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That was not happening. I pulled a pillow out from behind me and considered not texting back.
I know you read my text.
His second text came before I could decide what to do.
“Dang it,” I whispered. I’d forgotten that Cash had stolen my phone and changed it so that he could see when I’d read his texts. He’d done it as a joke and I hadn’t changed it back because I didn’t see a reason. I always responded to Cash. That laziness was now biting me in the behind.
I’m sleeping.
I lay back on my pillows, knowing that I could fall asleep again if I wanted, but my nightmare kept me from actually considering that option.
I have steak.
I pursed my lips. It was my favorite food. Cash’s mom made one of the best steaks I’d ever tasted. But although that offer tempted me more than the takeout options Marie had given, I couldn’t see Cash.
Not until I fixed what was broken about me.
I ignored his text and opened up the game. He’d get the message.
Fine. Have it your way.
That text popped up on top of my game momentarily and then disappeared. I was a terrible friend. Cash would have never done this to me. But I couldn’t see him.
I connected jewels, working to beat the level I was on. It was a silly game but it took a marginal amount of concentration and it had nothing to do with the last twenty-four hours. That was all I needed right now.
The doorbell sounded and I jumped nervously.
You’re fine. At home. Safe.
I knew that was the truth. And yet my heart raced. What was wrong with me?
Give yourself a break. You were kidnapped. Last night.Oddly, that voice of assurance in my head sounded a lot like Ella’s.
But it was right. I was doing well, considering. Wasn’t I?
Feeling slightly better about myself, I went back to my game until I heard Bella’s squeal.
Had it been one of her friends at the door?
But that squeal was a bit much, unless . . .
I shot up, lunging for my bedroom door, but got there a second too late. Cash must have sprinted from the front door to my bedroom and he was in my room before I could shut him out.
Bella sauntered in behind him, grinning.
I scrubbed a hand over my face. Had I really thought Cash would just give up? I knew this man inside and out. I should have seen this coming.
“This is low, breaking into my room while I’m resting,” I said, facing off with my all-too-handsome friend. It was frustrating that I kept noticing the way his midnight black hair nearly fell into his gorgeous green eyes.
Because you find everything about him endearing. Because you love him. As a FRIEND. That last thought felt more like a reprimand. A reminder of how things had to be.
“So is not answering my texts,” he retorted, pulling me out of the direction my thoughts had been going.
He wasn’t wrong, but I wasn’t about to admit that.
“Shouldn’t you be back at school?” I knew it was a lame rebuttal but I had nothing else. That hair-in-his-eyes thing drove all rational thought away. And why wasn’t he gone yet? Surely fall break would end by tomorrow and the drive to Cash’s university was several hours.
“Something important kept me here,” Cash said. He looked at me intently, waiting until I met his eyes. “I couldn’t leave until I knew you were okay.”
