Page 28 of Twisted Minds

He pats my leg, giving it a squeeze, then puts the car in park. I see Xavi’s car in the driveway, and I wonder if he feels the same. He’s much better at hiding his pain than Jamie is, but Xavi always hides his true feelings, afraid to inconvenience anyone.

“Thanks for the ride.”

“If I find that ten dollars in my car after you leave, I’m going to make you eat it.” I laugh, taking the ten dollars and balling it into my fist.

“Night, man.” I get out of the car and walk round to his side, knocking on the window. He rolls it down. “Love you.” I chuckit inside the window, laughing and walking to the house as he curses.

“Asshole.”

I laugh, feeling better for the first time all day.

ten

Hunter

“Is he cute at least?”

I laugh, shaking my head and looking out the window of Sawyer’s car. We’re sitting in the parking lot waiting to pick up Noah and Mark for the game. I’m excited to have him there. Mark, that is. Noah . . . well, Noah is. . . How does one even describe him? I just need Sawyer to tell the insecure parts of me that I’m being dumb. “He’s pretty.”

“Pretty?” Sawyer blinks at me.

Noah isn’t physically Sawyer’s type. I know this. I didn’t actually think this double-date situation would amount to anything. “I just need you to feel things out for me.”

“Do you think this is a good idea if you’re this suspicious of them? After your ex?”

“I’m not.” At least, I don’t think so. Not really. “I don’t know.”

Sawyer gives me a look, and I don’t need that right now. What I need is for him to help me out. “What’s his name at least?”

“Noah.” I think I see them both walking down the path to the student parking lot. “Neither of them knows anything about hockey.”

“Well, that I can handle.” It’s quiet for a moment. “You sure he’s not coming tonight?”

Derrick. Yeah, that may be a problem. “Coach T banned him from practice and said he’s not allowed anywhere in the arena, but I don’t think he can officially ban him, so he might be in the stands even though he’s not really supposed to be. He’s a dick, but even if he is there, I don’t think he’ll start anything with that many eyes around.”

“I’ll spear him down the seats. I don’t care.” That makes me smirk. I’m sure he would. Mark and Noah come into view, walking down the stairs.

“He’s cute, I think you might like him.” I really don’t, but I know Sawyer will help me out. “And I really like Mark, so that’s why I’m taking this chance.” I get out of his car, smiling as Mark walks up to us. It feels like my entire chest is popping with fireworks. He’s just . . . I don’t even know how to describe it. Words are lost to me, but this firework feeling speaks for itself. I like him. A lot.

I think about the other night. That day had been horrific. Something had triggered Jamie and he’d broken down worse than I’d seen in the entire year since the accident. I don’t know what caused it, but one moment we were fine and the next he was screaming and crying. He punched his mirror and there was so much blood. Xavi was shaken and I made him step out for air, then after the paramedics had practically sedated Jamie, Mark showed up.

Seeing him on the porch, adorably awkward, had lit me up from the inside out. He brought me food and wanted to see if I was okay. No expectation, he just cared. It hit me someplace deep. I’m always the person who takes care of everyone, andI don’t mind that. It’s nice, though, to be taken care of for a change.

As they come closer, I can’t help grabbing his hand and pulling him in for a kiss, which he gives me freely. Noah is wearing one of our team jerseys, which makes me smile, and a pair of tight skinny jeggings with brown boots. Mark is wearing the hoodie I lent him, and seeing my name across his back makes me feel possessive. I love it. Mark kisses me again. Fuck, I can’t stop smiling.

“Gross,” Noah mumbles.

Sawyer’s car door shuts and I turn to Mark’s friend. “How are you doing, Noah?”

“As soon as your friend comes into the light, I’ll tell you how I’m doing.” Sawyer walks over to us, stepping into the light from the parking-lot lamp. “Hot damn. I’m doing fantastic, Hunter, thanks for asking.” He holds out a hand to Sawyer. “And how are you, handsome?”

“Um. Hi. Great.” Sawyer takes Noah’s hand reluctantly, then peeling it away from Noah’s grip, he smiles at Mark. “Hi, Mark. It’s nice to meet you.”

“This is my best friend, Sawyer.” Mark stares at Sawyer, something like fear flashing across his face. Or maybe it’s nerves. “Babe?” I place my hand on his lower back. He snaps out of it, and his muscles relax as he reaches his hand out to Sawyer.

“Sorry. Hi, uh, sorry. Nervous. Nice to meet you too.” Shaking his hand, he attempts a smile, but it’s still a bit off. He must be nervous.

Sawyer shoves his hands in his pockets. “Hunter talks about you a lot.”

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