Because after tonight, after what we'd just shared, there was no pretending anymore. Not really.
We'd crossed the final line, and there was absolutely no going back.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
ROSALIE
The days leading up to the Halloween party all blended in together, with midterms on my neck and the traumatizing experience with Aaron at the café. I hated lying to him, especially when all my thoughts were around Derek. Whenever we could we talked on the phone for long hours or hid out in the studio making out and exploring each other's body.
The rush of the secrecy was slowly fading, and more and more times I just wanted this to be real. To hold his hand, to hug him in public, and to just be with him without all these rules.
We both were on edge, not being able to grab a coffee or takeout in town, scared to exchange words on campus. Feeling like the whole world was watching us,
"Hey, pretty girl," Derek said from behind me, making me jump as I strolled down the corridor heading to my next class. Yes, it was a miracle that I started taking school seriously, but I did.
"You scared me," I let out a low laugh and wrapped my armssafely around all my books, forcing myself not to reach out to him.
Ever since that first night in the studio, I couldn't get enough of him.
He grinned, that cocky smile that made my stomach flip, and casually threw an arm around my shoulders like he'd done dozens of times before we'd crossed that line. His leather scent wrapped around me, and I immediately relaxed into his touch. To anyone watching, it was just Derek being Dex. Friendly, tactile, the team's golden boy who treated everyone like family.
But I felt the difference. The way his fingers traced small circles on my shoulder. The way his body angled toward mine was protective and possessive.
"Sorry," he said, not sounding sorry at all. "Couldn't resist. You look cute when you're stressed about exams."
"I'm not stressed," I lied, very aware of the other students moving around us. "Just focused."
"Right. That's why you've got that little wrinkle between your eyebrows." His thumb moved to smooth it out, and the touch sent electricity through me. "The one you get when you're overthinking."
I swatted his hand away, fighting a smile. "Stop. People are staring."
"Let them. I'm allowed to be friendly with my best friend's baby sister." But his eyes said something else entirely:I wish I could kiss you right now.
Mine answered:Me too.
"Walk me to class?" I asked, keeping my voice light.
"Always."
We fell into step together, and for a few minutes, it felt almost normal. Like we were just friends, like nothing had changed between us.
Except everything had changed.
"So, Halloween party tomorrow," Derek said casually. "Are you going?"
"Probably. Daisy's making me dress up as a disco dancer. She's going as Cher."
He laughed. "That's perfect for you. All sparkly and fun."
"What are you going as?"
"Haven't decided. Maybe just throw on a jersey and call it a costume."
I rolled my eyes. "That's so lazy. Last year, you were Ken. That was epic."
"Or efficient." He bumped his shoulder against mine, electricity racing through my body. "Will you save me a dance? You know, when no one's watching?"
The words were innocent enough, but the heat in his eyes made my cheeks burn. "Maybe. If you ask nicely."
