Page 33 of Sincerely, Your Enemy

He manages to get a grip long enough to say, “Lacey? What are you…” His focus drifts to TJ sitting next to me. “TJ?”

I don’t miss the venom in his voice when he says TJ’s name.

“We’re just?—”

“She’s helping me study,” TJ cuts me off.

There’s a long pause.

Then he adds, “My girl’s nice like that.”

His what now?

I don’t even get a chance to protest. The next thing I know, TJ’s arm is wrapped around my shoulders, and he’s clutched my body to his. I only realize what he’s doing when his large hand drops to my thigh and gives my leg a squeeze.

Color spills from Aaron’s face when he takes in the scene, and I know I’m going to hell for this, but damn if this isn’t the most satisfying view of my entire life.

“Y-You’re dating?” Aaron spits out.

TJ flashes a cocky smile. “You don’t mind, right? You only went out one time.”

I’m going to kill him later.

Right before I thank him.

“I… Of course not.” Aaron offers us a tight smile. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, man.” TJ pulls me closer to kiss the side of my head, his lips pressing against my temple for a fleeting moment.

“I didn’t know you and Heather were dating. You make such a cute couple,” I chime.

That was unnecessary. What can I say? I’m petty.

“Oh, we’re not…” Aaron’s words trail off. “We haven’t…” I notice Heather waiting for his answer with bated breath. “It’s not like that.”

I don’t blame him. He’s fresh meat around here. He’s got girls throwing themselves at him left and right. Of course he’d want to play the field before committing to someone.

Only he didn’t have to ghost me.

Just like he didn’t have to pursue me in the first place if he wasn’t interested.

Heather is staring daggers at him now, and I realize she thought otherwise. Or maybe she knew where they stood from the start, but she was hoping it would become more.

“Anyway, we’re just gonna…” Aaron leads the way to the staircase.

He and Heather hurry up the stairs, and his bedroom door closes in the distance. My common sense comes rushing back, shoving the jealous girl in control of my body into a cage I’ll never let her escape again.

“What the hell did you do?” I go off on TJ.

“What’s it look like? I helped you save face.”

“No one’s going to fall for it, you know?”

“Why not?”

“Gee, I don’t know. Maybe because you’ve never had a serious relationship in your life.”

In the year and a half I’ve known this guy, I’ve never seen him commit to anyone. It’s common knowledge that jocks aren’t the relationship type. Safe to say Mathias Jacobs is no exception.

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