Page 162 of Silent Shadows

Jax’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. “Oh my God.”

“No.”

“You said that fast. Like… so fast.” He starts laughing.

“I did not.”

“You absolutely did.”

Taylor folds her arms.

“Please, Miles, we all know you have a crush on her. But don’t make this weird. We listened to the first episode on the drive into town. We think—” she turns and looks at Maya and Jax for backup—“well, we think this could be our moment. We need this to work.”

Something unpleasant lodges under my ribs.

My mouth moves before my brain provides rational thoughts.

“She doesn’t talk about an ex.”

Silence.

Maya blinks once, slowly, annoyed.

Jax grins.

Taylor looks both confused and very entertained.

I realize, too late, what I’ve done.

“I’m sick,” I say, forcing a cough.

“That,” Maya says carefully, “does not explain any of… this. Rein it in, Miles.”

“I’m fine, I promise.”

Taylor nods toward the window. “She’s been outside for a while now. She looked cold.”

Why is she still outside then? Why is that information upsetting? And why do I suddenly dislike hypothetical men I haven’t met or even heard of?

Jax’s grin sharpens. “Buddy,” he says, smiling at me.

“I’m not your buddy,” I reply.

“You’ve gotta chill.”

I hate all of them. Equally. Passionately.

“I’m going outside,” I announce.

Jax gasps theatrically. “Oh my God, he’s going outside.”

“I’m checking on her.”

Taylor’s mouth twitches. “Okay, but seriously, don’t fuck this up. Sure, for you, but also for us. We kind of need her.”

“No, for sure. I’m just going to check on her.”

They all stare at me.