As she walked back to her spot on the sofa, Aaron leaned forward, his voice low. “Is it just me, or is she acting weird?”
“Weird how?” Max asked, and I held my breath.
“I don't know. Just... off.” Aaron's eyes followed his sister as she settled back into her seat. “And she's wearing that hoodie constantly. And it just looks way too familiar…”
“Lots of people have Titan hoodies, man,” Max said, and I wanted to kiss him for the save.
“Yeah, I guess.” Aaron didn't sound convinced. “It's just... never mind. I'm probably overthinking it.”
I forced myself to take a drink, to appear casual, even though my heart was pounding. This was getting harder. Every interaction felt like walking a tightrope, and I wasn't sure how much longer we could keep this up without someone falling.
My phone buzzed again.
Rosalie
That was close. We need to be more careful.
I know. This is killing me.
Rosalie
Me too. But we can't risk it. Not yet.
I looked up and caught her eyes across the café. The longing in them matched exactly what I felt, this desperate need to close the distance between us, to stop pretending she was just my best friend's little sister.
“Earth to Derek,” Aaron waved his hand in front of my face. “You're zoning out again. What's going on with you lately?”
“Nothing,” I said too quickly. “Just thinking about the Westpoint game.”
Aaron's expression softened immediately. “Shit, yeah. That's in a couple of weeks, right? Are you doing okay with that?”
“Getting there,” I admitted, grateful for the genuine concern that replaced his suspicion. “Therapy's helping.”
“Good. We need you on the field.” Aaron stood up. “I'm getting a refill. You guys want anything?”
As soon as Aaron walked to the counter, Max leaned in close. “You two need to chill. That was way too obvious.”
“I know,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. “I just... I can't stand this. Pretending I don't care about her when she's right there.”
“Well, you better figure it out, because Aaron's not stupid. He's already noticing something's off.” Max glanced toward the counter where Aaron was chatting with the barista. “And when he figures it out, it's not going to be pretty.”
I knew Max was right. But as I stole another glance at Rosie, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she studied, all I could think about was how much worse it would be if I had to give her up.
Aaron returned with his coffee and a suspicious glint still in his eyes. “You know what? I think I'm going to hang here for a bit. Study with Rosie.”
Fuck.
“I thought you didn't have any exams this week?” Max asked, echoing my thoughts.
“I don't, but I have that essay due Friday. Might as well get it done.” Aaron grabbed his bag and headed toward the sofa where Rosie was sitting.
I watched, helpless, as he dropped down next to his sister. She looked up, clearly surprised, and I could see the slight panic in her eyes even from across the café.
“Great,” Max muttered under his breath. “This is going to be painful to watch.”
We pretended to focus on our phones, but I kept glancing over. Aaron had his laptop out, but he wasn't typing. Instead, he was watching Rosie with that older brother intensity that made me nervous.
“So,” Aaron started, and even from here I could hear the casual tone that meant he was fishing for information. “You've been busy lately. Barely see you around the house.”
