Page 157 of Voices

He smirks down at me, his left dimple creasing his cheek. I reach up and poke it. “I can skip the party and help you pack. There’ll be another one at the end of the school year and if I don’t get picked up by an NHL team, I can always go to the one next year.”

He shakes his head before I finish. “I can do it. There’s not that much. I have to pack up the few clothes I left, empty the bathroom, and grab whatever’s left in my art room. Oh, and make sure nothing is molding in the refrigerator or cabinets.”

“You sure? I don’t mind missing the party. I’d rather help you. What if there’s too much and it doesn’t fit in your car? We can take my truck and make it in one trip. I bet I can get help from the guys too. We can clear it out then go catch a movie and grab dinner. I know Asher wouldn’t mind coming, Matt and Ryder might need a little persu-”

“Shane, stop.” He cuts me off, holding his finger to my lips. “I can do it. You aren’t missing this party because of me.”

I try to say it’s not, but he stops me again.

“Nope. I don’t want to hear it. My car has plenty of room for all three boxes I probably won’t even fill.” Moving his finger from my lips to the scar on my left brow, he traces it while looking into my eyes. “Please go have fun tonight. If I end up needing help, I promise to call you. You have nothing to worry about. I’ll be waiting for you right here when you get home.”

His golden eyes shine down at me, his soft grin reassuring me that he’ll be fine. I’m not sure if he’d even enjoy himself beingaround so many people and I know being alone is comforting to him.

I nod. “Okay.”

A few hours later we’re standing outside next to our cars.

“You never told me where this car came from.” I tap the top of his Mustang.

He shrugs. “I keep it in a parking garage while I’m at school. I never needed it until…”

Until his dad beat the shit out of him.

I hug him to me and kiss the top of his head. “Well, it’s a cool as hell car and I’m glad you have it.”

He pushes on my chest gently but stays in my arms. “Go be all sociable and shit.” He lifts on his toes for a kiss.

After a quick kiss, I open his door for him, watching him climb in and start the engine. It purrs as it comes to life.

“That’s such a sick sound,” I lower my head. “Call if you need anything. If I don’t pick up, try one of those idiots,” I thumb over my shoulder where the guys are waiting for me in my truck.

He smiles. “I will. Remember to have fun tonight. I already told Ryder to make sure you have at least one drink.”

I lean in for another kiss. “I love you. I’ll see you later, beautiful.”

“I love you, too.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Charlie

Pulling up to my townhouse, I park in a spot in front of the doors and quickly rush up the stairs as the biting wind whips the hood of my hoodie down. Someone opens the door right as I get to it, making my escape from the cold seamless. Thanking them for holding it open, I turn and head to the office.

A young woman is sitting at the desk playing on her phone. I walk up to her and clear my throat when she doesn’t look up.

“Yeah?” She pops her gum still looking at her phone.

“I’m cleaning out my rental and will be dropping off my keys in about thirty minutes.”

“Ugh, stupid game never drops the right candy for me to win. Fucking cheating shit.”

Must be a freshman.

I clear my throat again. “Anyways, thought I’d give you the heads up so you can let the first person on the waitlist know it’ll be available soon.”

“Sure. Whatever. Drop your keys off when your do-” She stops when she finally looks up. “What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t. I’m Charlie Alexander. I live in Unit-”

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