“Yeah, you did,” I agreed.
My gaze settled on Eva, and I took in what he’d said. I had every right to be mad at him, but Alex seemed to be laying it all on the table, and there was no denying that I’d been drawn to him too all these months. Maybe there was a reason for that? Were we supposed to be friends? If that was the case there was one big issue.
I took a few long breaths before speaking again. “You know that Eva and Hunter are a thing, right?”
Alex’s eyes widened.
“Not officially,” I amended. “They’re being all secretive about it. Of course, just because you’re apologizing doesn’t mean we have to be friends, but I have to say . . .”
My eyes lifted to meet his stunning blue ones, and my breath hitched. The same tingles I’d felt the night we’d held hands while a crazy fae attacked us pushed through me. Perhaps it was hopeful or naïve, but after Alex’s admission, I didn’t believe that this chemistry was one-sided.
“I wouldn’t mind it. And if we’re hanging out, Eva will be there, which means Hunter will be too,” I finished.
Alex chewed his lip for a few seconds before finally speaking. “I understand. And for the record, I’d like to hang out, too. As for Hunter, well . . . it will undoubtedly take some time, but I’ll try my best.”
I nodded. That was good enough—for now.
“Let me get this straight, you and hunk-of-the-year Alex Wardwell bonded over my unconscious body, and you’ve hung out every day since? I’ve been awake a full day! Why didn’t you tell me?” A grin spread on Eva’s scarred face.
Spellcasters’ healers had tried all the regular remedies to cure the greater demon scars. Nothing had worked, and many believed the creature who had scarred Eva was more powerful than most. They hinted that the marks would never fade. Thankfully, Headmistress Wake had sent out inquiries, and well-respected healers from around the globe would arrive in the next few weeks to offer their opinions.
Eva had returned to our suite after a week in the infirmary, and I couldn’t have been happier. A part of me was conflicted that I was leaving her alone tonight, but I’d made plans with Alex to have dinner in Wandstown, and my hopes were great that the dinner would benefit Eva as well as myself.
“I hardly wanted to talk about my crush with all those healers and professors around, and they werealwaysthere. Plus, as of now, we’re still just . . . friends . . . learning about each other. We haven’t even held hands.” My eyes shifted to Eva, and my lips curled up in a smirk. “You know about being ‘just friends,’ don’t you?”
Eva’s cheeks colored, and she dropped her gaze to her hands. “You figured out that Hunter and I are . . . doing whatever we’re doing, huh?”
“You guys were obvious. I legit walked in on him kissing your hand in the infirmary. Sorry, but no guyfrienddoes that.”
Eva rolled her eyes. “I swear, he is such a hopeless romantic.”
“You should have seen the way he leapt up.”
We shared a good laugh that petered out into an uncomfortable silence.
Aw hell, let’s get this over with.
“I don’t understand why you guys wanted to keep it hidden. It’s not like I would’ve cared. I mean, Hunter’s hot, but I always thought of him like a brother.”
“I didn't think you’d be jealous,” Eva explained hurriedly. “You never had eyes for anyone except Alex.”
I gaped, and Eva laughed.
“Odie, you stare at him all the time! Hunter and I knew you liked Alex. We didn’t want to make you feel like the third wheel and change the dynamic of our trio. Especially when everyone else—Alex included—was being such an ass to you.” Eva pressed her lips together, clearly still annoyed by the rudeness of our peers.
My heart clenched. Her explanation made perfect sense and rang true to my friend’s character. “Well, thanks. But for the record, you don’t have to hide a part of your life for my comfort. I can handle going it alone. I’m a tough cookie.”
“So Hunter tells anyone who will listen.” Eva arched an eyebrow, and I smiled.
A door slammed outside, and Eva glanced at her clock. “Don’t you have a hot date, like now?”
“Ha. Friends, remember?”
She pursed her lips. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”
I sighed. “How do I look?”
Eva’s blue eyes ran up and down my body. “Hot. Have I ever told you how much I love that piece?” She gestured to my long, leather jacket.
