Page 49 of Sugar Rush
After hitting send on the reply, I opened up my food and started devouring my lunch. The drama-fueled daytime talk show on the TV kept my attention enough that I didn’t obsess over waiting for him to answer me.
The food was fresh and flavorful, and even with the dumb added fees of using the delivery app, not too pricey. I might have already discovered a nice little place near the school I could grab easy and healthy food from. There was a ton left over that I couldn’t finish, so I boxed it back up and set it in the mini-fridge in case Kieran wanted some later.
I was excited to start college, but there was definitely a small part of me that felt some anxiety about leaving everything I knew and being totally on my own, even if I was just an hour away from home. But if I was already making friends, how bad could it be? And I’d have Dani with me, so I wouldn’t be totally lost. Or we’d be totally lost together, which was still infinitely better.
It was too early to start thinking about what would happen with Kieran and I when I went away. Would he be okay with a long distance thing, as long as we could see each other on weekends and holidays? Would we even be a thing by that time, anyway? Or ever? Judging by the way he’d acted before leaving it seemed like hewantedthings to go in that direction, but I knew the blockage that was holding him back was still there.
When my phone vibrated, I snatched it off the bedspread to read Kieran’s response.
Yeah. I have a couple more hours and then we can do whatever you want.
I was kind of doubtful that he’d be open to doingwhateverI wanted, but the sentiment was sweet. Sighing and dramatically flopping down onto the bed, I squeezed my eyes closed.
Why was it that I was so good at making sure I always got what I wanted, except when it came to my stepbrother?
KIERAN
THE CLIENT SATgreat for the first six hour session, and everything was right on track. He admired what I’d gotten done in the mirror as I packed up my equipment. I sent a text to Jordy letting him know I was done and on my way to grab him up so we could head to the aquarium.
“This is so sick,” he said excitedly. “It looks awesome already.”
“Well, there’s still a ton of detail work to go, so…”
I didn’t think it looked particularly sick or awesome, but I wasn’t used to stopping while my work was still partially done. Some of the outlines were still empty, with no shading or anything. I guessed I’d have to get used to it if people started wanting bigger projects from me.
“Yeah, totally. I know!” He added. He obviously wasn’t bothered by the partial job. “You got plans tonight, or are you just heading back to the hotel?”
“Heading over to the aquarium, actually.”
“Really?” He asked, sounding amused. “You don’t strike me as that kind of guy.”
“I’m taking someone,” I answered shortly. Why did I always end up with all the yappy, over-excited clients?
“Oh…” He drew out the word, wiggling his eyebrows. “A special someone?”
It was complicated, but I didn’t really want to give an answer that would invite more questions or commentary.
“Yeah.”
“Well, have fun!” He said, following me as I headed toward the door with my stuff. “See you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow,” I echoed.
When I got back to the room, Jordy was passed out on the bed. His mouth was parted into a tiny o shape, his face completely relaxed. His eyelashes were so long they cast tiny shadows onto his cheeks. He was like a living, breathing painting, smooth and pretty and made of soft colors. And of course he was clutching the fish. A brief flash of pride jolted me, that I’d instinctively known he’d actually wanted it, like I knew what was best for him. Like I could take care of him and keep him happy.
For just a second, that overwhelming feeling washed over me, making my muscles clench up and my fingertips itch. And my teeth were aching. I hated that feeling. And it’d been happening for years. I wasn’t even sure exactly what it was or how I could fix it. Having sex with other omegas hadn’t done anything to change it, and it only happened when I was around him.
Inhaling through my nose and letting it out through my mouth, I let the sensation pass before I sat down next to his limp body. He always looked particularly cherubic when he was sleeping, probably because he couldn’t have a mischievous or smug expression on his face.
Laying a hand on his shoulder, I gently shook him awake, murmuring his name softly so I didn’t startle him.
He stirred, cracking open one eye before lightly groaning, and trying to roll over like he didn’t want to wake up. Brat. Gripping the fish and dislodging it from his death grip, I bopped him on the forehead with it.
“Wake up, mermaid boy.”
Snorting, he swatted at my thigh and yanked the fish back from me, carefully setting it on a pillow. “Okay, okay. I’m up.”
“Sleeping the day away while I’m out slaving over a hot needle,” I remarked, shaking my head. “Unbelievable.”
