Page 212 of Dare To Live

I find my cell, but when I call his number, his phone is switched off.

How long has he been gone? Is he heading back to the cabin? Maybe I can catch him on the way.

I snatch up a pair of discarded sweatpants and a t-shirt hauling them on. Hurrying to the door, I swing it open and jog along the corridor.

Garrett is emerging from his room as I pass his door. We stare at each other. A recollection of the events last night has my cheeks flushing, but I push my embarrassment aside. His cheeks are as red as mine feel.

“I need to find Eli.”

“I think I saw him head to his car about an hour ago.”

Panic that I’m going to be too late tightens my chest. “I need to talk to him.”

“Is everything okay?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s not.”

“Is there anything I can do?” He looks concerned, but his voice sounds hopeful.

“Thanks, but no.” I move to Miles’ door and bang on it with my fist.

A full minute passes before it swings open and he appears wrapped in a white robe rubbing his eyes with one hand. “What’s wrong? What’s going on?”

“I need Ivan to drive me to the cabin so I can tell him I love him.” I stumble over the words in my rush to get them out.

“You love Ivan?”

“No, you idiot. Eli.”

He scowls at me. “Bella, you’re not making any sense.”

I take a breath and reply slowly, carefully enunciating each word for my clearly hungover friend. “Eli left. I need to tell him that I love him, and I need you to help me achieve that. I should have told him sooner.”

“You should let him go. Talk to him in a few days.” Ivan appears behind his fiancé. “Let things between you settle down.”

Miles twists to look at him. “Are you crazy? She could change her mind all over again.”

“Please, Ivan.” I inject a note of pleading into my voice. “I need to do this.”

“I’m not sure—”

“Fine! If you won’t help me, I’ll find someone else to take me.” I turn to Garrett, who’s still watching us. “Can you—”

“I’ll drive you.” Ivan concedes. “Get dressed and packed. We’ll have breakfast and then follow him to the cabin. I am not breaking any speed limits getting there.”

I give him a quick hug. “Thank you.”

He grunts. “Go, I have a call to make. Miles, you can shower first.”

As much as I want to jump into the car and tear off after Eli, I know Ivan is right. We need to get ready to leave first. I step back and let them close the door.

“Is there anything I can do?” Garrett offers from where he’s still hovering in the corridor.

I walk back along the hallway to my room. “No but thank you for being my friend.”

“I never had a chance with you, did I?” His voice is subdued.

“I’m sorry.”

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