Page 27 of The Moment Promised

“Who’s Eddie? And why does he think it’s okay to text a girl at three in the morning?”

I grab my phone from his grasp, unlocking it to see the message.

Eddie: Sup, Ad. Few friends from high school are having a bonfire, you should come. I can pick you up.

I hide a smirk because I’ve only spoken to this person maybe once, but I wouldn’t mind dragging this out to toy with Finn.

“See.” I shove my phone in front of Finn’s face. “Innocent.”

“That is not innocent.”

I laugh at Finn’s protectiveness. “He just wants to catch up.” I play dumb, knowing very well what his intentions are.

“This is literally booty call hour, Adeline.” He doesn’t even crack a smile.

I pretend to type. “You say it like it’s a bad thing. It’s been a while since my booty’s been called.” I lie and bite my cheeks to keep a serious face.

“Adeline.” His eyes are pleading.

“What?” I question. “He’s cute.” A grin slowly spreads across my face.

I can tell he grinds his teeth by the micro movement of his jaw. “Listen, I can guarantee whoever this Earl is?—”

“Eddie,” I correct.

“Same thing. I’m not letting some douchbag drive you all alone in his car, to some bonfire with a bunch of other douchbags.”

“You don’t even know him,” I protest.

“I know enough. Look at his text ‘Sup, Ad’ I mean who talks like that?” He rolls his eyes, air quoting. “Definitely not a deserving man of you, that’s for sure.” He opens his mouth like there’s more to say, but I interrupt, breaking out into laughter.

He lets out a breath. “Just block him, okay?”

Suddenly I feel claustrophobic. If I want to block him, that’s my decision to make, not Finn’s. Granted, I was going to block him either way.

“No,” I say defiantly, putting my phone in my pocket.

“Adeline, he’s just going to?—"

I stand, frustration building amongst the crankiness from sleep deprivation.

I throw away my ice cream, walking to Finn’s car. I know I’m being unusually grouchy with Finn, but I’m tired and aggravated. I can’t help but feel caged when someone tells me what to do. Even if it’s as simple as this—Even if it’s from Finn.

It feels too similar to the years I was raised by Jason.

“Adeline, slow down.” Finn comes up behind me.

I inhale, knowing Finn means well. “I’m being ridiculous, I know I am.” I blow out a breath. “I just don’t want you to tell me what to do… It feels demeaning.” I shrug, knowing he probably doesn’t see it that way…knowing most people don’t see it that way.

“I’m sorry. I know Jason was controlling and made you do things you didn’t want to do. I know he also took away the things youdidwant to do.” He doesn’t realize it, but this moment is everything.

I didn’t need to explain to him why this bothered me as much as it did, he just knew.

“I know you can make decisions for yourself. I was caught up in the heat of the moment, but I shouldn’t have told you what to do. I know better than that.” He looks at me like there’s more he wants to say, but he hesitates.

“What is it?”

He clears his throat. “I’m also really sorry about the other night. If I made you…uncomfortable when I kissed you.” He glances away. “Especially in front of all those people.”

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