Page 118 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Not my best decision ever, but undoubtedly one of the best nights of my life.

Rubbing a hand down my face, I shoved the memories out of my head and climbed out of bed. Hardly surprised when my shoulder twinged.

The second I stepped into the bathroom, I could sense her. She was everywhere. Lingering notes of her perfume in the air, the discarded ice pack in the sink, a hand towel strewn over the counter.

Last night had been real. So real, I could still taste her on my lips.

Voices beyond the door startled me and I quietly moved to the door leading to Sofia’s room.

“How did you sleep?” my sister asked her.

“Fine.”

“How’s your jaw?”

“Fine.”

“Jeez, you’re a ray of sunshine this morning,” Sofia said.

My mouth twitched. I made quick work of things and washed my hands before knocking on the door.

“Yeah?”

“Only me.” I stuck my head inside. “Just wanted to see how you’re both feeling?” My eyes slid to Poppy and she pursed her lips.

“Fine, thanks.”

“She’s cranky,” my sister said. “Ignore her.”

“I am not—I couldn’t sleep.” Her eyes locked on mine and seemed to say ‘and we both know why.’

She blushed.

Poppy blushed and if it wasn’t the cutest thing I’d ever seen. Because I’d done that.

Me.

Sofia cleared her throat and arched a brow at me.

Busted.

But it was hard to ignore the strange vibe between me and Poppy, the way the air turned thick around us.

“What’s going on?” she asked. Because that was Sofia. She couldn’t leave anything well enough alone.

“Nothing,” Poppy replied.

“Yep. Nothing,” I echoed, fighting a smile. “I need breakfast. I’ll be downstairs.”

“Make coffee,” Sofia called after me.

“Make your own,” I shot back.

“Morning, Son,” Dad said as I entered the kitchen. “You checked in on the girls?”

I nodded, grabbing myself a mug.

“How are they?”

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