Page 17 of Consume Me

Then, it hits me. “Oh my god. Is there someone?”

A blush paints his cheeks, and he offers a small nod. “It’s very recent, and I am not ready to talk about it, but would it be okay with you?”

I think of Mom. I would give everything to have her back, to see my parents together again. But that will never happen. Not in this life.

As if he can read my mind, the corners of his lips turn down. “I will always love your mother, no matter what. No one will ever replace her.”

“Dad, it’s okay, I’m happy if this woman makes you happy.”

“We’re friends who hang out together, and it has become more. I worry about your brother’s reaction though.”

“I can’t speak for him, Dad, but I am sure Hunter wants you to be happy just as much as I do.”

My brother was in the car with Mom when the accident happened, and he was never the same afterward. That day, I lost not only my mom, but, at times, it feels like I lost my twin as well. I know Hunter loves me and would do anything for me, but something is missing. I wish I could take all the guilt he harbors, uncover all the secrets he keeps, and shatter the distance between us. I wish he’d let me in and allow me to be there for him. Nothing has worked—neither my love, Dad’s assurances, nor the support from Alice, my mom’s best friend. With each passing year, he has pulled further away from me.

“I will keep this between us until you’re ready to tell us more. I can’t wait to meet the woman who finally made you give up celibacy.”

He grins, and I hug him quickly before returning to my car.

It’s Saturday night, and I can either be depressed at home or go to The Cave. I decide on the latter, so I leave my car parked in front of the house and start walking. The crisp wind bites at my neck, and I tug my jacket tighter. It’s getting colder every day, but no cars are allowed next to the abandoned sports building on campus. Tyson doesn’t want to draw attention. WithBlake gone, Tyson has focused more on throwing parties. There is even a themed party once a month.

When I step inside, the rotating beams of light almost blind me. Tyson gathers me in his arms and kisses my cheek, arching a playful brow.

“Two nights in a row. Mia, I can’t be a gentleman forever.”

I should take him at his word and say, “You know what? You look like a mistake, but you might make me feel good for a bit.” But I keep my mouth shut.

Just then, a blonde with baby blue eyes walks past him, snarling at Tyson.

“I could wring her neck.” He doesn’t say it like a stepbrother should. No, there’s something lurking beneath that. And I have enough complications in my life as it is.

“Why did Ivy transfer here again?”

“Because she fucking loves to torment me. That’s why.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. Now, come on, let me get you a drink.”

His eyes widen as we toss the shots down, and I know exactly why.

“You fucker. Why haven’t you said anything?” Tyson asks while Blake glares from the seat he just sat in.

“I see you’ve renovated.”

“Because you left me high and dry, and I had to come up with a plan B quickly.”

Tyson turns to Xander behind the bar and says, “Get me the bottle of Macallan.”

“I don’t drink anymore,” Blake informs him.

I must have misheard him.

“Then give it to me,” I say, pouring myself some. Blake’s green eyes flicker like a hundred emeralds in a fire. He can’t say anything at all to me.

I down a glass and pat Tyson on the chest.

“I’ll be around,” I say, kissing his cheek while Ivy stares at me and Blake stares at Tyson. Ignoring them, I swing my hips to the music, letting it sweep me away and make me forget everything for a few moments.

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