Page 69 of His Secret

“Dude. Maybe she’s got another guy. Like a boyfriend. You’re probably just the side-piece,” Johnson says.

I shrug. “Fine by me.”

They laugh and leave it alone, because worrying about my personal life is the last thing they’re gonna be thinking about in a house full of girls and beer.

A little before midnight, I sneak away with Matías, heading out back so we can have a moment on the patio while everyone crowds the living room as they countdown to the new year.

“Happy New Year,” I murmur drunkenly.

“It’s not midnight yet,” Matías says with a laugh.

“Close enough. We get to start a new year together.”

He grabs my hand. “What about finishing it?”

“I want nothing more than to spend the whole year with you,” I say honestly.

It’s the truth, but deep down I worry it won’t happen, and that’s a conversation we need to have soon. But not tonight.

He smiles, and the muffled voices of dozens of drunken college students filter outside. When they get to one, we lean in and kiss, a backdrop of fireworks going off to the side of us as people cheer inside.

“I love you, Adrian,” he says quietly.

“I love you. More than you’ll know.”

It’s six in the morning when I sneak Matías out of my room and through the living room where a few people sprawl across the couch and floor.

We step onto the front porch, the sky not yet awake.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” he questions.

“Definitely. Drive safely to your mom’s.”

“I will,” he says with a small grin. “I’ll text you when I’m there.”

“Okay.” A full body shiver takes over my body since I’m only wearing pajamas.

“Get inside,” he says, running his hands up and down my upper arms. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I lean in and give him a kiss. He pulls away quickly, but I know nobody’s awake, so I bring him in for another, then playfully kiss him all over his face.

His laugh is magical as he pushes me away. “Stop.”

“Never.”

He rolls his eyes, but the smile on his lips is permanent. He walks away and gives me a little wave from his car on the street.

I watch until he’s gone, and then headlights flash me. My heart hammers in my chest at the knowledge that someone saw, but when I take in the vehicle, my stomach clenches so tight I’m afraid I might throw up right on the porch.

It’s my dad.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

ADRIAN

He doesn’t get out,forcing me to make the slow and dreadful walk to his SUV, all the while my stomach twists and turns until it’s in knots. My heart races in my chest, nearing an explosion.

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