Page 84 of Risks

Should I tell him?

He doesn’t like the idea of meworking with Jasper this summer, even though we’re only interning at the samecompany. Maybe he thinks we’ll be spending too much time together.

Ugh.

It was just a peck on the cheek. Iwon’t risk making him mad.

Reaching the room, I flick the lighton and peel off my clothes. Aya must be at her boyfriend’s rental.

I take a quick shower and call Varenafter slipping into my nightshirt.

“Hey, babe.” His voice sounds off.Even the breath he takes is unsettling.

“Hey. I just got back. Are you stillupset that we won’t be able to go to Scotland this summer?”

“No,” he rushes to say. “I’m sorryfor how I reacted earlier. The last thing I want is to steal your joy. Iencouraged you to live your life, and I’m glad you’re doing that.”

My lips curl into a smile, and I relaxthe tension in my shoulders. “So, did you finish that project you’ve beenworking on?”

“Yeah, um, I went to Colt’s to hangout.”

“Oh.” I sit on the bed. “Was it aparty?”

“Not really. I had a beer and caughtup with friends.” He harrumphs. I feel like he’s hiding something. But aren’tI?

My cheek burns with dishonor thatanother guy kissed me.

“Did you have fun this evening?” Iwince at the question. “You said you were going to celebrate.”

“Uh, yeah. It was fun. I celebratedwith other writers. It wasn’t just him and me.”

“Him?” Varen repeats.

“Jasper. The guy you heard earlierwho’s going to New York as well.”

“Oh, right.” He falls quiet.

It was just a peck. I did nothingwrong.

“Toya…” He hesitates, clearing histhroat again.

“Yeah?” My stomach tightens.“Something wrong?”

He blows a long breath. “I just…um,I can’t wait to see you. I miss you.”

“Miss you too, babe.” Maybe that’s whatI’m discerning in his voice. I shouldn’t tell him about Jasper’s kiss on mycheek. It’ll worsen his mood.

Changing the topic is the best thingright now. “Any plans for your birthday this weekend?”

“I was going to avoid everyone.” Hechuckles softly. “But Dad insists on lunch or something. Ugh. You know I don’tlike making a fuss about it.”

I click my tongue. “You shouldcelebrate. I wish I could be there to help make it special for you.”

“It’s okay. Talking to you isenough.”

“Hm.”

There’s a few seconds of silencebefore he speaks again. “I have to get some sleep.”

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