AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My teeth scrape across my lower lip before pushing out the words. “I’m really sorry, Aaron. I think it would be best if we remained friends instead.”
His brows snap together, and I brace myself for an argument.
“Really?”
“Yeah.” I tack on hastily, “I like you a lot but just not…romantically. I hope you understand.”
“Oh.” He glances down at his loafers. “I, um, guess we’re not on the same page after all.”
“No, I don’t think we are. I’m really sorry for any confusion.”
“Well, that’s certainly disappointing,” he mumbles, kicking a pebble with the toe of his shoe. “It’s just that we have so much in common. Us being together seemed like a no brainer.”
“You’re right, we do have a ton of stuff in common. But there’s just not a, you know, spark.”
Not like when Ryder and I are together.
As soon as that insidious thought pops into my brain, I shove it away before it can take root and do permanent damage.
With a tilt of his head, he licks his chapped lips. “There isn’t any scientific evidence to back up your assertion that chemical attraction even exists. Couples are successful because they have a rock-solid foundation regarding shared interests, morals, and values.”
“Maybe attraction can’t be qualitatively measured, but it exists.” How else can you explain the physical reaction I have to Ryder McAdams? It’sallchemical attraction. We have absolutely nothing in common. Hell, we don’t even like each other and yet…
Fireworks explode when we’re together.
His expression turns quizzical. “But if it can’t be proven, how can you be so sure?”
“Because I’ve felt it, and I’ve seen relationships with chemistry that have stood the test of time. I believe in it, and that’s what I want for myself.”
Just not with Ryder.
Someone more like Aaron who I have shared interests with.
“Fair enough.” His expression turns thoughtful as we continue walking. “I can’t say that I’m not disappointed by this turn of events. You’re missing out on something great.”
I force a smile. “You’re right, and I’m the one who’ll have to live with that decision.”
With nothing more to say on the subject, Aaron hitches his thumb over his shoulder. “I should probably get to the library. I need to study. Any chance you want to join me?”
“Maybe next time. I have an appointment with my advisor in ten minutes and then I’m off to my lab.”
He nods before giving me a wave and disappearing.
Tension leaks from my muscles as we part ways.
As friends.
The rest of the day turns out to be a whirlwind. By the time I walk through the door of our apartment at seven o’clock that evening, my ass is dragging, and my brain is fried. I’m looking forward to hitting the sheets and sacking out.
“Hello?” I call out when I don’t immediately spot Carina curled up on the couch in the living room, wrapped up in a book. Several lights are on, and music is playing, so I know she’s around.
I peek my head inside her room. It’s an explosion of clothes, books, colorful pillows, and makeup. Dance posters and photographs of friends and family decorate almost the entire wall space. Carina’s room is a direct reflection of her personality—bursting at the seams with vibrant energy.
Our gazes meet in the full-length mirror before she spins around. “I’m so glad you’re here!”
“Oh?” Her overly enthusiastic greeting has alarm bells going off in my head.
With narrowed eyes, I take her in. Her leggings and comfy sweatshirt, which is what she’d usually wear if we’re hunkering down for the night, has been replaced by a creamy low-cut sweater, short tan corduroy skirt, and rich, nutbrown suede boots. Her blonde hair has been left all long and loose to float around her shoulders and her make up is on point with a smoky eye.
