Page 112 of Accidental Roommates

“I’ll miss you too.”

I pull back from him and stand up. “I should go.”

“Are you gonna talk to Jace when you get home?”

“I’m not sure. I might wait until tomorrow.”

“Stop waiting and just do it.”

“You first. Go talk to Maddie.” I walk to the door. “Tell me how it goes.”

“Kenzie?”

I turn back. “Yeah?”

“Thanks.” He smiles. “You’re pretty cool for a girl.”

I roll my eyes, smiling. “Don’t ever say that to Maddie.”

On the drive back, I decide I’m going to do it. I’m going to talk to Jace when I get home. If I put it off until tomorrow, it may not happen. I’ll find another excuse for why I should wait.

I’ve put this off long enough. If Dan’s finally talking to Maddie, then I need to talk to Jace.

When I get to the house, I see his truck parked in the driveway. I go inside expecting to see him lying on the couch, watching TV. That’s what he usually does on Friday after class. I used to join him, and then later, we’d make dinner or go out. But we stopped doing that after we spent a night together. I wish things could go back to how they were, and maybe they will if our talk goes well.

“Jace?” I call out as I go in the house.

He doesn’t answer.

“Jace?” I say again. “Where are you?”

“He’s sleeping,” I hear a girl say.

I look down the hall and see Nikki coming out of Jace’s room.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Kenzie

I tell myself to stay calm. Maybe they were just talking. But then why was Nikki in his room? And why is Jace asleep? Guys fall asleep after sex. Is that what they were doing? Why else would she be in his room?

My heart sinks as I realize it’s too late. I waited too long to tell Jace how I felt and Nikki swooped in and took him back.

When did it happen? Jace has been gone a lot lately, but I thought he was hanging out with the guys. Or working out. Or studying at the library. But now I’m thinking he was with Nikki. Maybe he’s been seeing her for weeks and didn’t want to tell me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as Nikki takes a bottle of water from the fridge. She looks even skinnier than I remember. She’s wearing dark jeans and a tiny t-shirt that’s cut off at her midriff, revealing her belly button which is pierced with a diamond stud.

“I forgot my earrings.” She holds up a pair of thin silver hoops.

Her earrings? Jace said he got rid of all her stuff, so if her earrings were here, it means she’s been over to see Jace before tonight. How long has it been going on? And how did I not know this? Does he sneak her over when I’m not around?

“I’m always forgetting things here.” She laughs to herself as she goes past me to get her coat from the couch. She grabs it and heads to the door. “When Jace wakes up, tell him I’ll be ready to go again when he comes over.” She smiles. “I just can’t seem to get enough of him.”

She walks out the door, leaving it open. I go over and slam it shut. I wait for her to drive off, then put on my coat, grab my keys, and go outside. I need to walk. I’m so angry right now. I need to walk it off before I explode. As I’m walking, I call Dan.

“Did you talk to him?” Dan says when he answers.

“He’s back with Nikki.”

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