Page 41 of Rival Summer

"Shut up," she laughed, taking the support and hobbling alongside me to her bedroom.

I helped her onto the bed before hoisting her ankle onto a pillow, then gently tucking the covers around her.

"Seriously, Boston, you don't have to do all of this.”

"You’re talking to someone who has sprained everything capable of being sprained." I gently placed the ice pack on her swollen ankle.

"Ouch!" she winced, then softened. "Thanks, though. For everything."

"Hey, I still have making up to do," I said, with an easy smile. "Does this gain me any points?"

“I think you’re at about two points now."

"I’ll work on that," I said with a playful wink. "But for now, try to get some rest."

"I’ll try," she muttered, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She settled into the pillows, looking cozy and warm. "Night, Boston."

"Try not to roll off the bed and break something else," I said, half joking as I leaned in to press a kiss on her cheek.

"Ha-ha, very funny."

I backed toward the door and flicked off the light. Chandler's room glowed softly from the streetlight shining through the curtains. “Good night,” I said as I pulled the door closed behind me.

I left through the front door and shut it behind me then slid into the leather seat of my truck. I ran a hand through my hair as I let out a long sigh. Today was one of those days that seemed to go on forever, especially with Caroline testing the limits of my patience. With a turn of the key, the engine rumbled, shaking off the silence of the quiet street.

My hand hovered over the gear stick just as my phone buzzed in my pocket. Chandler's name flashed on the screen.

Chandler

Is it true?

Me

Is what true?

Chandler

You know. What she said… Caroline.

I killed the engine, taking in the silence of the quiet street again. I couldn't leave like this—not without making sure Caroline’s stupid comment didn’t get to her head. I swung the door open and made my way back inside the house.

My knuckles tapped softly against her bedroom door. "Yes?" she squeaked.

I inched the door open, revealing her sitting up on her bed. There was an unmistakable look of surprise on her face, as if she wished she could disappear inside the depths of her comforter.

"I thought you left already," Chandler murmured, almost pulling the comforter up to cover her eyes.

"Almost did," I admitted, leaning against the doorway. "I need you to know... She doesn't mean anything to me, okay? What she thinks doesn’t matter."

"Okay," she said, lacking conviction. It was clear there was more weight to her thoughts, worries that even my reassurance couldn’t reach.

She drew a breath, her words tumbling out hesitantly. "Caroline, she’s popular, she has all this experience and I haven't even..."

I crossed the room, the distance between us closing with each step until I settled onto the bed beside her. The mattress dipped under my weight.

"You haven't even what?" I asked, searching her face.

Chandler's hands shot up from under the blankets, covering her face. Her voice was muffled but her embarrassment was palpable. "Boston, I'm just not that experienced, and you have this history with her... and probably lots of other girls."

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