Page 14 of Come to Me

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He raises his brows, not buying into that line of conversation.

I sigh. I know he really does want to know the stupid things on my mind.

"Can you promise you'll react as calmly and coolly as possible?" I ask, giving him a strong side eye.

I can't take his excitement, not when I've already decided not to take the part.

"Last time I checked, you weren't a fan of promises from Luke Lawrence."

I crack a smile at that.

"That's true."

He smiles back, smoothing my hair.

"But, I do promise. What is it?"

"It's not a big deal."

"Uh huh. You want to wait until we order dinner to tell me about this teeny tiny thing?"

I nod, my shoulders slumping.

"Alright. And, I imagine that you—unfortunately—want to get dressed?"

I shake my head. "No, but I probably should. Unless..."

"Not right now, Ally. You're clearly stressed out about something." He kisses my cheek. "But later, if you're still awake and you're still up for it."

Fair enough.

I disappear into our room and spend what feels like forever changing into my pajamas.

It is a big deal. It's a huge deal.

And Luke's perfectly capable of crushing me with his reaction.

Chapter Four

Luke

Alyssa joins me at the dinner table after hiding out in her room forever.

She keeps pressing her lips together, squeezing her hands together.

She's a nervous wreck.

I wish she had an easier time talking to me.

"I ordered from the Indian place," I let her know.

"It's so over-priced," she protests.

"I don't care. I know you like it."

She smiles, though whatever is weighing on her dims it.

What could it be?

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