Page 114 of The Off-Limits Play

It felt really nice to open up to someone. I’m trusting that she’ll keep my secret, because she took so long to open up to me. She kept all that shit she was going through hidden away, and we were living in the same room, so I know my secrets are safe with her.

But do I take her advice?

Do I really spill the beans to my parents?

Ugh! I so don’t want to deal with the fallout.

With an irritated huff, I walk into the library. Carson said he was coming here for his free period, and although I’m supposed to be in class right now, I’m ditching because I didn’t see him yesterday, and I’m not going another whole day without looking into his eyes.

I need to know we’re okay.

Walking past the front desk, I glance to my left and spot Wily like I’ve never seen him before.

He’s slumped at the end of a table, staring glumly at an open textbook while the guy beside him says something I can’t hear or lipread.

Wily shakes his head, running a hand through his blond hair and looking stressed. He says something back, desperation clear on his face, but the guy just gives him a shoulder shrug before getting up and walking away.

“Come on, man!” Wily calls after him.

The guy spins, stretching out his arms. “I’m sorry. I really am.”

And with that, he turns and walks out the door.

Wily slumps back in his chair with a huff, tucking his hands under his armpits and scowling at the top of the table.

I wonder if I should go over and see if he’s all right.

But the chance is taken away from me when a brunette with long curls and a pretty smile rests her hand on his shoulder and checks on him.

He slaps his textbook closed and puts on that bright smile we all know so well. Her smile grows, and she takes a seat in the chair beside him.

And I’m no longer needed.

Hitching my bag, I walk up the stairs, using the railing for support. My leg’s been feeling pretty good, but I still want to be careful. I hate relying on my cane and having to use it a few weeks back was torture. Everyone kept staring at me or asking me about it. I don’t want to tell my sad, pathetic car accident story to the world. I’d rather keep a low profile and fly under the radar.

I’m not the girl I was before.

And besides, I’m dating forbidden fruit right now and seriously don’t need any attention.

Making my way around the tables, I head down an aisle of books and pop out into the second study section. It’s less crowded down this way, and I spot Carson easily. He’s at a table all by himself, tapping away on his computer with earbuds in.

I smile, shuffling toward him and grinning when he spots me.

He hesitates for a second, then pulls the buds free and gives me a half smile.

“Hey, caveman.”

“Kitten.” He nods, then looks around to make sure nobody’s watching.

They’re all busy, so I take a risk and pull out the chair beside him.

He leans back, crossing his arms and eyeing me up. “Aren’t you supposed to be in class?”

“Yes.” I grin. “But I wanted to come see you.”

“Why?” His instant suspicion makes me roll my eyes, but there’s no point hedging on this thing.

Letting out a sigh, I shift in my seat and just say it. “I didn’t want to go another whole day without seeing you, and…” I scrunch up my nose and start fidgeting with my painted nails. “Well, I just wanted to check that we’re cool.”

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