Because he’d been hung up on me.
Colin said Cadehadhad a crush on me—past tense. Like it was something that used to be true, but no longer was.
But what if it wasn’t past tense at all? What if he still felt that way?
What if we tried this and it didn’t work? What if I was too broken, too guarded, too much work? What if I ruined it the way I’d ruined every other relationship I’d ever had?
But then I remembered the way he’d held my hand two nights ago. The way he’d looked me in the eye and told me I was gorgeous. The way he’d promised to stay.
Try and make me leave, he’d said.
I pressed my face harder into the pillow.
But what ifIwas the one who couldn’t stay?
four
. . .
CADE
The buzzof my phone dragged me out of sleep. I rolled over, squinting at the screen through half-closed eyes to see Stella’s name glowing in the darkness.
I rubbed the sleep from my face and unlocked my phone.
Stella
You there?
Cade
I am now.
Stella
Shit. I didn’t mean to wake you
Cade
It’s okay. I’m glad you did.
Stella
I’m sorry. I know you’re exhausted.
Cade
Don’t be. I’ve been worried about you.
Three dots appeared, disappeared, and then appeared again.
Stella
That was a lot today.
Cade
Yeah … That’s not how I wanted you to find out.
