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We stare at each other for a long, tense moment before he scoffs and runs his hands angrily through his hair. “I think we’re both at the mercy of the person upstairs. I think what he wants and what he’s willing to admit he wants are two different things and until he fucking figures that out, we’re both stuck like this.”
I blink away the impending tears because I know deep down that what he wants will never happen. And if Hunter can’t get over that, then Drake will never be happy. And if Drake can’t have Hunter, then I can’t have Drake.
Dread stabs my heart like a knife.
Brushing the pain aside, I move silently around the island, opening the cabinet next to Drake to retrieve a glass for water. As I close the door, I feel him standing closer. When I try to move around him to get to the fridge, he blocks my path.
The knife sinks in a little deeper.
“Drake,” I whisper, unable to look him in the eye. His hand touches my waist as he steps closer, breathing against my neck.
“I’ve never been so addicted to another person in my life, Isabel. But I can’t stop thinking about you.” His lips touch my neck, and I close my eyes from the shame that washes over me. I don’t move, but I don’t stop him either.
“I still feel you in my hands. Every time I close my eyes, I hear the sounds you made when I was fucking you. I know your taste and your smell. I know I have to move on, but I don’t know if I can.” His voice is pained and sincere. So sincere it cracks my heart in two.
I want to fall into his big arms and feel that special comfort I only feel in Drake’s embrace. And for a moment, I almost do. I don’t know if doing that would be weak or brave, but I am neither.
Turning my head, I stare into his eyes, our mouths so close I can feel his breath. “We can’t. Not anymore.”
The pain that flashes in his eyes is worse than the knife currently lodged in my chest. Instead of kissing my lips, he rests his forehead against mine and we stay like that for a moment, breathing each other in as much as we can, expressing everything through our simple touches that we can’t express with more.
Finally, I pull away, and he lets me. As I’m leaving the kitchen, feeling as if my body is heavier and slower than it was when I came down here, he says my name, so I stop and turn toward him.
“You know you’ve always been my girl, right?”
I bite back my emotions. Calmly, I nod.
“And no matter what, you’ll always be my girl.”
Tears prick my eyes and I force a smile. “Good night, Drake.”
“Good night, Isabel.”
Upstairs, I crawl into bed next to Hunter, but I fall asleep with my back to him, something I almost never do, but right now, I’m mad at him. He did this to us, played with our hearts like they were his toys, and now he’s tearing us all apart. And if he’s not careful, he’s going to ruin more than just his friendship.
Rule #29: Love makes you an idiot.
Drake
I’m on a date.A certified date. My first, if we’re being honest. I mean, I’ve met up with other people before, but it was always with the intention to fuck. This evening, I’m sitting at a restaurant with Geo, the bartender, with the intention to actually get to know him.
It’s excruciating.
Not Geo—he’s great. He’s funny, down-to-earth, and likes to compliment me a lot. I could see us hanging out, getting drunk, watching a movie, waking up next to each other. I mean…the possibility is there, but the excitement? Not quite.
“So…you promised to share some stories from your trip. I want to hear all about those other clubs,” he says with a flirtatious smile as he sips on his margarita.
“Eh…” I scratch the back of my neck. “I don’t really want to talk about my trip, if that’s okay.”
He looks immediately apologetic. “Of course, that’s okay. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s complicated, that’s all.”
“Because of Hunter…or because of Isabel?”
“Uhh…”
“I’m sorry. God, that was nosey of me,” he replies with a laugh. “Please ignore me. I always put my foot in my mouth when I drink.”
