Page 29 of Unholy Confessions
"I love you too."
And for now, that feels like enough.
I wake up to sunlight streaming through the bedroom window and the smell of coffee drifting from the kitchen. For a moment, I'm disoriented – then I remember where I am, who I'm with, and why there's a satisfied ache in my muscles.
Rhett's side of the bed is empty but still warm. I can hear him moving around downstairs, probably trying to figure out if he has anything in his fridge that resembles breakfast food. I really should've gotten him some groceries.
I slip on one of his t-shirts and pad downstairs barefoot. He's standing at the stove in just his boxers, frowning at a pan like it's personally offended him.
"Please tell me you're not trying to cook," I say, wrapping my arms around his waist from behind.
"I was going to make you breakfast," he says, leaning back into me. "But I think all I have is beer and leftover pizza."
"Good thing I'm here then." I kiss his shoulder and move to the fridge, surveying the contents. "How do you feel about pancakes?"
"Like I might marry you right now if you make them."
The words cause my chest to clinch, but I play it off. I laugh, pulling out eggs and milk. "Don't get ahead of yourself, rockstar."
While I cook, he sits at the counter and watches me, chin propped in his hand. It feels normal, like everything was before he left for tour.
When I'm done, I serve them to first him, and then me. I put my plate next to his, and smother it in syrup.
"These are perfect," he says around a mouthful of pancakes.
"I know." I pour myself another cup of coffee and check the time on my phone. "Shit."
"What?"
"I have to meet my study group at ten." I'm already mentally calculating how long it'll take me to get home and change. "For my creative writing project."
His fork pauses halfway to his mouth. "The one with Hayden?"
The way he says Hayden's name makes my stomach drop, and irritates me. "Yes, it includes Hayden. He's in my group."
Rhett sets his fork down. "Right."
"It's just a study group, RJ."
"I know." But his jaw is tight, and the irritation is coming off of him in waves. "It's fine."
"It doesn't sound fine."
He pushes back from the counter, running both hands through his hair. "You know what? Maybe you shouldn't come back after."
The words hit me like a slap. "What? What the fuck are you talking about?" Inside, my stomach flips, and I'm trying to figure out what the hell is happening, why he's so aggressive all of a sudden.
"I just—" He stops, shakes his head. "Shit. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."
"Then why did you say it?" Appetite gone, I push my plate away.
"Because I'm tired and jealous and I hate that some other guy gets to spend the day with you when I just got home." He looks at me with those eyes that have always been able to see right through me. "Can we hang out tomorrow instead? I'll take you to dinner or something."
I want to fight with him about the Hayden thing, want to point out that he's being ridiculous. But I'm also tired of fighting, and he looks so lost sitting next to me.
"I can't tomorrow," I say quietly. "My parents are having a cookout to welcome you guys home. You'll see me there."
"Oh." He nods, but something shutters in his expression. "Right. Of course."
