Page 109 of Break my Heart

I pick up my pace, nearly breaking into a jog, as I make my way toward Hayes’s house. I texted him half an hour ago, and normally he’s quick to reply.

But there’s been nothing.

I have no idea when it happened, but he’s become my safe space.

My pulse hammers in my ears as I cross the street toward the hockey house, my thoughts swirling. I can’t ignore this anymore. I’ll tell Hayes about everything. The relentless texts and the creeping fear that Nathan might be closer than I suspected.

That he’s here.

On campus.

For a second or two, I consider texting Hayes and telling him what’s going on. But I’m so close to his house. Only a few more blocks. I’d rather tell him in person. I know he’s going to be pissed.

I suck in a deep breath as I arrive at another decision.

And then we’ll talk to my parents in person. We can tell them about what’s happening with Nathan and that we’ve been seeing each other.

I’m fed up with all the secrets and lies.

By the time I reach Hayes’s house, my heart is pounding for an entirely different reason. The blue Victorian looms in front of me like a sanctuary. If I can just get to Hayes, everything will be okay.

I hurry up the steps and knock on the beveled glass, my pulse still racing.

A moment later, the door swings open and disappointment rushes through me. Instead of Hayes, I find Bridger Sanderson.

This feels like déjà vu.

His piercing gray eyes remind me of the embarrassing messages that have been broadcast to the university at large. If there’s someone stalking my every move, I imagine he must feel the same way.

Strange that we would have that in common.

“Hey, Ava,” he says, leaning casually against the doorframe. “What’s up?”

Loud music and voices spill from inside the house, and I catch a glimpse of people laughing, the sounds of a party in full swing. Bridger blocks most of the view, standing in front of me like a bouncer.

“Is Hayes here?” I ask, shifting from foot to foot. I want to get inside, out of sight, but something in Bridger’s expression makes my anxiety spike.

He hesitates, guilt flickering in his eyes before it’s quickly masked by indifference. “Yeah, but he’s kind of got his hands full at the moment.”

Hands full?

My stomach plummets.

What does that mean?

“He’s too busy to talk?” My voice wavers as I try to peek past him into the house. It’s difficult to keep my cool when every instinct inside me is screaming that something isn’t right.

Bridger’s muscles tense, his jaw tightening. “Yeah. Should I let him know you stopped by?”

I bite down on my lip, trying to keep it together.

Hayes hasn’t responded to my texts, and now he’s too busy to see me?

With everything going on, he’s supposed to be the one person I can count on.

“Just tell him to call me as soon as he can.” I hesitate before adding, “It’s important.”

His muscles loosen. I’m sure he was expecting more of a fight. “Will do.”

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