I nod even though she can’t see me. “Yeah, I think so. I’ll probably just ride home with you and Beck because I do need to be here for my appointment on Monday. Maybe I’ll just stay home after Christmas and have my dad bring me back here after the game.”
It might be good to spend some time with my dad too. He’s all alone now with Beck and me gone. I know he’s busy with work, but I hate to think of him sitting at home by himself night after night. Even if the Kings are across the street, it’s not the same as living with someone.
“Okay, just come stay here then until we leave.”
“Oh, wait, where will I sleep though?”
She giggles. “I’m sure Silas wouldn’t mind you sharing his bed with him.”
“Charlie, that kiss caused enough problems for me. Can you imagine if I slept in his room? Eli would definitely break up with me. He was pissed about that kiss.”
“Well, hopefully, it taught him a lesson. But I have to ask, did you feel anything when Silas kissed you?”
“I felt it everywhere,” I whisper, but I’m not sure why. No one can hear me.
“I love that for you. I know the situation is complicated, but, B, you have to admit, it was fucking hot! I’m going to send you the video Bo posted in our group chat. I was cheering, and I wasn’t even there.” She laughs.
“He came in before you called and asked if I’d talked to you at all. I think this is more than a crush for him. I suspected it when we went to the rodeo in the fall, but I see the way he looks at you and tries to be near you whenever you’re over. And don’t think I missed that you were cuddled up together on the couch at Noelle’s party.”
I groan. “You think everyone’s noticed that we fell asleep on the couch together?”
“Oh, yeah, babe. We’ve all noticed. I was waiting for him to make a move, but I never would have thought he would do it in front of your boyfriend. He’s got balls. I loved it!”
“Well, his balls caused some drama for me tonight. In more than one way.” I sigh. “Eli is pissed, and what’s worse is that I can’t stop thinking about it either.”
“Sounds like you have some decisions to make, sister. Beck is calling, so I’m gonna let you go. I’ll check in with you tomorrow, or just come by when you’re done with your exam. Love you, B.”
“Love you too. Tell Beck I said hi, I’m okay, and I love him.”
“Will do. Byyyye!” She hangs up before I can reply.
I set my phone on my chest and shut my eyes. I wish I hadwhat Charlie and Beck have, but I don’t think I’m going to find that with Eli. I guess I just don’t know how to navigate this relationship stuff yet.
My phone buzzes, and I lift it to see a text come through from Charlie. I open the video and zoom in on Silas and can see him mouth,Fuck it, right before he swoops in and kisses me. At the time, the kiss only felt like seconds, but watching it, I guess it lasted a little longer. I trace my lips with my finger, and I swear, I can almost feel his lips on mine while I watch.
I play it a few more times, then save it to my phone.
Just as I’m about to plug in my phone, another Instagram message from Silas pops up. I swipe it open and bite back a smile.
Silas: Sweet dreams, Cupcake.
I debate answering him and decide to give him something since I didn’t respond earlier. But really, what would I have said to him telling me to break up with my boyfriend?
Brooke: Night, Trouble.
Silas: Ooh, I like that.
I close out our message and scroll through my feed. Silas already follows me. I don’t really post much, so there are only a few photos, mostly family pictures and one or two with Beck after they won the championship game two years ago.
I pull up his profile and decide to follow him back. His profile looks a whole lot different than mine. His is basically a thirst trap, but also features some of his game footage. He really is an incredible player to watch. I heart a few of the game reels and a few pictures on his grid. There are no pictures with girls, which is a relief. Although I know he hasn’t been celibate since he’s been here—or even this year. I’ve seen a few girls come out of his room the next day, and I didn’t like it.
I’m sure he sees me liking his posts, and I like knowing that he knows I’m cyberstalking him. He’s definitely ignited a spark tonight. But the question is, what am I going to do about it?
When I finally plug my phone in, I realize that Eli never called, and I feel … relieved.
CHAPTER
FIVE
