Page 63 of Unbidden

I glance back as his husky voice flows through my body, causing shivers to break out.

“Inside. I’m sure your sister and V are wondering where I am.”

“They aren’t awake yet. It’s probably around six o’clock. They’ll be sleeping a while longer.”

He stands up and stretches, causing his T-shirt to ride up. Of their own volition, my eyes zero in on his abs. He stretches a moment longer before speaking again.

“Were you warm enough? I noticed you shivering in your sleep, so I grabbed you a blanket.”

There goes your pretending he’s never done anything nice for you.

“I was. Thank you. Why didn’t you go up to bed?”

He gives me a small smile, different from his usual cocky smirk. “I didn’t want to leave you out here by yourself, but I didn’t want to wake you after you finally fell asleep.”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but it is. I don’t know why he’s being nice all of a sudden, but I don’t trust it.

So hot and cold.

“Thank you.”

“No worries.” He brushes it off, turning to head into the house.

I follow him inside, making my way back to Tinsley’s room. Once at her door, I glance over my shoulder as Reed pauses by his own door, locking eyes with me.

I smile at him, relieved when he smiles back. He gives me a knowing look before he disappears into his room. I quietly slip into Tinsley’s room, resting my back against the door.

Last night was crazy, but for the first time since I’ve been here, I feel normal.

I feel like maybe I might belong.

Chapter Fourteen

“Are you going to eat lunch with us today?” Keaton slings his arm over my shoulder.

After the weird moment with Reed Sunday morning, I spent the rest of the day working. Beth gave me four days this week, for which I’m grateful. One of them is tonight.

“I can.” I shrug. “I was planning to eat with Tinsley and Victoria.”

“If you eat with me, then they will too. Come on. Lunch is on me today.”

I roll my eyes. “Lunch is free for all students.”

“And because of the generous donation from the Yates family, that is possible.” The charming wink he tacks on makes the statement as cheesy as it sounds.

“How noble of you. I’m sure you wrote the check yourself.”

He helps me load up my plate while piling food on his own. “Nah, I leave the family business stuff to Reed. So really, I guess lunch is on him. For both of us.”

“I always knew Reed was the more generous brother,” I add wistfully.

“Glad to hear that. I can be generous in more ways than one.” The voice from behind me causes me to freeze.

I glance over my shoulder to find Reed holding his own plate, also walking to the table Keaton was leading me to.

“Come on, little fox. Don’t let Reed bother you.”

Reed narrows his eyes on his brother. “She doesn’t like to be touched. You should probably remove your arm before I do it for you.”

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