Page 69 of Things I Wish I Said
I clear my throat. “Sorry, I uh, I’m a little distracted, aren’t I?” I scratch my jaw and offer her a soft smile she returns with one of her own.
“Just a little.” Hannah nudges my shoulder. “Listen, Grayson, I know what you said the night at the lake about not wanting anything serious, but I like you. I really like you. And I don’t know, maybe I’m crazy, but I think we could have something.”
Shit. I should’ve known this was coming.
Okay, maybe I did know this was coming, but I suppose I hoped I’d been pretty clear about my intentions, and by avoiding her, she’d get the hint.
I rack my brain for a way out of this without being an asshole and momentarily contemplate using Ry as my excuse.
But then I remember how I abandoned her, and I have no idea what she’s been doing in the time between then and now. For all I know, she’s hooking up with another guy this very moment.
The thought doesn’t sit well with me, and I have to ask myself why the fuck that is. I barely even know her, so why the hell does she have me all tangled up in knots?
I spear a hand into my hair, deciding I better just say it. “I like you too, Hannah, I do, but I’m not looking for anything right now.”
“It doesn’t need to be serious, Grayson. I’m willing to take it as slow as you need.”
“And I appreciate that, but—”
“How about we go out? Tonight. Right now.” Hannah turns so she’s fully facing me, her eyes as bright as the moon. “Let me show you I can be casual by spending time with me, and at the end of the night, if you still feel like I’m asking for more than you can handle, I’ll walk away.”
“I can’t just leave. I came with Ryleigh and I need to take her home. Besides—”
“Oh, right!” Hannah slaps a hand over her mouth. “I almost forgot,” she mumbles beneath her palm.
“Almost forgot what?” I frown.
“We caught up in the bathroom, Ryleigh and I. Sweet girl, actually.”
The hell?
“Anyway, she told me to tell you she found a ride home.”
“Shewhat?” I yell.
Hannah flinches, clearly startled by my outburst, but I can’t find it in me to care.
Anger spikes in my veins at the thought of Ryleigh getting a ride home from some random dude. Or worse, someone who’s been drinking.
Shit. What if she’s been drinking since I left her?
Why the fuck did I leave?
Any number of things run through my head as I get to my feet. “I need to find her.”
Hannah stands beside me, her brow furrowed.
“She didn’t say who she was riding with?”
“Uh, no.” She shakes her head. “She didn’t say.”
I start to leave when Hannah grips my arm. “Grayson, wait!”
Shoving down my impatience, I turn my thunderous gaze on her.
“She’s a smart girl, and it’s just a ride home. I’m sure she’ll be—”
“She won’t be fine,” I snap, suddenly sure it’s true as my feet begin to move.
