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I want to go to her, but I’m also enjoying the way her eyes keep flicking to me. She searches for me over everyone else. Those chocolate browns gilded in bronze around the center are as enticing as she is mesmerizing.
We argue, sure, but with Hailey, fighting is something I would take a million times over a random hookup with a stranger.
Besides, it also doesn’t help that she looks absolutely stunning tonight. Her strappy dress is the shade of cobalt. The silky material is bold, but it doesn’t overshadow the simple elegance of Rory’s white party dress.
I came over to my sister as a way of distraction, but it hasn’t worked. Not with the torturing way Hailey’s and my eyes keep locking.
I sigh.
If things were different, and she was willing to open herself up more, I’d be unbashful in my motives. I’d walk over there right now and kiss her and remind everyone she’s mine.
If Hailey would stop hiding from the world, I wouldn’t have to shield myself from what I want.
Her.
Aiden.
My little family…together.
If only things could be that simple. Why did she have to leave?
forty-two
Finn
Callmeweak,aliar…whatever, because I give in. I couldn’t help it anymore. Hailey Williams has some sort of hook in me that I’ve never been able to rid myself of.
I’m drawn to her; there, I admitted it.
She’s leaning against the railing of the upper deck as I approach. The party’s stable down below but has thinned out some since several hours have passed.
Aiden eventually tired out enough from driving around in his new toy that Hailey’s dad volunteered to take him back to his place so Hailey could stay.
“Hey, stranger,” she says as I follow her lead and rest my elbows on the edge.
I’d seen her below, from up here, alone, and decided to do what I do best. Act first and deal with the repercussions later.
“Hey,” I respond back.
“It seems like everyone’s been having fun,” she notes, eyeing beneath us.
“What about you?”
“What do you mean?”
I bite back my grin. “Are you having fun?”
Her eyes stay flat before her head turns, focused straight ahead. Cautious, she’s being cautious, but when isn’t this her new norm? The old Hailey was never like this. She was more carefree, more open.
“I think so…”
“You only think?”
I watch as her hands flex and then she shoots me an incredulous look, something deeper taking root in her mind. She wants to challenge me, a snarky comment on the tip of her tongue. I see it, but for whatever reason, her heart’s not in it right now.
I wish she’d stop being afraid and let me in. I realize then I’d take whatever pain I could from her, just so she’d have less. I’d share even, half and half if that’s what it’ll take for her to give me anything.
A glimpse into where her head’s at is all I need. We can work from there.
