Her eyes catch mine, and in the sunlight it’s like they’re made of gold. “No, not really. I lightly reminded the older kids to be respectful, the ones who I thought could pick you out of a lineup. But nothing else. Why?”
“People still don’t know that I’m here. I was expecting a few days of keeping it under wraps, but it’s been weeks.”
“You’re not the only person who has needed a break, Colson. They get that. Golden Harbor has good people.” She says this like she’s telling me the time—so sure and clear.
I nod because otherwise it doesn’t make sense. Back in Chicago, I’ve been bombarded at a coffee cart where people were being so aggressive that they bumped me, spilled my hot drink, and one of them tried to sue me for damages. It’s hard to envision a place where they let me be.
Maybe Golden Harbor is it? I bought my mom this house because I thought it was something she would love, a place worthy of her. Never thought I’d be the one who also needed a little Golden Harbor in my life.
The universe has a funny way of lining things up.
“Also, maybe they’re afraid of you.” Sadie shrugs her shoulders, putting the gym keys in her bag. “You have mastered thatleave me alone or elselook.”
The air is thick, like it’s clinging to my skin. Quietly, I laugh as her hair blows in the summer wind. “Never seemed to work on you.”
She pauses, dramatically turning her head to face me. “Nope. I’m not afraid of you, Colson Burke.” She pokes me in the chest playfully, and I find myself taking a step back.
It’s like something cracks, shakes free. Something I can barely put my finger on. But it feels like someone loosens the ropes tied around me.
Like a reflex, I grab her finger and she laughs. Like we’re both on the inside of a joke. The way she fills the space between us has me grinning back—I like that I surprised her.
And then everything slows. The wind almost dies down and a piece of her long blonde hair is stuck to her lips. Without thinking, my fingers delicately reach to her face, pulling the hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear.
What the fuck am I doing?
I cough, letting go of her finger and stepping back, turning it into me going back to my place.
“See you tomorrow, Sadie,” I call over my shoulder, trying to hide the grin through my words.
Because I barely know her. But being around her feels like I’ve finally come up for air.
fourteen
Sadie
IswearI’mnota dramatic person. Not typically. But tonight is definitely challenging that claim.
Because I’ve been standing in front of my mirror for fifteen minutes, trying to decide if my hair looks better down or half-up. Which wouldn’t be a crisis except for one tiny, humiliating detail: Colson tucked my hair behind my ear. Once. And I simply haven’t recovered.
Maren walks in and I know it’s her because the click-clack of her heels, after the shut of the door, is one of her staples. She comes up behind me and rests her hands on my shoulders.
“You better spill. You’re making that face,” she announces.
“What face?”
She sits up and points her phone at me like a weapon. “The one that says you have a secret.”
“I do not make a face.” I do everything I can to soften whatever look I’m giving her.
“You absolutely do. It’s rare, considering how we tell each other everything.”
I groan and flop my head forward into my hands. “I hate you.”
“No you don’t,” she teases, patting my back. “You hate that I’m that good. Now, let me guess—does this have something to do withMr. Hot Rage.”
I lift my head. “He tucked my hair behind my ear. It wasn’t even romantic.”
Maren squeals and I’m trying my best not to let the flush hit my cheeks.
