Page 5 of Forbidden Obsessions

“It’s a shame you don’t live with a ridiculously hot professor who likes depraved games and teaches science, of all things. I can think of like fifty games you can play to make your study sessions extremely effective. Also, the celery juice isn’t… Okay, it is that bad. It’s healthy, though,” Mia counters before draining the rest of the glass. She follows it up with a series of dry heaves.

“An orgasm for every correct answer. He’d basically turn me intoPavlov’s Dogfor orgasms and organic chem.” Definitely not a bad thought, save for the tense stalemate Tomas and I are currently in.

“You’re right. I need to pull my head out of my ass and apologize. I don’t know what to say, though. Also, you should consider a career in therapy.”

“Tell him the truth. You’re scared because you’re jealous and worried.” I can’t imagine that will bode well. Tomas is going to have one takeaway from that:I don’t trust you.Before I can respond, the front door swings open.

Matt, in all of his linebacker glory, barrels through the door and sets a paper takeout bag on the counter. “Oh, I see it's a double trouble kind-of night,” Matt calls from the kitchen, not exactly warmly. He opens and slams the cabinets so loudly, I wince. I love my friends and this apartment, but I’ve become fond of the quiet at Tomas’ house.

“It is. Someone’s gotta get through to this girl that celery juice won’t cut it. I’m surprised I didn’t walk in on you two fucking like usual.” Mia shoots me a grim expression. Matt grips the countertop so tightly, I think he may rip the granite right off of the cabinets. “Hey, I was only joking. There’s no harm in drinking it, if that’s your prerogative,” I add, trying to defuse the sudden and unusual tension in the room.

I can’t tell from what, but from the look on Matt’s face, there is trouble brewing between the two of them. Matt looks at me sternly, trying to tell me to shut the fuck up.

“Sorry,” I mouth to him, hoping to avoid Mia’s glare.

I knew Mia had stopped drinking in the last month, citing too much of a co-dependency on wine. Is the issue the alcohol or the dieting? Matt decides to join us in the living room. He sits on the black suede ottoman, which is comically too small for his massive frame. Holy hell. I think he’s managed to put on more muscle since the last time I saw him. He balances his plate on his lap.

“Are you going home or staying here tonight?” Matt asks through a mouthful of chicken and broccoli. It’s not the first time anyone has referred to Tomas’ house as my home. Despite my misdirected anger, I shouldn’t be second guessing that it kind of is. I mean, this is where our relationship is heading, right?Most of my belongings are there. As innocent as it was, trying to answer his question shouldn’t be tripping me up as much as it is.

“I was going to stay here. Is that a problem?” I say as the silence lingers. Maybe I should reconsider, since I’m suddenly feeling like a stranger. Matt says ‘no’ at the same time that Mia says ‘yes’. Both of our gazes snap to Mia.

“What?” she cries, accosted. “You need to talk to him, Olivia. Avoidance is going to make this worse. Don’t let that pretty little brain convince you otherwise.” She’s right and we both know it.

“Okay, mom,” I bite out before peeling myself off of the couch. Mia grabs the fluffy, white throw pillow next to her and lobs it at me. Matt glares at both of us as the pillow lands directly on his plate.

“Oh, you are going to pay for that later, Mia. Just not on my bed, please.” I place my hands together in prayer. Mia doesn’t even look in Matt’s direction, but Matt is shooting daggers at her.

Okay. The vibes are definitely off. I make a mental note to text Mia about this when I get to Tomas’.

“Alright, I’m going. Love ya, bitch. Bye, Matt.”

Mia springs up as I make my way to the door. “I’ll walk you,” she says, slipping into a pair of white sneakers. It seems like Tomas and I aren’t the only ones who have trouble brewing in paradise. Surprisingly, this is the first time I’ve witnessed, let alone sensed, any animosity between the pair of them. Not that their relationship hasn’t been a unique, wild ride. Frankly, most of the time, their story is a romance novel unfolding before my eyes.

To the public, they’re a happy couple in love. Beaming smiles, tender kisses, and adoring stolen glances, all at the perfect moments. Maybe, at one point, it was an act. It’s definitely not pretend for Matt. It doesn’t seem to be for Mia, either. Neitherof them has gotten the memo, though. Or at least, if they did, neither of them has been brave enough to admit it to the other.

The gray sky threatens a downpour as I reach my car. The breeze is warm, and the air is damp. Fitting weather for the storm that I suspect is waiting for me when I get home.

Home.I’ve been splitting my time between the apartment and Tomas’ house. As soon as Matt said it, I couldn’t help but try the idea on. Rolling over to find those brown eyes, as rich as a glass of bourbon, peering back at me. Tomas handing me a cup of coffee. My legs draped over him, tucked tight underneath a blanket, reading together on the couch. His body, as solid as a rock, tucked against me tight, making me feel safe.

Those are the quiet, mundane moments I share with him when I’m there. Those are also the moments I don’t want to live without. People say I’m young and that I should explore other people, see other places, and experience the world. Deep down, I think I’ve known since the hospital that I don’t want to doanyof that without him at my side.

“Don’t hate me,” I squeak out nervously.

“Yes?” Mia asks, raising a brow.

“I think I want to move in with Tomas full-time.”

Her expression falters momentarily, then recovers. “That’s great, Liv. A big step, but it makes sense for the two of you,” she says.

Is it a rash decision? Maybe.

Will Tomas be upset? Truthfully, I don’t know.

Even though I can tell Mia is disappointed, I’m excited as hell to tell Tomas.

I race home, rehearsing what I’m going to say to Tomas. The driveway is empty.Somuch for now or never,I think. Annoyed, I grab my key and turn the lock, greeted by an empty house.

I set my things down on the marble counter and move to the sink. There’s a few plates in the sink from breakfast. I’m notgoing to eat without him and he’ll probably be back soon, so I might as well clean up.

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