Page 94 of Scattered Glitter

And especially not if he’s ghosting me now.

I shake my head, forcing a smirk. “Please. Nobody’s gotten to me. I’m just moody because I can’t seem to find anyone interesting enough lately. The usual thrill’s not cutting it, you know?”

“Uh-huh.” Annabelle narrows her eyes, studying melike she knows there’s more. “And this sudden dry spell hasnothingto do with whoever you were with three days ago?”

“Nope. Just bad luck.” I pop a piece of orange chicken into my mouth, chewing slowly to avoid elaborating.

She doesn’t push, but her lips twitch like she’s holding back a comment. “Well, when you’re ready to spill, I’m here. And in the meantime…” She clinks her chopsticks against my box like a toast. “To trash men and good food.”

I laugh, clinking mine back. “To food being better than men.”

But as I take another bite, the taste doesn’t quite reach me. My mind is still on him, how his touch lingered and made me feel seen in a way I can’t even admit to myself yet.

“Anyway, what about you? Why the Chinese feast?”

“Oh! Right!” Annabelle’s eyes brighten, and she sits up straighter. “I wanted to check on you, of course, but also, I’m here to pack the rest of my stuff.”

Fuck.

“So you’re moving out for good?”

“Yeah,” she says, smiling sadly. “Michael’s coming over later to help me move the boxes. I know it’s fast, but it feels right, you know?”

I force a smile, nodding. “I’m happy for you, Belle. Really.”

She pokes my side. “You better be. And don’t think you’re getting rid of me now. We’ll text, and you can call me. And we’ll still go out for bubble tea and go dancing every once in a while.”

“Sure.” I smile, trying to keep up the tough façade. Deep down, that ache of loneliness is creeping back in, knowing that soon, even that won’t be happening anymore.

The doorbell rings, and Good Lookin’ jumps up, startled, her fur puffing out as she races out the balcony door, spooked.

Yeah, Ididn’t know we had a doorbell either.

Annabelle laughs, springing to her feet. “Michael’s early!” she says with a smile, practically bouncing over to the door.

I set my takeout box on the coffee table, picking up a napkin to wipe my hands, at least trying not to look like a mess as Annabelle opens the door. The next second, she’s screaming.

What the hell?

My head snaps up, my heart hammering as I push off the couch, rushing toward the door. “Belle, what—” I start, only to freeze as I hear a familiar deep voice chuckle and say, “Nice to meet you too.”

Annabelle opens the door wider, and Levi and Koen step into the apartment. Their presence fills the small living room, making it feel even more cramped.

“TheLane brothersare in our apartment!” Annabelle whisper-shouts, her eyes wide, excitement written all over her face.

I roll my eyes, folding my arms over my chest. “Yeah, I can see that.”

Annabelle looks at Levi, then back at me, then back at Levi again. “I… I’m a big fan,” she mumbles, her cheeks flushing pink.

“That’s so nice of you to say,” Levi offers, giving her a charming smile. “What’s your name, girl?”

While Levi is busy charming Annabelle, Koen steps closer to me, his gaze fixed on mine. “Hey, Little Thief,” he says, smirking at me, but his eyes are cautious.

“What do you want?” I narrow mine at him, taking a step back. “And how the fuck do you know where I live?”

Koen raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms, the leather jacket protesting as his biceps tense. “I followed you afterthat… fuckup with the car. I wanted to make sure you got home safe.”

I blink at him, my mouth opening in surprise.

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