Page 9 of Forever Cursed

“Casual hookups?”

“Not as often as I used to.”

“Huh.” I click my tongue in wonder.

“What do you mean,huh?” he asks with a laugh. “Wait... are you going all psychology major on me, Chrissy Willows?” he asks in disbelief.

“I can’t help it! What twenty—wait, how old are you?”

“Twenty-one.”

“What twenty-one-year-old guy doesn’t have an interest in girls? Oh, wait.” Is Rome gay? Fuck, this is embarrassing. Here I am, trying to capture his attention, and I’m not even his type.

“Hold on, missy. I never said I wasn’t interested in girls. I said I needed to focus on football.” He raises his finger and wags it.

“Huh,” I repeat myself, and his smirk widens.

“Don’thuhme. I am perfectly content with how things are going right now. Football, casual flings, classes, workouts, meal prep. I’ve got it down to a science.”

“Sounds dull.”

His light-hearted expression falters, and silence fills the car.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean?—”

“It’s hard sometimes. Most days, I struggle because it feels like I’m running in circles,” he admits. “But it’s getting better now that I’m friends with Ash and you guys.”

“I’m here for you, Rome. Whatever you need. You’re always welcome to our outings.” Reaching out, I squeeze his hand that’s on his lap.

“I appreciate that, Wildflower.”

“Wildflower?” I ask with an arched brow.

“It’s a cuter nickname than hot mess. You’re wild and pretty like a flower.” He smirks before wrapping his hand around mine.

With a faint smile, I lean back into my seat and run my thumb over the backside of his hand.

Chapter Five

Rome

Idropped her hand after a few minutes, and the moment I did, I missed how her skin felt against mine. That was a terrible idea because now I wantmore.

I want to see where things may lead with us, but I can’t for several reasons. The first reason is my deep-rooted fear that she’ll up and leave me when I’m falling too deep. The second reason is football. I need to focus this year, especially with the NFL draft. The third, and possibly most important reason, is Zack. That guy is my best friend. What would he think of me if I went behind his back and went after his sister? How would he react? He’d probably kick my ass. It doesn’t matter that I’m twice his size. Zack Willows would pummel me senseless, and I would let him. Friends don’t do that to friends, no matter how deep the feelings may run.

I pull into the Waylens’ driveway and leave the car running, stealing a glimpse at the woman in my hoodie. Even in the dark, she radiates pure light. She’s playing with her thumbs and chewing on her lower lip. I’d give anything to weave my hands in her curls and pull her close. The desire to have her lips on mine starts to cloud my judgment.

With a soft sigh, Chrissy unzips the hoodie and frees her arms. “Thanks again,” she says with a sweet yet sad smile.

“No problem.” I take the jacket, and another moment of silence passes.

“See you on Saturday?” she asks as she opens the car door, preparing to hop out.

Stay, don’t go, not yet.The words build in my throat, but I swallow them down. Instead, I give her a simple reply. “Absolutely.”

And then she’s gone. She walks up to Ash’s home while I silently beg her to look over her shoulder. When the door opens, she enters with her head down. Zack pops his head out to wave goodbye. I raise my hand and put the car in reverse, wishing I had the guts to go after what I desperately want but can never have.

I don’t turn the radio on during the drive back. I listen to the wind until I pull into the parking lot of my apartment complex. After grabbing my bag, I lock up my car and head inside. Taking the stairs, I climb four flights before I reach my door. When I open it, the smell of home greets me, and I can’t help but feel relaxed.

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