Page 63 of Press Play

Chapter Twenty-Four

Theo

“Wren, please.”I beg as worry consumes me. “I’ll be good. Just let me in so we can talk.”

I hear her slide down the door before she hits the floor.

I rest my forehead against the wood and sigh. “Let me fix this.”

“There’s nothing to fix.” Her voice is strained like she’s fighting back tears, and it runs a knife straight through my heart.

I sink to my knees and press my back against the door while raking my hands through my hair. I don’t know what to say that will make her feel better. What would I want to hear if the roles were reversed?

“I’m not naked anymore,” I say as I tie a knot in my shorts drawstring, but she doesn’t respond. “I’m here, Wren. I’m right here.” Closing my eyes, I tilt my head back and drop my shoulders. “We can still be us. Nothing has to change.”

Although, that’s a lie. Things can’t go back to the way they were a few days ago. Yesterday was enough to clear that slate for me, and today blew our friendship out of the water.

I’m not met with a response, which means her mind is running too fast for her to form a coherent sentence.

“I’m not going anywhere.” I reassure her. “I’ll be right here when you’re ready.”

With another sigh, I lie flat on the ground and stare up at the ceiling. My own mind is running a marathon, but my main concern is Wren. I wish she knew change is okay and that I want this more than anything in the world. But I know this woman like the back of my hand, and she’s going to put herself through the wringer.

Tomorrow is a new day, and we’ll both feel better after we rest and let our emotions return to a simmer.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Wren

I’m such an idiot.Why do I keep doing this to myself?

I had him—Ihadhim—and the second the focus shifted to me, I ran.

Again.

Why? Why does this keep happening? Sure, I ran when he caught me touching myself while watching him jack off, but that was after. Hell, I invited him in.I asked him to help me, and he didn’t hesitate. He practicallyleaptat the chance.

But now? Now it’s different.

I can’t do this alone, and since Mia already has a front-row seat to whatever this thing is between Theo and me, I figure I might as well take advantage of it. I need someone to talk to—someone who won’t judge me for spiraling.

When I slipped past Theo sleeping outside my door, my heart shattered. He looked so peaceful, sosafe.But it had to be done. I couldn’t face him. Not yet. The twenty-minute walk to Mia’s townhouse flew by, lost in the storm of my thoughts—regret, confusion, fear, and that unbearable pull I can’t seem to shake.

When I knock on the white-paneled door, I release a long, shaky breath. I’m not ready for this conversation, but it’s not like I’ve got much of a choice.

The door swings open, and my heart sinks.

“Brandy.” My voice comes out higher than I intend, and I force a wide, brittle smile. “What are you doing here?”

She leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, a knowing look on her face that makes me want to disappear. “I’ve been staying here more often since you left,” she says casually, like it’s no big deal. Then she narrows her eyes. “What areyoudoing here? You’re not usually up this early.”

I let out a nervous laugh, tucking a loose curl behind my ear. “Sleep has been... elusive.” I shift my weight, trying to peer past her into the house. “Is Mia home?”

She arches a brow. “Why don’t you seem happy to see me?” she asks, tilting her head like she’s dissecting me. She steps aside, forcing me to focus on her.

“What?” I force another fake laugh. “Of course I’m happy to see you!”

It’s just that you hate Theo, and this is definitely a Theo-related matter.

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