Page 21 of A Pretty Fixation

“Yeah.”

A gentle hush lingers until he smirks and looks atmy hand that’s still touching him. “That’s interesting.”

I pull it back fast and clear my throat. I recallwhat he said the night before outside my dorm. “You told me that you gave me—Imean Dove, the last bit of light you had to comfort her.”

Caleb sighs. “You needed one person in your lifewho wouldn’t let you down. I swore to be that person. I became your loyal bestfriend, and for one month, we stayed in each other’s world. We even promised togrow up together.”

“Did she promise to stay in touch when she gotadopted?” I ask.

He delays before answering. “Yeah, we said we’dstay in touch always. But I never heard from you after you left. Mrs. Anderssaid your parents didn’t want to have any contact with the foster home.”

“My parents wouldn’t have said that,” I sputter indisbelief. “If I had mentioned you, they would have helped us keep in touch.”

“Then perhaps you didn’t tell them,” he wonders.“Or maybe once you repressed your memories, they figured it was best not to mentionanything, including me.” He looks over.

“Eyes on the road,” I say again and turn my headto stare out the window.

“You know what? It doesn’t matter anymore. Theuniverse reunited us.”

“It united the wrong people,” I mutter. “I betwhen you realize that, you’ll push me away immediately and resume looking forher.”

“I’ll never push you away, Jordyn,” he says withcertainty. “I know you’re the same person.”

I click my tongue and glance at him. “You’rewrong.”

“Let’s prove it,” he rasps. “Try to remembersomething. Anything.”

“Jesus, I told you I can’t. I’m…” My breathhitches before I admit in a low tone, “I’m scared.”

He nods. “Okay. Sorry.”

Caleb cruises around the city, drawing me intoconversations about school, things we like, and other stuff that flows out ofme without restraint.

At some point, he returns to campus and pulls intothe student parking near the dorms. I can’t believe how disappointed I feelthat the ride is over.

“See how easy it can be,” he says before I get outof the car. “You and me.”

“Look—”

“I won’t focus on the past,” he swears. “If ithurts you too much to remember, then I won’t mention it. I won’t hurt you.”

His words move me. I fight it off. “The factremains that I’m not the girl you think I am, and you’ll always look for her inme.”

“I already know it’s you. What I want is for youto let me in as you are now.”

Part of me wants that, and another side warns menot to cross the line. As if I’m taking what isn’t mine. But that also gives mea dark and thrilling desire.

Pushing it back, I tell him, “No. I have a feelingyou’ll cause me to fall apart with your obsession with that girl.”

Caleb grips the steering wheel tightly. “I’m notbacking down, Jordyn.” His voice is a growl, unnerving me to the bones. “Youwill be mine.”

I draw air through my teeth. “Again, you can’tforce me to be with you. I have to make that choice on my own.”

“You’ve already made a choice,” he enlightens me.“While driving around with me.”

Aghast, my eyes flutter profusely. “What the hellare you talking about?”

“You opened up to me, Jordyn. I bet you’ve neverspoken to anyone about your feelings. Not even to your parents or friends.”

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