Page 67 of Resisting Temptation

“That’s okay. Now that you own the place, I’ll start shopping for presents for Gisele in Savannah.” He smirks, and I know he’s just trying to get a rise out of me. So, I throw him my usual death glare.

“You will not.” Gisele slaps him playfully as she comes into the room. “What are these for?” She beams, the long skirt she’s wearing swishing round her ankles.

“You.” He kisses her, a tender press of lips, and she instinctively wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The two of them are so in love.

“Why?” she quizzes him as the two of them lock eyes, and I can’t help but watch their playful banter. He really loves her and she him. It’s so beautiful to see. Even if Brody is a pain in my ass, I’m glad they’re happy with each other.

“Do I need an occasion to buy my beautiful girl flowers?” The two of them kiss again, and I walk away from them, rolling my eyes. It’s sickening how in love they are. Sickening and incredible. I want what they have so badly. And right on cue, my eyes meet with Noah’s from across the room. They hold a warmth for me I wasn’t expecting after our fight. Maybe he’s decided to come around and realize I was right about this.

“So Paisley, are we celebrating tonight?” asks Parker. “We could all head into McAllister’s now. Us boys are free.” His eyes flick toward Noah as the words leave his lips, a silent acknowledgment.

“Maybe on the weekend. I’ve got an early start in the morning and…” I glance back in Noah’s direction. He’s watching me, but his expression is unreadable, and I almost feel like I just walked in on something I wasn’t supposed to. “Some campaign stuff to go over for Beckett. Life’s a little hectic this week.”

“That’s okay. This weekend will work. Mae’s free.” He pauses, looking at me guiltily. Like he just screwed up by saying too much. “And I’m sure Em.” He looks toward Gisele. “You around?” he asks her, making it even more obvious he’s trying to cover his tracks.

She nods and smiles, and I figure she’s on to him as well.

But it’s him I’m focused on. What the hell was that look? How did he know my bestie was already free? Mae said they are spending a bit more time together lately, but I wonder how much. She told me not to get involved, but I’m itching to. They could be so happy together.

“It’s done then. McAllister’s Saturday night, we celebrate my sister the business owner.”

“Sounds perfect,” says Gisele. “Brody and I were just organizing to catch up with Noah and Elliot there, so it will be the whole crew.” Her eyes meet mine in question, and I know they must have been talking about me before I got here.

“Perfect.” I sigh, wishing the damn election was already over.

“Perfect,” Noah agrees, but I can tell he’s not himself, he’s on edge.

“Well, there’s just a little too much tension in this room for me, so I’m out of here. See you all on the weekend.” Parker makes a hasty exit, heading for the front door.

“I’m right behind you.” I wave in Gisele’s direction. “Enjoy your flowers.” I don’t bother looking back at Noah. I was in a good mood before I got here, and I don’t want to ruin it with the guilt that’s sneaking back in. Closing the front door behind me, I hurry over to my brother. “Hey, what was that in there?” I call to him as he gets on his bike. I know I told Mae I would stay out of it, but I can’t help myself.

“What was what?” he asks, popping on his helmet.

“Are you hiding something from me?” I smirk playfully.

“You’re the only one hiding secrets around here, Paisley. Don’t think I haven’t worked out that you and Noah have some messed-up history that neither of you want to admit. It’s pretty obvious, Sis.”

“I’m not admitting to anything.” I shrug, knowing I should have had this conversation with him already, but I’ve been avoiding it. It’s awkward since they’re such good friends. While I know Parker will be okay with it, I can’t bring myself to talk to him about it.

“You’re a terrible liar, Paisley.”

I laugh as I go to hop in my van, and I can feel him still watching me. “What?” I ask.

“I just want you to be happy, Sis.” He offers a half smile, the best I’ve seen him muster these days. “I’m worried about you.”

I turn back to him. “I know. Don’t worry about me. I’m happier than ever. Today I did something I never thought I would. And just watch me now.” I flash him a broad smile, just to prove it, then close my door. The pain that’s constantly lodged in my chest makes me painfully aware that I’m not. An emptiness that feels like it’s going to consume me takes over. Noah and I are so close to working out all our differences, but it also feels like we’re worlds apart again. I hope he can wait till this campaign is over, because I don’t know what else to do.

Driving home, I’m in a daze, staring out the windshield into the darkness of the country treelined road back to Deception Bay. Noah’s face last night as I was telling him we need to keep our distance till the elections over was so livid. It’s haunting me. He has to know it’s not what I want. I’m just trying to be a responsible adult and do the right thing. See my choices through till the end instead of giving up. It doesn’t mean I love him any less. My feelings for him will never change. If three years apart didn’t stop them, then nothing will.

Out of nowhere, blinding headlights pierce through my rearview mirror, casting an eerie glow that blinds me. My heart lurches as my car is violently thrust forward, tires screeching in protest against the asphalt as I try to brake.

Once, twice, the merciless assault continues, each collision forcing me farther off the road. I grip the steering wheel with white-knuckle force, trying to remain in control. But it’s too late, and I slide off the side of the road into a ditch. Mud and grass fly up over my windshield, making it impossible to see. My body’s tossed around like a rag doll. My chest pounds, and I gasp for air as metal hits wood, and I collide head-on with a tree. When I look up, I spot the car that hit me tearing off in the distance in a flash of red.

Steam pours out of the engine, and I grab my bag and phone, getting out of the van as quickly as I can in case the thing is about to catch on fire. Checking my phone, I see it’s got one percent left. In a rush I text Mae, praying she’s by her phone. Then it dies. It’s pitch-black out here and deathly quiet, and my heart lurches in my chest. I throw my head back over my shoulder, trying to work out how close I am to town. My shoes squelch in the mud as I scramble up the embarkment and back onto the side of the road.

I’m going to have to walk home.

An owl hoots, making me jump, and when I glance over my shoulder and see the Welcome to Deception Bay sign, I realize exactly where I am. Just outside of town by the football fields and the high school. For fuck’s sake. A deadly cold shiver comes over my body, tears instantly filling my eyes as goosebumps rise over my skin and panic takes over.

---