“So,” he continues, saving me from my awkward silence, “what are you up to today? Besides looking amazing and breaking hearts.”
I snort, glancing down at my leggings and oversized sweater. “Yeah, I’m a real heartbreaker. Just hanging out at home. Drawing a little.”
“You are, you know. A heartbreaker.” His voice drops lower, and heat rushes to my face. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you.”
“Liar,” I say, but I’m smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. “You’ve been busy with hockey stuff.”
“Actually, I’ve been benched since the concussion. But today’s the big day. Doc cleared me for light training, so I’m heading to the gym.”
“That’s great. I bet you’re going stir-crazy.”
“You have no idea. I’ve reorganized my sock drawer twice.” He pauses. “You should come with me.”
“To organize your socks?”
He laughs again. “To the gym. I’m not allowed to do much yet, but I could show you around. Maybe grab dinner after?”
I glance around my tiny apartment, at the walls that still feel like they’re closing in. The thought of escaping, of seeing Beckett, is almost painfully tempting.
“I don’t think I’m dressed for a fancy gym. I’m just wearing leggings and a sweatshirt,” I say, looking down at my leggings.
“You’re already wearing leggings? Perfect. That’s like half the battle.” There’s a hopeful note in his voice that tugs at something in my chest. “I can send a car for you.”
My father’s face flashes in my mind. If he finds out I’m seeing Beckett, finds out about any of this… Real fear spikes through me. He can’t find out Pierce and Liam are in Nashville.
“I’m actually out doing errands,” I lie, the words flowing easier than they should. “I could meet you somewhere.”
“Even better. Where are you now?”
I rack my brain for a location that makes sense. “Heading to the grocery store on Belmont. The one by the university.”
“Perfect. I’ll have a car meet you there in fifteen minutes.” He sounds so excited that guilt twists in my stomach for the lie.
“You don’t have to send a car, I can take the bus.”
“Absolutely not. I insist. As a matter of fact, I’m going to log you into my account so you can get a car whenever you need. Better than buses.”
“Okay,” I say, surrendering. “See you soon.”
“Can’t wait.”
I stuff the iPad into its case and shove it into my bag, then grab my coat. I check my reflection in the mirror above my sink. My hair’s a mess, falling into my eyes. I brush it back with my fingers and pinch some color into my cheeks.
“This is stupid,” I tell my reflection. “This is so, so stupid.”
I walk fast, the bus stop is three blocks away. I can totally make it to the grocery store before the rideshare shows up.
Chapter thirty-two
ASH
TheUberpullsinright behind a black Dodge Charger. The thought of seeing both Beckett and Liam shouldn’t be this thrilling.
Liam unfolds himself from the driver’s seat like he’s some movie star, all graceful, in control. When he turns, his eyes find mine instantly. He looks shocked. Obviously, Beckett didn’t tell him I was coming.
“Ash,” he says, crossing the lot toward me with long strides. Before I can prepare myself, he’s pulling me against him, one arm circling my waist. His lips brush my cheek, casual like he’s been doing it his whole life.
“I…” The words die in my throat. This isn’t what’s supposed to happen. I shouldn’t be getting butterflies for Liam Morales.
