Page 108 of Not in My Book

I spent the remainder of the day writing everything I’d felt this weekend into the chapters. The words came easily, remembering the way Aiden would bring me tea in bed or how he’d dutifully slip his socks on my feet when I got too cold. I’d always preferred fiction, but now I couldn’t wait for the rest of my new reality.

The second semester of our class started Monday. I had taken a few days off work for the holidays, and I had to make up the shifts before class started. Aiden and I had been texting whenever we could. He even came to grab at drink at the Hideout during a slow shift, and took me back to his apartment after, fucking me nice and slow until I was nearly sobbing for relief. I was a bit nervous for today, though—we were still in this liminal beginning space, and I didn’t want the workshop environment to change everything.

Aiden was waiting for me outside of the Writer’s House, leaning against the front gate. Usually, he had a permanent wrinkle in his forehead, like someone had just pissed him off. Now, he had a slight smile on his face, his cheeks risen just a little.

“Hi,” he said as I approached him.

“Hi,” I said back. I held my arms out for a hug, but quickly pulled them back. Was that weird? I mean, we had been on dates, but were wedating? Even though I had slept in this man’s bed, I couldn’t lay my insecurities to rest.

He must’ve read it on my face because he tugged the scarf around my neck, pulling me closer. He kissed the top of my head and murmured, “I’ve missed you. Is that stupid? I saw you a few days ago, but I missed you.”

I looked up at him. “No. I missed you too.”

He frowned when I shuddered, wrapping the ends of the scarf around me once for good measure. He grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the building. “You’re shivering, let’s go in.”

In class, as I read aloud, Logan and Jess exchanged a look. Even Tyler was trying to suppress a smile. Our classmates had definitely noticed the shift in our writing.

“Notes? Aiden, would you like to go first?” Ida asked.

He shook his head. “No notes from me. I loved it.”

Ida raised her eyebrows, surprised. “Alright then. Tyler, let’s start with you.”

Later, as we walked out of class, Jess and Tyler stopped us.

“Are you two coming to Peculiar Pub tonight?” Jess asked. She looked to Aiden and said, “We usually go after class if we’re not working, if you want to come.”

I turned to him and smiled. “You should join us. It’s super fun. We make Logan play darts, and healwaysmisses the board.”

Aiden shook his head. “That’s okay. I’ve got to talk to Ida about some stuff. Go on without me.”

I frowned. “Are you sure?”

His gaze flickered to Jess before whispering, “I’ll see you tonight. Come over after.” He pressed a kiss to the side of my forehead before heading back into the classroom with Ida.

Once he was out of sight, Logan whacked me in the arm.

“Ouch!” I rubbed my arm, pouting. “What was that for?”

“You two left the bar on New Year’s Eve together, then walked into class together today,” Logan hissed. “He saidcome over.”

I shrugged sheepishly. Jess and I shared a look. We’d gotten bagels over the weekend and shared every detail we could, pouring over every single moment we’d spent with our guys. After she and Tyler had kissed at the club, she confessed she had feelings for him and he did the same. They ended up back at his place, but they didn’t hook up. They stayed up till the sun rose, just talking. Tyler asked her out for dinner, and they’d been on a few dates since.

Of course, I told Jess everything that happened between Aiden and me, but I hadn’t had the chance to update Tyler and Logan until now.

Logan all but pushed us out of the Writer’s House and down the street to the pub. We huddled into our corner booth and they all looked at me expectantly.

“Should we get drinks—”

“No,” they all said at once.

“Spill,” Logan demanded.

I tried to tamp down my smile, but I couldn’t. “We hooked up. And I think we’re dating? I don’t know, we haven’t really talked about it yet, but …”

“Holy shit.” Logan gasped.

“I called it,” Tyler said. “I knew he liked you. I can always tell. First round’s on me tonight. Jess, do you mind helping me carry?”

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