Page 45 of Restricted List

So what did I do?

I jumped off my bed like it was on fire and watched him walk away, completely dejected.

I know why I did it. It’s the same reason I always stop when things go too far—which seems to be happening too often now—wecan’tbe together.

ButGod, I want him.

I want him so much more than I’ve ever wanted anyone.

So, what the fucking fuck do I do about this?

Lucia clears her throat, ripping me from my thoughts and reminding me that, at the present time, I’m literally on a plane as we travel to Las Vegas for Ella’s bachelorette party.

Harlow and Ella are asleep in the seats across the aisle from us while Luc and I are still awake. Me because I can’t sleep witheverything running through my head. Lucia’s just a morning person.

“What’s going on,ricitos?I can practically see the gears turning in your head.”

I sigh. “Just… a lot on my mind right now.”

Lucia smiles at me softly. “Is this about Cole?”

I throw my head back and groan, scrubbing a hand over my face. “Isn’t it always about Cole?”

“Seems to be,” she laughs before turning more serious. “Did something else happen?”

“Uh…” I stammer as I try to find a way to not tell her about last night, but I come up empty. “Cole… almost kissed me.”

“He did?!” She lights up in excitement like she’s just been waiting for this to happen. Like it’s inevitable.

“I mean, I’m not totally sure,” I admit, rubbing my neck to calm my anxiety over the situation. “He seemed like he was about to lean over and kiss me last night.”

“You saw him last night?” Lucia raises her eyebrow.

“He texted me after his family had their Thanksgiving dinner and offered to come help me pack. So, he did.”

“Where in that did Cole try to kiss you?” Her tone is teasing.

“Allegedly. I’m still not sure that’s what was happening.”

“If you’re saying it was, then it definitely was.”

I groan again before I explain what happened. About how he said I’m one of his favorite people. About how the air felt different after he said it. About how he brushed his finger against my hand, and I felt my heart skip a damn beat. And then about the look in his eyes right as he made the slightest movement in my direction before I practically ran away.

I expect her to give me shit for not letting it happen. Instead, Lucia has her hand in front of her mouth, trying to hide her smile, which doesn’t work because I can still see the joy in her eyes and the raised position of her cheeks.

“What’s that look for, Luc?”

“Rory,” she says, nothing but warmth in her tone now. “I’ll tell you right now that Coledidalmost kiss you. And I’ll take it a step further. If you hadn’t run away, I’m all but certain hewouldhave kissed you.”

“You think?” I try not to sound too hopeful because even if I’m right and he did want to, we still can’t do anything about it. But a sliver of optimism comes out in my inflection, clearly signaling that I’m almost beyond caring.

Almost.

“I do think.” Lucia places her palm on my arm reassuringly. “Ella and I told you a few weeks ago that he definitely feels something for you.”

“That seems to be what Harlow thinks, too.” I play with the hem of my shirt, just like I always do when I’m uncomfortable. When I see Lucia raise her eyebrow questioningly, I say, “Yes, I told Harlow about my feelings for her brother. No, she’s not bothered by it.”

“Oh, I could’ve told you that,” she laughs. “I love both of them dearly, don’t get me wrong, but how many siblings would just be okay with that? Cole never gave her hell when the whole situation with Knox started. And now you know Harlow wouldn’t care at all if you were with her brother. The Pierce siblings are a rare breed.”

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