Page 100 of Fame & Chaos

I’m telling her about Annie and Aston and the absolute shitstorm that erupted after Colt found out about them.

“I still can’t believe he said he’d castrate him,” Indi says, laughing softly. “I mean, Colt was always so nice to me. I can’t imagine him being that overbearing.”

I throw my head back and laugh properly, a full belly laugh that echoes across the quiet riverbank. “Seriously? Have you met Colt? He’s the biggest tyrant I’ve ever known.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Really? I always thought he was sweet. I am not family. Perhaps he is stricter with people he loves.”

I hum in agreement while staring out over the river. Night has settled around us now, the moonlight casting soft shades of blue and purple across the still water. The entire place is beautiful.

But nowhere near as beautiful as her.

I glance across at Indi, the nearby lamp casting a soft glow across her face, and my chest tightens painfully.

Those big blue doe eyes.

That tiny button nose.

Those fucking dimples that have ruined me since I was a teenager.

She’s even more beautiful than I remember, and sitting here beside her feels so right that I honestly can’t imagine anywhere else I’d rather be.

“Why are you staring at me?” she asks, a smirk tugging at her lips.

I blink and realize I’ve been openly gawking at her like an idiot.

Jesus Christ, I’m such a twat.

“Sorry. I can’t help it,” I admit honestly as I shift closer until our arms brush together.

She exhales softly and turns her gaze back toward the river. “I’m still the same person, Caleb. I haven’t changed.”

My eyes drift down her body before lifting back to her face, and I shake my head slowly. “You’ve definitely changed, Indi. Trust me.”

She glances sideways at me. “In a good way, I hope?”

“In a very good way.”

Her cheeks pink slightly. “Thank you.”

“It’s the truth.”

“No, I mean thank you for this… for tonight.” Her voice softens. “I got so caught up in the pain between us that I forgot how much fun we used to have together. So thank you for not making tonight all about trying to push us back into being a couple. Thank you for understanding what I need.”

The words hit like a knife, but I force a smile anyway. “I’ll do anything to see you happy, Indi.” Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I pull her gently against my side. She curls into me easily, resting her hand on my knee. For someone who only wants friendship, she’s sending me a whole lot of mixed signals.

“Well, I’m having fun with you, Caleb,” she says quietly. “I’m glad we ran into each other again. I think it was the only thing that could’ve reminded me how awesome you are.”

I grin. “Yeah, I am pretty awesome, aren’t I?”

Laughing, she slaps my knee.

I chuckle and lean down, brushing my lips softly against the top of her head.

“You know what?” she asks.

“What?”

“I think you bringing Annie into the hospital was an omen.”