Page 7 of Before You
“I’m not sure, but I’m hoping to find out. I know we only met an hour ago, but I have this feeling about you I can’t shake,” he says, and my heart sputters in my chest. “It feels like fate you were lost at the same time I was sitting in the café, and who am I to argue with fate?”
I stop in my tracks at the pure honesty in his words. Maybe it should freak me out, but I know exactly what JJ’s getting at. It’s the same reason I asked him to be my guide after he offered me directions.
“No. Not at all. Just the opposite, actually.”
~
Maybe I can convince Trent to drive me back to the apartment, and we can hang out there tonight. I can’t think straight knowing JJ’s here, and I having to pretend like I don’t know him.
There’s a soft knock on the bathroom door, and I turn the faucet off, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I look as awful as I feel. My skin’s leeched of color, making me appear clammy.
“Just a minute,” I say, hearing my voice shake. I pinch my cheeks to bring color back in them before I open the door.
My heart skips a beat at the sight of JJ standing there. He looks over me intently, worry warping his strong features. “You don’t look so good,” he murmurs, pressing the back of his hand to my forehead before I can react.
“Gee, thanks,” I say, and his green eyes soften.
“I didn’t mean it that way. You’re just as beautiful as I remember, but you look like you’re going to be sick. You don’t have a fever, but I can drive you home?” he offers, causing my head to spin.
“I should ask Trent.”
I don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to be alone with JJ.
JJ takes a step back, giving me space, even if every fiber of my being wants to pull him closer to me. “He’s on his fourth beer. Asher told me Trent started before you got here. He shouldn’t drive.”
I hesitate, but I also know what kind of person JJ is. He’d never put me in a position where I’d cross any boundaries.
“Marley, please, just let me take you home.”
I look at him carefully, seeing nothing but sincerity. Against my better judgement, I nod. “Thank you,” I say as he motions for me to lead.
Trent is talking to Luka, and I can’t tell if Bria is annoyed with Asher, but Asher is the first one to notice we’ve come back.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his gaze flitting between me and JJ.
“Babe, what’s wrong?” Trent asks, looking in my direction.
“I’m not feeling very good. JJ offered to take me home since you’ve been drinking, but I can call you later?”
“I can take you,” Bria interrupts, and I shake my head quickly.
“No, it’s okay. You should stay. I’ll leave my keys on the counter for you.”
“Are you sure?” Bria asks, hesitating.
“I’m sure.” I muster a pathetic smile, and Trent stands up from the couch, looking over my shoulder at JJ.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate you looking out for my girl.”
“No problem,” JJ says, smiling.
I press a hand to my stomach as the feeling of nausea returns. Trent leans down, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Feel better soon. Love you,” he says, and I look away before I can see the look of disappointment when I don’t say it back.
“Thanks,” I say, stopping in the kitchen to leave my keys on the counter for Bria as JJ waits patiently by the front door with his keys in hand.
JJ walks toward the souped-up Jeep Wrangler, opening the passenger door for me, but neither of us say a word until we’re both in the car.
“You’re here,” JJ says softly, breaking the silence. “You’rereallyhere.” He opens his mouth and then shuts it, shaking his head as he pulls out of the driveway. His hands clenching the steering wheel tightly tells me everything I need to know.
