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I’m not sure I like this version of me.
“My mom and sister are out all night. You’re coming over,” Aveena states as we stride across the parking lot together.
“Do I have a choice?” I crack a smile.
“Nah. Girls who don’t tell their best friend about their scandalous summer romance don’t get choices,” she teases.
I check my phone as I walk, hoping for the mercy of a text from Finn.
No new messages.
Disappointment sinks in my stomach like a rock, but I don’t let it faze me, refreshing my texts obsessively. Maybe he doesn’t know I unblocked his number? I’m halfway to my car when Aveena grips my arm and stops dead at something in the distance.
I look up.
And understand why he didn’t text me.
I didn’t get a text because I’m getting the real deal.
Finn is leaning against my bug car with his head hanging low, his tattooed arms crossed over his chest and his brown hair cascading in front of his eyes. The strap of his sports bag dangles from his shoulder, and I assume basketball practice is kicking off tonight.
“My place, seven o’clock.” Aveena flashes a knowing grin and takes off toward her car.
You’d think Finn has some sort of Dia radar because as soon as she’s gone, he looks up, hazel eyes capturing mine across the parking lot.
“Richards! The fuck are you waiting for? Coach wants to talk to us before practice,” a voice I’m positive belongs to Axel calls behind us.
I flip my head to see Theo, Xavier, and Axel watching us from the crowded school stairs with gym bags of their own and their backs pressed to the railing.
I almost expect Finn to desert me again—he’s proven to be particularly skilled in that department—but he doesn’t waver one bit, dead set on maintaining the eye contact.
“I won’t bite, Gem.” His lips twitch into a small smirk.
But he’s lying. He might not bite, but I’m afraid if I get any closer, he’ll sink his claws into me, making good on his promise to never let me go.
I can feel a thousand eyes on me, the weight of unwanted attention slowing me down as I approach him. My demeanor is cautious, apprehensive, when I come to a stop before him.
“What do you want?” My shoulders shrink under half the school’s scrutiny.
In response, he lets out a scoff.
It’s low, deep, captivating.
But it’s also mocking.
Like he’s surprised that I’m even asking.
“I think you know exactly what I want.”
My heart hammers in my chest.
“But only if you can hide it, right?” I meant to sound confident, but it comes out as a whisper.
Finn pushes off my car, slowly stalking toward me. He stops a hair too close for my heart’s liking, but my pride forbids me to move away. I shiver when he tucks one of my curls behind my ear.
“Do I look like I’m hiding?” He arches an eyebrow.
He’s got a point.
