Page 111 of When The Night Falls

He shook his head. ‘Not at all.’

‘Why not?’

He scoffed. ‘You know why.’

‘Do I?’

‘Yes. It’s because, like you, I’m not interested in anything romantic right now. I prefer just sticking to what you and I have got going on.’ His eyes narrowed. ‘Why? Have you?’

I tucked my cheek into the palm of my hand. ‘No, not really.’

His head jerked back. ‘That’s not quite the answer I was expecting. What do you mean “not really”?’

I looked away and folded my arms. ‘Well, there was one guy who wanted me to give him a chance, but I rejected him, so I was only curious about whether you’ve ever been in the same boat.’

‘When was this?’

‘Some months ago. Anyway, it’s history, so you don’t need to worry. I was just curious to hear your perspective, that’s all.’

‘Well, Cassie has asked me out, but I rejected her point-blank, so the answer is still the same – I’ve never considered it.’

I gasped. ‘I knew it. When?’

He rubbed his neck. ‘At the party after our last exam.’

I remembered Aaron and I had gone home together that night. Poor Cassie. It must have hurt to see that.

‘See? I knew she had feelings for you.’

‘Well, it doesn’t change anything.’

When the satisfaction of being proved right subsided, my lips protruded. ‘Poor Cassie. Was she upset?’

He wrinkled his nose. ‘Of course. I don’t think anybody enjoys being rejected.’

I sighed and raised my cup of coffee. ‘I expect she hates me now.’

‘It wouldn’t surprise me, but it would be misplaced. In the end, I’m the issue, not you.’

‘Good morning!’ Jason exclaimed as he burst into the room. Aaron looked entirely unaffected, but I nearly fell off my chair.

‘It’s a beautiful day!’ he sang, quoting U2.

‘Bloody hell, Jason! Did you fire crack up your arse this morning?’ I scolded.

He gave me a smile to die for, complemented by a wink, and moseyed over to grab Aaron’s shoulders. Squeezing them, he leaned over him and then stole a piece of bacon from his plate.

‘Haven’t you made me breakfast, Cara?’ he asked with a wounded tone.

‘Sorry.’ Aaron chuckled. ‘I made it this morning. I wasn’t aware you’d be up this early when you’re on holiday.’

Jason raised a brow. ‘Med student. Hello?’

‘Right. Serious as they come.’

‘Exactly.’

‘His earlier show says otherwise,’ I muttered. ‘But you can have the rest of mine. He made far too much.’ I pushed my plate toward him.

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