Page 61 of The Moment Promised

“You’re almost as dramatic as Adeline,” Finn jokes.

I elbow him. I amnotdramatic.

“Finn’s car,” I say, taking one last sip of water.

“A car?” she repeats like it’s the worst thing she’s heard all year. “You can stay with us. Our apartment is right upstairs.”

“Oh, we couldn’t. Besides, his car is more comfortable than you’d imagine,” I lie.

I squeeze my thighs together when Finn’s hand moves inward.

“You’re not spending the night in that car. I don’t care how comfy it is, our spare bedroom is comfier,” she insists.

I’m starting to picture Finn and I in his car, and we’re definitely cozy.

“Are you sure…?” Finn asks, hesitantly.

“Yes, you’re staying!” She jumps up and down, clapping.

I smile at Chloe, my new friend, and feel the waves of a new beginning crashing into me.

15

Idon’t know how to sleep. Before, I would climb into bed with Finn without a thought. We were just two innocent kids having sleepovers.

But tonight, my thoughts run wild and are anything but innocent.

I plop down on my side, facing away from Finn and staring at the plain wall. Less than twenty-four hours ago we were Adeline and Finn: inseparable best friends for as long as anyone could remember.

Now I don’t even know how to sleep.

I freeze as the bed dips, Finn’s breath is suddenly on my shoulder as he whispers, “Cute pjs, Miller.”

I choke on the thick air. “Thank you,” My voice comes out raspier than I intend.

“You okay?”

“Yes,” I reply, a little too fast.

“Look at me.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. I can’t look at him, I’m awkward and nervous and horrible at this. Whatever this is.

I stay unmoving until Finn climbs over my body, settling in with his face an inch from mine.

“My left ass cheek is hanging off the bed, just so you know.” His brows raise as he says this.

I scoot backward so he has more room. He manages to make me laugh like nothing has changed, and maybe in a way, we’ve stayed the same. He’s still my best friend and the sweet boy from my past, all the parts of him I fell in love with are still there.

I’ve let myself get tangled in my own thoughts when reality is right in front of me. Maybe whatever is happening between us doesn’t need a label… Maybe we can still just be us.

“What’s got you all quiet?”

“Just daydreaming.” I shrug.

He raises a brow. “Yeah?”

A genuine smile touches my lips. “Yeah.”

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