“You love it when I'm annoying.” I forced my hands to release her before I stepped back.
“Go, El,” I said, flexing my hands. “Before I really mess up this whole fake thing we've got going.”
Or before I admit I've been pretending to pretend for weeks now, before I completely lose what's left of my self-control and kiss you until neither of us can think straight.
THIRTY
Sawyer
Last week had been a mess.A full-on, static in my skull, can’t hear my own thoughts kind of mess. We won the game, which should’ve had me riding high heading into the playoffs, but all I could think about was the ice-cold silence from Ellie.
My phone vibrated on the counter. I looked at it to see she finally replied to my text.
We still on for tonight at 9? I sent you the details.
Of course. I can have Ben swing by your place to grab you?
Aren’t I supposed to be the one picking you up?
Security detail and all. Complicates things
Alright, alright. See you soon.
Can’t wait.
Can’t wait? She moaned my name like it was the only word she knew, went quiet for a whole week, and now that was what she sends me?
Can’t wait.
She was definitely shaken that night and made it clear it couldn’t happen again. I’d been reeling ever since.
I forced myself into the tux I kept tucked away for special occasions, even though I was crawling out of my skin. Then, I pulled out my phone and called the only other person who knew the full story.
Colt answered after a few rings with a grunt that somehow managed to sound both exhausted and judgmental.
“Well, good to hear from you too,” I muttered.
“What do you want?”
I started pacing the living room. “I know emotional expression isn’t your thing, but could you pretend to be a decent brother for, like, two minutes?”
“I am a decent brother. You’re just a pain in the ass. What’s going on?”
“I’m spiraling over here.”
“Ellie?”
“Ellie.” I dragged a hand down my face.
“What happened?” He was quiet for a beat, and then his voice uncharacteristically softened. “You fucked her, didn’t you?”
“Well…”
“Sawyer,” he scolded.
“We didn’t sleep together, but something happened.”
“Define something.”
