Page 70 of Stay
What!
Eyes widening, I shake my head. “No, that’s not a good idea.” In fact, it’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard. Even if they’re not together, he’s still distancing himself from me.
I’m struck with another thought that makes my chest spasm.
What if there’s another girl at his place?
“Please,” I plead, barely able to contain the anxiety roiling through me, “don’t. Just take me back to the dorms.”
“Well,” she says, taking the corner onto his street so fast that I clutch at the handle, “I think it’s a freaking fantastic idea.”
My tongue darts out to lick at my lips as desperation claws at my insides. “I don’t know if he wants to see me.”
Already my chest is tightening up.
“He does.”
At this point, I know there’s no way to sway her and mentally scramble for a reasonable explanation as to why I’m showing up unannounced at nine o’clock at night. As his house comes into view, she shoots into the driveway before braking abruptly. Thankfully, I’m still strapped in, or my head would have crashed through the windshield.
Then again, maybe that would have been preferable to the humiliation she’s forcing on me.
“You drive like shit,” I whisper as my heartbeat hitches.
She throws the car into park before pulling out her phone and tapping the screen. A few seconds later, her phone dings in response and Cole jogs down the front steps toward the car.
I track his movements before whispering from the corner of my mouth to Sammy, “I don’t know you very well, but I’m going to kick your ass for this.”
Not taking the threat seriously, she bursts into laughter.
Her gaze slides to mine. “On the ice, I think you could probably do it. Right here and right now, not so much. I’ve got at least twenty pounds on you.”
“But I have rage on my side,” I mumble.
My cheeks heat as Cole’s gaze settles on mine in the darkness.
I might have grown up playing hockey, and have even thrown a punch or two, but an all-out brawl—nope. I’m not a fighter. So, she’s probably right about kicking my ass in a fight.
Sammy beams as Cole comes around the car before arriving at the passenger side.
As he pulls open the door, we stare at one another before he murmurs, “Hey.”
“Hi,” I say in return before shifting on the seat. Uncomfortable has nothing on this.
Maybe I can get him to drop me at the dorms as soon as Sammy takes off.
“Hi, Cole.” Sammy waves from the seat next to me. “Just ignore me over here.”
His gaze flicks from mine to hers before flashing a smile. “Hey, Sammy. Thanks for dropping her off.”
She spears him with a knowing grin. “No problem. See you on Sunday for dinner.”
“Yup.”
Sammy pops open the trunk and Cole unloads my bag before slamming it shut again.
“You’re welcome,” she whispers as I sit frozen in place.
“I haven’t thanked you for anything,” I mutter.
