Page 46 of Chasing After You
“Are you having fun?” I ask Kaitlyn, relaxing my head against Henry’s side. I feel like I could melt into a puddle against him, and I wish I knew what it was about Henry that made me feel this way. At the end of the day, I know that even if it were a choice to love Henry Price, I’m sure it’s still a choice I’d make.
“It’d be more fun if Dad would let me bring a puppy home, but his excuse is that we don’t have anywhere for this hypothetical puppy to stay when we go to France to visit Mom’s family,” she says, rolling her eyes.
“Being responsible sucks,” I agree.
“It does. I’ve been meaning to text and ask, but I’m trying to find a weekend to visit. Would you be okay with that?” she asks, staring at me with wide eyes.
“Oh my goodness, it’s your room. You don’t have to ask. I’ll get a hotel room or something to let you guys have some time together,” I say without thinking, and her head tilts.
“Why would you get a hotel? Wouldn’t you stay in Henry’s room with him?” she asks, and my entire body freezes as I realize she’s right.
“Mira’s trying to preserve your innocence,” Henry interjects smoothly. “That’s fine, Kait. You know you’re always welcome.”
God, that was close. For once, Henry’s brain is the one working.
Kaitlyn relaxes some, but she shrugs. “Sorry, I’m not trying to kick you out or anything—”
“Not at all how I took it,” I say, trying to force myself to relax, but there’s been too many things thrown at me today. I’m not sure I know how to relax anymore. “I know how busy things are going to get, and how much Henry values his time with you. I wouldn’t want to intrude or anything, so I’ll probably still get a hotel room, and pamper myself with a massage. Just let me know when you plan on coming.”
Kaitlyn fidgets with the charm on her necklace. “I was actually kind of hoping you would be there too, if that’s okay? We usually play board games and hang out, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
Henry runs his fingers back and forth over my hip, distracting me. I know Kaitlyn because she’s best friends with the twins, but I can’t say I’ve spent too much time with her when they aren’t around. It’d be nice to get to know her better.
“That sounds perfect, Kaitlyn. Thanks,” I say, smiling reassuringly at her while trying not to focus on the fact Henry is touching me.
“Great, I’ll start looking at my weekends,” she says, and I wish I had half the energy she does right now. Kaitlyn pulls out her phone, groaning at whoever’s name is on the screen. “What, Hunter?” she asks, giving me a look as if to say,Can you believe this?
She’s funny.
“Fine, I’m coming. Just so you know, I’m officially picking your sister as my new best friend. You’ve been replaced,” Kaitlyn says, huffing.
I turn my head into Henry’s chest to hide my laughter, but I can feel him silently laugh, clearly finding her amusing as well. I smile, breathing in the crisp scent of laundry detergent and sandalwood. It’s fucking intoxicating.
“You guys are so sickeningly cute, I could vomit,” Kaitlyn says, gagging dramatically behind me.
I reluctantly move back, but Henry doesn’t let go of me, keeping me at his side.
“If you’re going to vomit, at least do it somewhere I don’t have to see it,” Henry teases, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of my head. “Besides, she can’t be your best friend because Mira’s mine. I don’t share.”
My heart stutters in my chest, and I’m not sure if I’m breathing. He’s full of shit, but damn, if that isn’t confusing as hell for my poor, smitten heart.
Kaitlyn’s eyes widen in surprise, clearly not expecting that either.
What the fuck is going on today?
I think I’ve ended up in some alternate reality, because yes, Henry and I are fake dating, but that seemed . . . I don’t know. I think I need to sit down.
“Okay, caveman. She’s yours. Please don’t forget our conversation: wrap it before you tap it,” she says, putting her hands up in self-defense, and my face feels like it’s literally on fire.
“For fuck’s sake, Kaitlyn.” Henry groans, and I cover my face with my hands. I don’t have words.
“What? I’m not ready to be the cool aunt, but—okay,okay, I’m going. Don’t kill me,” Kaitlyn says, her laughter growing softer the further away she gets.
Oh my god.
I can’t look at him. My hands are literally never leaving my face ever again. This has been the absolute worst day. What might be the worst part is that I think I liked it too much to be told I was his.Just kidding—it was pretty awful hearing what Bailey said to me.
Too many things have happened today. It might be better for me to drown myself in Henry’s pool later.
