken a selfie. “And it starts at six, so I’ll have to be ready by five.”

“Oh, you are definitely taking a few selfies for me. I love you dressed in my clothes, but I need to see you in a suit for…research purposes.” His smile grows as he winks at me.

I smile back, fighting to roll my eyes. “I’ll try.”

He pulls my hand towards him at the same time he leans over, meeting me in the middle over the console again.

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