‘You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!’I gasp, shaking the phone.‘Argh!’
I rush over to my car, the rain falling more heavily now.Flinging myself inside it, I feel on the verge of tears.I’m so damn tired and all I wanted to do was have a hot shower and curl up in my bed.
At least I remember the way to their house, since I’ve been there a lot over the past few months.Starting the car, I pull out onto the road and make my way over there, desperately hoping Zayden’s home, and okay with me gatecrashing.
Pulling into the driveway, I see only Anya’s car pulled up onto the curb, but Zayden often parks in the garage anyway.The lights are on, which I take as a good sign.
With a steadying breath, hoping I don’t look as miserable as I feel, I walk up to the front door.
A few moments later, the door swings open and Zayden stands there.He’s dressed in grey trackpants and a white shirt, holding a paintbrush in his hand.
‘Nora!’he says in surprise, taking in my wet appearance.He looks devilishly handsome, as always, with his usual careless-butsomehow-gorgeous appearance.‘You okay?Anya isn’t here.’
‘I know,’ I say, teeth beginning to chatter, and then much to my embarrassment, I burst into tears.
His eyes widen and he steps back, letting me inside.He placesthe paintbrush down into the tray on the ground and pulls me into his chest.He’s warm, and his strong arms envelop me, making me feel safe.It only makes me cry harder.
‘What happened?’he asks softly.
‘My roommates are assholes.’
Stroking my hair, he presses his lips to the top of my head.‘Why’s that?’
‘I think they somehow got the locks changed because my card no longer works and they wouldn’t let me in.’
‘They can’t do that!’he exclaims, pulling back and staring down at me, hands resting heavy on my shoulders.‘Are you serious?’
‘Yeah.They knew it was me, too, and wouldn’t let me in.They’re awful to me.’
‘This is not high school, who has the time and energy for this kind of bullshit?’
‘Exactly my thoughts,’ I grumble, sniffling.‘I’m sorry to come here … I truly didn’t know where else to go.’
‘It’s fine,’ he assures me, thumbs stroking down my shoulders.‘I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to come here, knowing that Anya and Mase are away.’
I eye the paintbrush and materials sprawled out across a sheet.‘What are you up to?’
‘Er … fixing an issue I created.’
I eye the patchwork on the wall, and move my gaze to his hand, which is swollen and red.
‘You okay?’I ask in concern, not having noticed it earlier today when I saw him.
‘I had a visit from my mother,’ he replies, and I’m surprised at the words leaving his mouth.Discussing anything to do with his mum has always been a very sensitive topic and I know it’s caused tension and issues with Anya in the past.‘I let her get to me.’
‘Sounds like we’ve both had a few shitty days.’
‘Yeah,’ he says with a grimace.‘You want a shower?’
‘I don’t have any clothes with me,’ I sigh.
‘You can borrow some of Anya’s?’he suggests.
Heat floods my cheeks.There is no way I would fit into anything Anya owns.I’m easily three sizes bigger than her.Swallowing, I avert my gaze.‘That’s okay.These will dry eventually.’
His brows furrow.
‘Wait,’ he says.‘I have an idea.’
