Page 65 of Give Me Love

“I didn’t say I wanted to see you.”

I frown.

“I’m kidding, Bryce.” She laughs and pushes my arm. “Lighten up.”

“Humph. I’ve been hearing that a lot lately.”

She goes in for a hug, surprising me, and my hand presses flat against the bottom of her back. “Maybe because it’s true,” she whispers into my ear, sending chills down my spine as her sweet breath licks my skin. She places a kiss, and I freeze. I’m gifted a smile as she pulls back, my face expressionless, but my chest full of emotion, it almost chokes me. But maybe she’s just tipsy and she doesn’t mean any of it.

“See you later,” I say to her, my voice thick with emotion. Fuck. I run a hand over my head.

She walks away with Austin and Claire after they say bye, and Austin puts his arms over both girls’ shoulders. It pisses me off. He gets to leave with her, and I’m standing here alone. Always alone.

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The ceiling fan rotates above me, and I swear I can see each individual blade. It’s four in the morning. Jace is passed out on the couch in the bar room with women laid over him, around him, and I can’t stop thinking about that dance earlier with Kat.

Odd as hell, right? A room full of naked women and I wanna see her. I’ve had more than a few to drink tonight, but I’m not shit-faced. I mean, I could be worse off.

Before I realize it, I’m up from the bed. I grab my snapback from the dresser and loosely put it on my head before I pull my jeans back on. My shoes are by the door, and I slide them on before grabbing my keys and walking down the side alley stairs. I shouldn’t be driving, but fuck it.

I start my car and head to her place. I need to see her. I’m loose feeling and weightless as I shift gears. I crank the window down and enjoy the breeze against my skin. Orange lights mix with white, and I turn my radio up. My eyes dart to the rearview, and I see a cop car pulling up behind me.

Shit.

I reach down and grab a stick of gum from the drink holder. The light turns green, and I press the gas and chuckle at myself. What the fuck am I doing? I’m drunk. It’s four in the morning, and I’m driving to a woman’s house. Am I mental? Have I completely lost myself?

The cop follows me a few blocks, but I’m not too worried. Even if I get pulled over, I can get out of it. I’ve been getting out of shit since I was a teen. Regardless, when he turns, I’m happy I won’t have to deal with it.

I park near the curb and sit outside for a moment, looking at the changing stoplight up ahead. My hands twist around the wheel, and I look to the door.Don’t overthink this. You drove here because you wanted to see her. What’s wrong with that?

Drunk me is a risk taker.

I smirk.

And I’m going to listen to him.

Pulling my keys from the ignition, I get out and breathe in the hot late-night air. She’s asleep, I know. I’m too old for this shit. I walk inside and take the elevator to her floor.

Maybe I should text her. I slip my phone out of my pocket and search her name as the doors slide open.

Kat, let me in.

Moments pass and she doesn’t respond.

Of course, she doesn’t. It’s four in the morning.

I lightly knock on the door when I reach it and wait on the opposite wall for her to answer. I stare too long, my mind in a whirlwind.

Christ, I’m drunk.

I call her this time and a groggy sexy woman says, “Hello?”

“Hey.”

“Bryce?” she asks.

“Yeah, what other guy is calling you?” Anger sweeps through me.

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