Page 109 of Collide
“Oh, it’s a little funny,” he says, eyes dancing with amusement.
I glare at him. Then back at Riley, who is still standing there, shielding her eyes like she’s been permanently scarred.
“Why are you still here?!” I shriek.
She turns blindly toward the door, arms extended like a tragic, stumbling zombie. “I’m leaving, I’m leaving!”
And with that, she slams the door behind her.
A heavy silence lingers in her absence.
I collapse onto the bed, groaning. “Fuuuck.”
Alex grins, leaning over me, his lips tracing the shell of my ear. “Well…now that the moment’s ruined,” he murmurs, completely unfazed, “want to see if we can get it back?” I shove him, laughing despite my lingering mortification.
After the events of the morning, Alex and I dress, and I see him out.
“I’ll see you back in New York.” His eyes search mine, as if making sure we’re still on the same page.
“Yeah, we fly back tomorrow.”
He lingers in the doorway, his hesitation warming something inside me. Then, without a word, he leans down and presses a soft kiss to my lips—gentle, unhurried, like a silent promise.
And then he’s gone.
I close the door, exhaling deeply, my body still buzzing with the weight of the last twenty-four hours. It all feels so raw. So new.
From the other side of the hotel suite, Riley’s muffled voice rings out. “I’m coming out now!”
“It’s safe, he’s gone,” I call back, rolling my eyes.
Her door swings open, and she practically skips into the room, her expression a mix of pride, amusement, and sheer entertainment.
“Girl.”
I groan, already blushing as I run a hand over my face.
She collapses onto the couch, grinning like she’s won a prize. “You twoclearlymade up. There is so much to unpack here,” she announces, folding her legs beneath her like she’s gearing up for the premiere of a new movie.
I hesitate, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. “Riley…”
Her eyes widen. “Oh my God, are you about to tell me that was your first time?—”
“No!” I cut in quickly, heat creeping up my neck. “I mean, that was a first. That has never happened before.”
Her jaw drops. “And with Alexander freaking Westerberg, of all people?!”
I blush beet red.
“How does it feel having a literal A-list actor on his knees for you?”
It felt amazing, for all the reasons. But it also made me feel desired. It’s thrilling to feel this way.
I chuckle, taking a seat beside her. “Why do I tell you anything?”
“Because you refuse to go to therapy, because I’m your best friend, and because you love me.” She yanks the pillow away and leans forward, eyes sparkling. “And also because I live for this kind of gossip. Don’t hold out on me now. I’ve been waiting years for you to finally get somerealaction. Let a girl be happy for her bestie.”
They’re all valid points.
