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“So, you are avoiding me.” My best friend accuses.
Groaning, I find the nearest bench and sit down. I should have expected Ivy to call me from another number after dodging her for a few days.
“If I am, do you really think tricking me into answering the phone is the way to fix that?”
She sighs. “Well, that depends. I don’t know what you’re mad about.”
“Oh? And why’s that?”
“Because you haven’t told me and I can’t think of anything I’ve done wrong.”
A dry laugh leaves my mouth. “Nothing?”
“Not a thing.”
“So, you didn’t let me go to Maverick’s without giving me a heads up about Colton living there?”
I can picture the way she cringes at the realization. “Oh, that.”
“Yeah, that.”
It’s quiet for another second before she exhales. “I’m sorry. I know I should’
ve told you, but then you wouldn’t have gone.”
“You’re right. I wouldn’t have.”
“And then what? Spend the rest of your life avoiding him? It’s a small town. You were bound to run into each other sooner or later.”
“Maybe, but that doesn’t matter. You should’ve given me the heads up.” I run my hand over my face. “My reaction to finding out he’s my brother’s roommate almost spilled everything I’ve worked so hard to hide.”
“Shit. I didn’t think about that.”
As much as I want to be mad at her, I know she meant no harm. She may not make the best choices all the time but she’s been my best friend since we were eight. If she made a conscious effort not to tell me, it’s because she thought it was in my best interest - wrong, but innocent all the same.
“I know you didn’t.” I cave. “But next time, warn a girl. Jeez.”
She chuckles in relief. “Noted. So, was it a total disaster?”
I give her a rundown of Saturday and by the time I’m done, my head is spinning. A part of me wishes I’d never have to see Colton again, but another part longs for the next time we’re in the same room.
“Ugh. Why does he still have this effect on me?! I’m engaged!”
“Probably because you spent your entire adolescence in love with him.”
Her brutal honesty almost knocks the wind out of me. It’s not like she’s wrong. This thing I’ve had for Colton has existed for as long as I can remember. I hoped that four years at college would rid me of my feelings for him, but apparently they hadn’t. However, none of it matters. The reality is I’m getting married in four months to an incredible guy. I’d be stupid to risk messing that up.
TATUM OPENS THE DOOR looking nowhere near as ready as I expected her to. Her hair isn’t done and she’s sporting a pair of sweatpants with one of Maverick’s old t-shirts. If I had to guess, I’d say she just woke up.
“You okay?” I ask carefully, not wanting to seem judgmental.
She squints at me before pulling out her phone. When she notices the time, her eyes widen.
“Shit. I must have fallen back asleep and lost track of time.” Running her fingers through her hair, she turns and heads for the stairs. “Give me five minutes and we can go.”
I let myself in and close the door behind me. The house seems empty enough but the two-car garage makes it so I can’t be sure of who’s home. I shake my head and rid my mind of everything Colton. Using the extra couple minutes to my advantage, I make my way into the kitchen to get something to drink.
The second I reach the doorway, all the air in my lungs comes rushing out. Colton is standing in front of the coffee maker. His torso is complete bare and the way his sweatpants hang low on his hips, it leaves very little to the imagination. As if he can feel me staring at him, he turns his head and our eyes meet.
