“Are you just getting home?”
“The guys wanted to stay out, and you told me to make an effort.”
I did say that, but I don’t like the way he’s using my words as an excuse. “Plus,” he continues on, “I’ve been home for about thirty minutes; I was looking for you.”
My brows furrow. “I’m here. You found me.”
“Why aren’t you in bed?”
Shit. “I fell asleep reading.”
“Where’s your book?”
Dammit. I internally cringe as my eyes subtly bounce around the room, but when I see one of my favorite books peeking out from under the chair, I relax. “It’s there. It must have fallen.”
Nathan glances in the direction I’m pointing and visibly relaxes himself, making the guilt shift to me.
“I thought that maybe you were avoiding me.”
And now I feel worse.“Why?”
“Because of what I did.”
What?I straighten again but still don’t stand. “What did you do?” A million thoughts race through my mind, and of course, Jenna’s assumption screams at me the loudest. Was she right? Is he talking about the strip club?
“I kissed you to piss off Fitzpatrick,” he admits, and disappointment crushes my chest. “I was hoping it would throw him off his game.”
I knew. Iknewand yet I didn’t want to believe it.
I stare at him for a beat, my mind back in the Los Angeles stadium. I should feel sick about it, but in a moment of madness, a thought hits me, and I burst out laughing.
They’re both insane. NathanandZane. It’s like we’re back in high school. And in this instance, Zane won.
When I calm down, I blow out a breath and smile sympathetically. “While I don’t like it, I understand you wanting to piss him off. Only, I thought you knew better than that. For Zane, anger is likefuel. Of course, he was going to play his heart out after that. Just look—” I cut myself off.No. We’re not talking about Zane and how well I know him. “The point is, I’m not avoiding you.”
“You’re not?”
“No.”Not for that reason anyway.
Nathan sighs again before stumbling forward to grab my hand. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.”
“I… I’m kind of awake now. I might go for a hike.”
“A hike? At five.”
“Yeah. Sunrise is pretty magical.”
Nathan stares at me, and when his eyes roll into the back of his head, my stomach lurches.How did I not notice how drunk he was?Now that I’m more awake, it’s obvious.
“Okay.” He nods as he sways. “Go for your hike.”
“Thanks.” I stand and—even though I wasn’t seeking permission—feel relieved as I walk past. But I only make it a step before he grabs my arm and pulls me to a stop.
“God, you smell amazing.” He steps closer, crowding me in. “Come to bed. Just for a minute and then you can hike.” His breath warms my skin and I curse myself when I shiver uncomfortably.What the hell is going on?
“Not today, Nathan. I’ll miss the sunrise.”
“Come on.”
