Spinning away from the crowd, I massage my temples and count to three, inhaling deeply.
“What’s wrong?” Jenna’s voice makes me startle as she grabs my arm, turning me to face her, concern etched in her features.
“Nothing,” I lie. “Why?”
“You look like you want to kill someone.”
Oh.That. I do.I really fucking do.“Would you believe this is my resting bitch face?” I smile with exaggerated force, and she erupts into giggles, until she seemingly realises where we are, frantically glancing around.
“Watch your language.” She shushes me.
“My mistake. Has anyone ever told you you’re a completely different person around kids?”
“Believe it or not, I figured that out for myself. What about you? Has anyone ever told you you’re a marshmallow when—”
“They wouldn’t dare.” I mock anger and Jenna’s face splits into a grin.
“You’re not as grumpy as they say.”
“And you’re not as badass.”
“Oh, yeah?” She steps forward, getting in my face. “Say that again. I dare you.” The corner of her mouth tilts into the beginning of a smile, but she hides it away, and my chest aches for her.
I have never wanted to steal a kiss more than I do right now.
My heart hammers against my rib cage as an internal battle rages inside me.Why should I hold back?Why do I continue to put Jack first when he’s never once offered me the same courtesy?
Oh, right, because I’m“a good kid” and my “parents would be proud.”Charlie’s hardened voice plays through my head, andGod-fucking-dammit.I’m never going to escape it.
My phone buzzes again, but I don’t bother checking my notifications before responding to Jack.
Mason: She’s here. WHERE YOU SHOULD BE. We’ll see you when we get home. If you’re there
He responds within seconds and my temperature rises.
Jack: Come home NOW. I want her back
The fuck?I pocket my phone, my breath burning my throat as I secure a mask firmly in place, stifling my rage.
“Hey.” Jenna squeezes my bicep, her face marred with a frown. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m good. Never better. Is it time for Santa?”
I fake a smile and Jenna attempts to smile back at me. Gone is her youthful happiness, and a wave of guilt takes over me.Fuck. I did that. I brought her here to get her out of her funk and I put her back in it.
“Jenna, I—”
“Maasse.” Kai cuts me off, stepping in front of us with a guitar in hand and a rebellious expression that has my stomach in knots.
“Kai,” I warn. “What are you—” The opening riff of “Jingle Bell Rock” answers my question and I narrow my eyes, my throat constricting as I struggle to take in air.He wants me to play.
“Kai?”
“I’m pushing your boundaries.”
“Why here? Why now?”
“It’s time.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal before his eyes flash to Jenna for the briefest of seconds, and my entire body tenses.
