Page 36 of Matched

“Oh. Yeah. I get your point. Not that you have to worry,” I rushed out when her face fell. Inside, I was still reeling from the shock of Nate moving to Plymouth. He’d never mentioned it to me in all the time we’d spent together. Not once.

I bit down on my lip, trying to compose myself. Why should it bother me? I was aware that he wasn’t going to be at LSU after this semester finished, anyway, so it shouldn’t make a difference. Maybe it was the fact that he hadn’t told me. Then again, it wasn’t like we were friends. Or we were, but our friendship was new, and we both had plenty of other friends we were closer to and had known for much longer.

We continued the walk to the student halls in silence, and while it had seemed awkward back in the coffee shop when we’d had long pauses in the conversation, now I was grateful for it. By the time we came to a stop outside the entrance to the halls, I’d convinced myself that I’d overreacted to the news, and I gave Sophie a genuine smile as she fished her key card from her bag.

“Um…so…are you going to the student union with everyone next Friday night? I heard most of the football team were going, and I know you’re not technically on the team, but you’ve been training with them.” Sophie shifted on her feet, glancing up at me as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Yeah. I don’t really have a choice since it’s supposed to be celebrating my final training session with the team. That’s the excuse for going, anyway.”

“I’ll see you there?” There was a question in her voice, and I nodded quickly.

“The more, the merrier. Bring your friends.” At my words, she smiled, swaying forwards, and before I knew what was happening, a slim hand was curling around the back of my neck, and her lips were on mine. My hand went to her waist to steady her as we kissed, almost on autopilot, my heart hammering in my chest.

It probably only lasted a few seconds, and by the time my brain caught up with what was happening, the kiss was over. Stepping back, Sophie released me, a small smile on her face, and with a soft “bye,” she left me alone. My hand went to my mouth, my fingertips pressing at my lips, coming away slightly sticky with the residue of whatever glossy stuff she’d put on them.

“I am so fucked,” I mumbled aloud, slumping back against the wall and closing my eyes.

13

My phone vibrated against my leg, and I eased it from my pocket, glancing up at my lecturer to make sure she wasn’t paying attention.

Sophie:

It went well. Really well

My brow furrowed as I stared at the message that had appeared on my screen, before I remembered that I’d finally given in and texted my sister late last night, asking how her date went. Had she gone home with Charlie, or had he gone home with her?

I rubbed at my stomach in a futile effort to get rid of the sudden, weird feeling. Balancing my phone on my thigh, I tapped out a quick message.

Me:

Not too well I hope

She sent me back several eye roll emojis, and after the longest minute of my life, my phone buzzed with an actual reply.

Sophie:

I know what you’re implying and you can stop it. He was a perfect gentleman. He walked me home and kissed me. Not that I would tell you if anything else happened, because IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. But you can hold off the big brother routine

Gritting my teeth, I stabbed out a reply.

Me:

There’s no big brother routine. It’s called being concerned for my sister

Sophie:

I know but please remember I’m an adult now

Me:

I know. Sorry

Sophie:

Can you promise to act cool on Friday? I’m assuming you’re going to the student union with the rest of the football team. Charlie will be there and I don’t want you to scare him off. I really like him

Friday. Fucking hell. It wasn’t even a proper night out—it was supposed to be casual drinks, with the flimsy excuse of celebrating Charlie’s final training session with the team, whichwas happening on Wednesday. Now, Charlie had presumably invited my sister.

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