Page 44 of For Emery

Raquel laughed, probably hearing the fear in my voice.

Jordan grinned. “Listen, Em. I have a serious question for you.”

My brows shot up.

“My mom’s birthday’s Wednesday. I’m heading home and thought maybe you’d like to come.”

“Oh, I…” Thoughts of going back to a place I both hated and loved sent my body on edge. Was it safe? Would anyone see me? Could Wayne still be lurking around? “I probably shouldn’t.”

“My parents would love to see you.”

“It’s not that…”

“Well, what is it?”

How could I tell him I still lived in fear of my ex-stepfather? I wanted him to see me as strong and confident. “I’ve got class.”

“Bio,” Raquel said. “And I’m in the class. You can get the notes from me.”

I cocked my head, needing her to have my back. She clearly didn’t get the memo. But then again, why would she? I hadn’t opened up to her about my past.

“Come on, Em. I’m not opposed to begging,” Jordan continued.

I pulled in a breath and let all the reasons it was a bad idea flee my mind as I stared into the beautiful blue eyes I’d dreamt about for the last four years. “Fine.”

Jordan smiled as he pushed his chair back and stood. “Great. I’ll pick you up Wednesday morning.” He didn’t wait for a response, probably because he knew me. And the longer he gave me to think about it, the more apt I’d be to back out.

“He wants you,” Raquel said as he made his way across the crowded room, waving to people and bumping fists.

“I’m scared to let myself believe it,” I admitted.

She tilted her head, her eyes assessing me sadly. “In life, you’ve gotta take risks.”

“Says who?”

“Says anyone who’s gone after what they’ve wanted and gotten it.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Maybe. But that guy.” She lifted her chin in Jordan’s direction. “I’m thinking he’s worth the risk.”

I glanced over my shoulder at him. He was laughing with his friends. I used to be the friend he laughed with. And though I still wanted to be the one he laughed with, I knew down deep I wanted to be the one he did more with.

So much more.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Emery

I’d woken up late and was struggling to brush on some makeup when there was a knock on my door. Shit.

“Want me to get it?” Raquel asked from her bed where she hadn’t bothered to get up yet, even though she promised to take notes in our class that began in two minutes.

“No, it’s fine. You’ve got a class to get to,” I reminded her.

She groaned and threw her covers over her head.

With a deep exhalation, I grabbed the doorknob and pulled open the door.

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