It’s not the first time Jonas has denied being the instigator in a fight, though he always refuses to fill me in on the specifics of a situation.
“I told him it’s better to hit the kid in sneakier ways next time. Spread a rumor that he smells like cheese or sleeps surrounded by porcelain dolls. Date the girl he has a crush on. That sort of thing.”
My mouth falls open. “You didn’t actually tell him that.”
He chuckles. “No, I didn’t. I’m notthatmuch of an idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot at all,” I promise. Unable to resist, I reach out to rasp my knuckles against his short facial hair. “What did this kid do to deserve so much hostility from both of you?”
“Jonas made me promise I wouldn’t tell you what he sharedwith me, but I don’t actually know which one of you scares me more.” He cups the back of his neck with his free hand, the other holding tight around my ankle. “You should talk to him.”
My hand drops to my lap. “Trust me, I’ve tried more times than I can count.”
“Well, shit. This puts me in an awkward situation now.”
Shaking my head, I say, “Don’t tell me. He opened up to you, and if you believe his story, I trust you.”
He may be the one holding on to me, but I’m relying on that touch like a lifeline. Something to keep me grounded as the realization that I trust him nearly bowls me over.
I trust him.
Not just with Jonas.
Withme.
Inexplicably.
Something throbs inside—I imagine it’s the crumbling of walls safeguarding my heart. And I wish I weren’t broken so I could rejoice in this moment and kiss him until nothing else in this world mattered.
“Whit.” His sultry tone makes my name sound sacred. “Let me take you on a date.”
“Today wasn’t a date?” One corner of my mouth turns up. My best attempt at lightening the mood.
“Today was…something. If you think that’s what a date is like, I have great news for you about our future dates.”
I roll my lips. “I’ve been on worse.”
“In that case, if going to the drive-in with me ends up being less fun than today, let me down gently, and I’ll never bother you again.”
Without thinking, I splay an open palm on top of my thighs, waiting for his fingers to slice between mine. Quicksand.
“Okay…” I squeeze our connected hands. “Okay.I would love to go on a proper date with you.”
Knowing there’s no chance Jonas is leaving his room tonight, I press my lips to Colt’s. Tasting him. Savoring this moment. Imagining a life where we’re cuddled on this couch exactly like this every single night.
When the time comes to tell him everything, I’ll try to remember to let him down gently.
Colt
Future Wife:Stomachache? Really?
Colt:Was gonna saunter into the house and give you the “dude bro” treatment. Then I started thinking about kissing you.
Colt:Fucking game over, dude bro.
Future Wife:Jonas is going to be suspicious if you refuse to come over ever again.
Colt:You’re right. Try to make yourself less hot next time I drive him home.
