Page 162 of Treacherous
“Okay, let’s have a tea party now.”
Jayden and I rear back from each other, placing distance between us. The tea party continued for an hour with secret glances and lively giggles.
Jayden and I pretended to be the king and queen and I did my best to focus on Daisy instead of Jayden’s pink, swollen lips.
Eventually, Daisy decides she wants to build a fort and watch a movie in the lounge room. So, Jayden and I get to work. We use the dining room table and chairs as part of the scaffold that will hold the make-shift roof, while Daisy drags her favourite pillows and blankets under the newly made fort.
“Let’s watch Moana,”
Daisy and I pick our spot on the cushioned floor, leaning against the couch. Jayden selects the movie, before joining us. He sits beside me, our shoulders brush and my blood heats.
Daisy snuggles into my neck, falling asleep within minutes of the moving starting.
I swallow, glancing to Jayden’s face. “Can I ask you something?”
He meets my gaze, eyebrows scrunching. “Sure,”
“Did you hate me when we were teens?”
“No, I didn’t hate you, Willow. Sure, you are infuriating and drive me closer to insanity every day—” A laugh tumbles from my lips before they curve upwards. I can’t hide the smile. I watch Jayden. His jaw ticks, but somehow, his eyes soften. “—I could never hate you. I don’t think I ever have.”
My heart pounds in my chest, the echo reaching my ears.
“Why do you ask?”
“I–” The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I’m scared to say them. “I know I can be too much–”
“Stop.” Jayden growls. Literally growls. “You’re not too much. You’re pe–” He stops himself, taking a deep breath. Jayden wraps his arm around my neck, pulling me and a sleeping Daisy closer to him. “I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that way, but just know that I like that you speak your mind and have an opinion.”
I suck in a breath, dipping my head into the crook of his neck. I blink back the tears forming and mutter: “Thank you.”
We stay like this for a moment too long, and it has thoughts running rampant in my mind.
I want every day to be like this–or maybe, I want every day with Jayden.
Chapter 23
Jayden Allen
The frozen air hits my skin, goosebumps crawl up my arms despite the layers I have on.
I blow into my palms, creating more heat. The cement path has been neglected, overrun with weeds and grass. I follow the winding path, a sombre silence cast over the cemetery grounds with no one besides the departed souls to keep me company.
Christmas spirit doesn’t exist in a place of death and grief. I wanted to stay away, unable to face my ex-girlfriend’s grave. The last time I was here was during the funeral, four years ago. I haven’t been able to face my fears head-on, but this year is different.
I grip my jacket tighter, clinging to the warmth and security it offers. I stop in front of Allison’s headstone, collapsing to myknees. They dig into the wet, muddy grass, the squelch echoing around me. Tears prick the corner of my eyes, begging to slip down my cheeks. I reach out, dragging my palm over the cold headstone.
“I’m sorry.” The words fall from my tongue with ease. “I’m sorry, it has taken me so long to come back. I have so many things to say.” I swallow. “I suppose I should apologise again. You were right, as usual.” A choked laugh escapes me. “I never saw it, or maybe I did but tried my best to ignore it.”
Meadow Beach – Five Years Ago
“Alli, you have nothing to worry about,” I say, trying to reassure her.
An angry rumble leaves her chest. “But I do! I’m not an idiot, I can see there is something between the two of you.”
“There is nothing and never will be anything between Willow and I.”
Alli’s hands cover her face, a quiet sob falling into them. I rush over to her, wrapping my arms around her neck. I place a kiss against her hair, letting my lips linger there for a moment.
