Page 68 of Give Me Love

I laugh. “How about Austin and I do burgers and fries? I’m sure they have salads for you, Claire.”

“Sounds good to me. Come on, my little rabbit,” Austin says, putting his arm around Claire who doesn’t shrug it off.

I twist my cap off my water bottle when I hear, “Harrison.” I turn to see Jace and Bryce.

“Hey,” I say, my eyes darting over to Bryce in khaki shorts and a T-shirt. I think about the other night when he came to my house and we slept together. To have him so close and he not try anything was torture.

Later that morning, I felt him get up. I acted like I was still asleep while he quietly got dressed. He didn’t leave right away and I almost opened my eyes to see what he was doing, but when his kiss touched my hair, I was so glad I didn’t.

“Bye,” he whispered. “That was a first for me.”

I didn’t know what he meant by that, but I kept up my acting until I heard the front door close and then I thought maybe he’s never justsleptwith anyone and the thought made me smile. Another first with Bryce and I was glad he didn’t try anything.

“What are you two doing out here battling the heat?” I ask the brothers.

“Booze and music,” Jace says, likewhat else.

I laugh, and Bryce’s lip lifts.

“We’re going to grab a bite to eat,” Claire says.

“And fucking cool down a bit,” Austin throws in as he drinks from his cup.

“Y’all wanna come?” I ask.

Jace shrugs. “I could use some food.”

“Yeah,” Bryce says. Having never actually met before, I introduce Jace to Claire and Austin, telling him that Austin rebuilds old cars, and that’s enough to get them talking. The three walk in front of us and Bryce and I tag along behind. We haven’t really talked since he left that morning. Only a few texts here and there.

“I didn’t know you liked concerts,” I say.

“Who doesn’t like concerts?” he asks.

I shrug. “You just don’t look like the type to partake in day drinking and music.”

He nods. “I’ve been doing a lot of abnormal shit lately, so, when Jace asked if I wanted to go, I couldn’t think of a reason not to.”

I laugh. “I’m glad you did.”

He lifts his hat before dropping it back down. He clears his throat. “I meant to apologize for the other day. I shouldn’t have done that.”

My heart sinks. Why does he regret that? Just when I think things are moving forward with us, we take ten steps back.

But moving forward how?My subconscious tosses in the question of all questions. One that I have no answer to still. I’m just as confused about us now as I was when I first saw him on those stairs. We’re fucking complicated.

“You apologize when it’s not needed.” I think back on the seat belt incident.

“So, you were cool with me leaving while you were asleep?”

I look over at him as we near the restaurant. That’s what he’s apologizing for? An airy feeling lifts my heart from my stomach.

“Oh. Well, I mean, you said bye.”

He looks surprised. “You were awake then?”

“Kinda.” I smile.

He smiles back. “Good.”

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