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My cell phone beeped. With a few swipes of my finger, I unlocked it and saw a text from my dad, telling me Joe had skipped school today day. Again.
He was thinking we needed to have an intervention as a family.
I frowned, thinking that would only push Joe further away.
“What’s the matter?” Wyatt asked, pulling my attention toward him.
He was watching me, concern marring his forehead.
“What do you mean? Everything is fine,” I said, trying to downplay the whole situation. He didn’t need to hear about my family drama.
“Something’s bothering you. I can tell. What’s up?”
I hesitated. I did want to talk to him about it but it felt wrong after I had been so harsh with him over the last two weeks.
He was being kind when I had turned away from him.
“Come on, Hailey. You can trust me. I just want to help.”
He leaned closer as he said this, his focus now centered on me and the scent of his cologne wrapping me in a little cloud that excluded me from the rest of the world. He did just want to help. I could tell by the earnest look in his eyes and I couldn’t deny him.
“Joe is in some kind of trouble. I have no idea what it might be and it’s driving me up the wall,” I confided.
I went on to tell him about the call from father, my subsequent meeting with Joe and my suspicions.
“I have no idea what I should do to help him, especially since I don’t even know what the hell is going on,” I ended, frustrated.
Wyatt had a thoughtful look then said, “It will be okay. Your brother has always had a good head on his shoulders, even as a kid. Sometimes guys just need time to figure out stuff on their own. Just remind him that you’re there for him and I’m sure it will all work out.”
He cupped my cheek as he said this and I found myself leaning into that touch.
“You really think so?” I asked, eyes clinging to his.
He gave me a little smile.
“I know so,” he said. “Come here.”
He pulled me into his arms for a hug. It wasn’t sexual but a gesture of caring, comfort and understanding.
I closed my eyes and savored the connection. It had been so long since I allowed myself to lean on someone else like this. With the simple hold, he made me feel secure. Safe and protected.
I didn’t want that feeling to ever go away.
He was the first to pull away. My eyes fluttered open to find his face close to mine.
He was going to kiss me.
I knew it and didn’t do anything to stop it.
Sparks flew when our lips touched and ignited into a full-blown fire by the time we separated.
We were both breathing hard. My chest touched his, hard nipples pressing into him, betraying my wants.
“I know you want me to stay away and I promise that I have tried. I just can’t, Hailey. I am addicted to you and I don’t think that will ever change,” he whispered against my lips. “I don’t want it to.”
I didn’t say anything. I just pushed my chair back. I saw the disappointment in his gaze as I got up.
I went to the entrance of the lab but instead of leaving, I pulled the door closed. I turned the lock and turned off the light switch.
