Page 78

Axel rubbed the spot. And then he tried to hand me his joint. “Here. Your new favorite.”

I swatted his hand down. “You need some water.”

“That’s not what I need.” He took another puff.

“Yes, you do.” I grabbed a cup and filled it up at the sink. I tried to hand it to him, but he refused.

“That’s not what I need.” It sounded more like a plea than a statement. Like he was begging me not to give it to him.

“Then what do you need?”

He exhaled slowly and shook his head. “What does it even matter anymore?”

I glanced at Sophie.

“Axel, let me take you home,” Sophie said and put her hand on his arm.

“Seriously, Soph.” He shook her off. “Are you going to be begging me for a kiss next?”

I felt tears welling in the corners of my eyes. I didn’t know what his problem was. But he was no longer my problem. I turned to Soph. “Sophie, what else did you need help with before I head out?”

“Oh. I just wanted to plan the Sadie Hawkins dance relocation. But I guess we’ve already got a plan.”

“The school cafeteria,” I said.

“No, I’ll figure it out. Go lose your V-Card.”

Axel dropped his cup on the ground and his beer spilled in every direction. I jumped out of the way before it could hit my sneakers.

“Party foul,” Sophie said and grabbed a roll of paper towels.

Jacob walked up and put his arm around my shoulders. “Hey, love.” He kissed the side of my forehead. “What did I miss?”

“Nothing,” I whispered. “Can we please get out of here?”

Jacob lowered his eyebrows. “Is everything okay?”

No. Not even close. I shouldn’t have come to this party. We should have left together after the game in Jacob’s truck. We’d be out of the city by now. Somewhere beneath the stars.

“Scarlett was just telling me about your plans tonight,” Axel said. “Congrats. And it’s real mature of you to not be upset that I slept with her first. Several times, actually.”

What the hell, Axel?!

“What?” Jacob said. His arm fell from my shoulders.

“Axel is drunk,” I said. “And high out of his mind. Clearly.”

“I’m sober enough to remember sleeping with you,” Axel said with a smile.

“He just slept in my bed a couple of nights because I was scared,” I said. “Nothing happened. I swear.” I glared at him and then looked back up at Jacob. “It was before we got together. I’m sorry, I should have told you. But it meant nothing.”

“Just...sleeping?” Jacob asked.

“Of course,” I said.

I couldn’t read Jacob’s expression. And that worried me.

“Sorry,” Axel said. “I figured she would have told you about that. Scarlett, you should wear that little silk number for my boy here tonight. He’ll like it.”