Page 14 of Bachelor

“What were they fighting about?”

“You, Whitney.”

My stomach sank and tied in a complicated knot. If he had more to say, it wasn’t going to be said here. Bill and Jessica walked back in with wine and snacks, and Tyler settled down in one of the seats, reaching for the cards.

Jessica gave me a look, but I ignored it, too lost in thought to care that she’d gone into the kitchen with the intent of giving me and Rhys some space, taking Bill and Tyler with her.

Another hour passed with card games and more teasing, but Rhys and I didn’t speak directly again. Tyler took his leave, thanking Bill and Jessica for letting him come. It was obvious Bill liked the guy, and Rhys seemed especially fond of him. I guess Tyler wasn’t so bad, even if he had been part of Christian’s posse of jocks at one point in time.

“Not a bad Friday night.” Jessica grinned as she helped me into my coat.

“I had fun,” I replied, zipping it up to my chin and grabbing my purse off the counter on the first floor of the bookshop.

She glanced at where Rhys and Bill were talking near the door. “Are you okay with me hanging out here for a bit longer?”

“Of course.” I hiked my bag over my shoulder. “Staying the night?” I crooned, batting my eyelashes at her. It took a lot for Jessica to blush, but she blushed in earnest.

“Probably.” She shrugged, glancing at Bill. “His bed is a lot more comfortable than mine. Going home now feels like a wasted opportunity for some deep sleep without waking up with a sore back.”

I arched my brow at her. “Deep sleep, huh?”

She rolled her eyes and pulled me into a hug. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t know he was going to be here, okay? I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, Jess.”

“I would have told you.”

“I know.” I smiled at her. “Everything’s fine. I’m over him. It didn’t feel weird at all.” Could she hear the lies? Probably. Especially if Rhys was correct in that everything I thought showed on my face. “Let’s get lunch in town tomorrow, okay?”

“Sure. Just us. No Bill.”

“No Rhys,” I agree with a smile and exhaled deeply, turning to the door.

Part of me wholly expected Rhys to be waiting for me. I expected to walk back to campus with him, keeping a good distance apart, of course. We’d banter back and forth, and at the end of it, when we’d walk in different directions back to our housing, I’d have that same feeling in my chest that threatened to tear me to pieces. That feeling that screamedI want himand begged me to do something about it.

But Rhys was gone.

I shoved down my glaring disappointment and said goodbye to Bill before walking through the door, alone, and out into the night.

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