Page 30 of Made for Wilde
His eyes flick to mine, then away. He runs a hand through his wet hair.
"You take the bed. I'll crash on the couch."
My stomach flips. His bed. The one that smells like him.
"Koda, you've already done so much. I can't ask you to?—"
"You're not asking."
The words come out clipped and final. He still won't look at me.
"But this is your room. Your house. I can take the couch, or?—"
"Charlotte." He turns then, and the look he gives me stops my breath. "Just take the bed."
There's something in his voice. Something strained and barely leashed that makes my pulse hammer in my throat.
I open my mouth to argue, but he's already moving past me toward the door.
"Towels are under the sink,” he says. “I'll be in the living room if you need anything."
SEVEN
KODA
The soundof the shower turns me inside out.
I sit on the edge of my leather couch, every sense straining toward the hall bathroom. Meanwhile, the storm outside is relentless.
Lightning cracks the sky, illuminating the cabin for a split second before plunging it back into shadow. Then thunder booms, rattling the windows. I can't help but think that this storm matches the chaos in my head.
This wasn't how tonight was supposed to go.
Charlotte was supposed to be safe in her apartment, and I was supposed to be alone with my thoughts. Not drowning in the reality of her presence.
My phone buzzes on the coffee table. Dana's name flashes on the screen with a text.
*Did you make it back to the cabin alive? This storm is insane.*
I type back with my thumbs, keeping it brief.
*Yeah. Had to make a pit stop first though.*
The dots appear immediately. I swear my sister never sleeps, especially when there's potential drama brewing.
*What kind of pit stop?*
I hesitate, then type: *Charlotte's car broke down at the beauty school. Had to pick her up.*
A longer pause this time. Then: *And???*
*Power's out at her apartment complex. She's staying here tonight.*
The response comes instantly.
*How convenient. Have fun, big brother. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.*
Dana sends a laughing emoji that makes me want to throw my phone into the fireplace. I set it face-down on the table instead.
