Page 57 of Chasing You

May’s eyes meet mine as the boys launch into a conversation about eagles and their migration habits.

She gives me a wary look, as if she’s wondering what I think about the fact that Miles didn’t mention the fact that he saw more than just an eagle in that forest.

But I give her a subtle smile and a nod, grateful Miles chose to leave out that detail. But of course he did, he wouldn’t want to put me in a position where I felt uncomfortable, especially in a room of my friends.Considerate as ever.

Isla’s eyes jump between May and me, urging us to fill her in. I just mouthlaterfrom where I sit across the living room from her.

May gets up, filling yet another glass with orange juice. “What is with you and that juice tonight?” I ask.

“I have no idea,” she says before downing half the glass. “I’m just craving it for some reason. It’s so…orangey.”

I just frown at her as she finds a perch on Rafael’s lap before tuning back into the sound of Miles’s voice.

“They told me about this dude, Boulder?”Miles’s face contorts in confusion. “Apparently, there’s a tournament this weekend?”

“I think I heard about that,” Heath says. “Never met a fella calledBoulderthough.”

“I need to go down to Luna’s gym, apparently. I might need to get a few practice rounds in if this guy lets me into the tournament.”

“Wait, you’re going to fight in a tournament?” The question slips out, worry fraying the edge of my words, catching the attention of everyone in the room.

I’ve known since the second night I ever saw him that Miles finds comfort in a boxing ring. But fighting in a tournament? That sounds intense.

I try my best to sink back into my chair before Miles responds. “Maybe, if I can find this guy. And if I can find a sparring partner to practice with.”

I just nod, looking down at my hands and fiddling with the ring on my finger, hoping the others will find someone else to look at. Hoping Miles will find someone else to look at because I can feel his gaze searing into me.

“I’ll spar with you.” My head lifts to see Leo looking at Miles. Everyone’s attention jumps to him.

“Really?” Miles asks.

“Sure, I need to stay in shape, it’s a good way to relieve tension. Plus, any chance to meet someone with the name of a rock is one I’ll take up. ”

“Since when have you been a prize-fighter?” May asks from her perch on Rafael’s lap, where he has a possessive arm wrapped around her waist.

“I do personal security, remember? It would be odd if I weren’t doing some sort of combat sport.”

“Oh, you do personal security, do you?” Her tone is accusatory, and I feel everyone’s energy switch. May is the only one who is brave enough to challenge Leo on his current career situation. I’ve tried talking to him, so has Caio, but he won’t openup to anyone, won’t tell any of us what made him come back to Ruby Cove nine months ago, and why he hasn’t gone back to his work since.

My eyes catch on Miles, who is looking around the group like he’s missing something, which he is. My heart aches for him just knowing he isn’t filled in on everything going on, but how could he be?

Part of me wonders if he would be if he had stayed all those years ago, if he would’ve been a part of this group for years now. Maybe it was all meant to go this way.

Because if he were, we wouldn’t have met Isla the way we did. I would’ve met her as Miles’s sister, and I don’t know if I would’ve connected with her like I did.

Caio wouldn’t have found her and May on that road into town that day, he would’ve already known her too.

But somehow I think they would still end up exactly as they are now, I can’t imagine a universe where those two don’t find each other.

“I’d love the company,” Miles says, as if he can feel the tension in the room, as if he knew May was about to serve up some heat to Leo.

Leo’s attention jumps to him and he nods. “Anytime.”

chapter twenty-four

MILES

PRESENT

---