Page 115 of Kiss Me in the Dark
“Thanks,” he says, his smile widening.
The car falls into a quiet lull, and I shift uncomfortably under his gaze.
“You’re cute when you’re shy,” Blaze says, his voice teasing.
I blush, biting my lip to stop myself from smiling.“I gotta go,” I mumble, fumbling with the door handle.
Blaze chuckles as I stumble out of the car, nearly tripping over my own feet.I hear his laugh behind me as I rush toward the building.
Once inside the apartment, I lean back against the door, letting out a shaky breath.
How did I end up in this situation?Blaze likes me?He’s handsome, rich, and confident—he could have anyone.Why me?
And why can’t Fox feel the same way about me?Why does it have to be his best friend?
Shaking my head, I turn on the lights and head to my room.I just need a long bath and a nap to clear my head.
I stare blankly at the menu, my mind miles away, while Leanne sits across from me.We just wrapped up class and came to this café near campus—supposedly for drinks.But it’s been twenty minutes, and I still haven’t ordered a thing.My palms are sweating from how long I’ve been gripping the menu.
“Are you okay?”Leanne asks, finally breaking the silence.Her voice is soft, but there’s a hint of concern in her tone.
I drop the menu onto the table and sigh, looking up at her.She’s been watching me, probably wondering what’s going on.Outside of the literature club and the class we share, we don’t spend much time together.My life is mostly a blur of work, assignments, and avoiding my apartment these days.
“I’m fine,” I say, though it’s obvious I’m not.
Leanne raises a skeptical eyebrow.“You don’t look fine.”
I open my mouth to respond but snap it shut, shaking my head instead.
“Trust me, I’m fine,” I say again, though the words feel hollow.
It’s been three weeks since Fox left the apartment.The longest he’d ever stayed away before was a weekend—maybe a week at most.But this?This feels endless.I don’t know why I told him how I felt.If I’d known it would lead to this—him avoiding me like the plague—I never would’ve said a word.
I miss him so much it physically hurts.I miss his loud music, his annoying comments, and even his manipulative games.Anything would be better than this silence.
“Is this about Fox?”Leanne asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
I groan, slumping in my seat.“How do you know everything?”
She smirks knowingly.“It’s obvious.So, what did he do this time?”
I shift in my seat, avoiding her gaze.“How’s Jeremy?”I ask, desperate to change the subject.“Your frat boyfriend, right?The one I saw you with.”
Leanne’s smirk widens.“Jeremy’s great.We’re still together.But nice try.Now, back to Fox.What’s going on?And don’t tell me this is about douchebag Elias.”
I groan again, rubbing my temples.“You can’t blame Elias for what happened.”
“Sure I can.He was an asshole.Now spill.”She leans forward, her expression softening.“What’s got you this worked up?”
I sigh, glancing around the café.Finally, I mumble, “Fox has been avoiding me.”
Leanne tilts her head.“Why?”
I hesitate, then cover my face with my hands.“Because I told him I had feelings for him,” I admit, my voice muffled.
“Oh my God.”
I drop my hands and grab the menu again, hoping it’ll shield me from her reaction.
