Page 35 of Chasing Stars
“How are you getting home?” he asks. Before I can answer, he adds, “You’re not driving.”
“I’ll Uber or something and get my car tomorrow,” I say, blowing bubbles in my water glass through the straw. It shoots up my nose and I cackle.
Miles isn’t amused. “I’ll take you home. Let’s go.” He starts to put on his jacket.
I frown at him. “Why do you get to say when it’s time to leave? I’m having fun.” The truth is, I stopped having fun about an hour ago when Joy ditched me for a guy with neck tattoos. I also wouldn’t mind a car ride with Miles, but I don’t want him to know that.
“Well, I’m ready to go, and your two friends left you, so what’s it going to be?” Miles lifts a brow, already turning toward the door. He doesn’t wait for me; he starts walking toward the door.
“You’re so bossy,” I say, wrinkling my nose. I hop off the stool and gather my things quickly, following him out. “Would it kill you to wait for me?” I call through the crowd. A few people around us glance my way.
He turns and gives me a devilish smirk over his shoulder. “You move too slow.”
Miles waits on the sidewalk as I step through the door out into the cool air. I’m never going to get used to the ten-degree difference of a seashore town. I shiver, and Miles notices—but for the first time since I’ve known him, doesn’t say anythingabout it. I expect him to open my car door, but instead, he goes right around to the driver’s side.
“It’s unlocked,” he says flatly. Not that I wanted him to open my door or anything, but he’s really turned the cold shoulder to me.
Miles is quiet as he drives to my house. I want so desperately to talk to him. I have to find a way to tell him how I feel. I don’t exactly know how thatisyet, but I do know I want to be near him. It feels too strange not to be. After we ate our sandwiches, he mostly avoided me. IknowI don’t want that.
“Miles,” I say quietly. He doesn’t look at me, keeping his eyes on the road. “Miles,” I say more firmly, prompting him to give me a sideways glance before turning back to the road. “What did I do wrong?” I whisper. “You’re freezing me out.”
Miles sighs, scratching his chin. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Jenna,” he says exasperated.
“Clearly, I did.” I roll my eyes.
Miles pulls off the dark, wooded road and onto the shoulder, a flicker of unease tightens in my chest. He turns to face me. “Jenna. You didn’t do anything wrong. I am just dealing with some personal stuff, okay?” He licks his lips and looks down at the gear shift.
“I feel like it’s me, though,” I say quietly, shifting my body toward his.
Miles shrugs and turns his eyes back to mine. “Maybe it’s you a little bit,” he admits.
Suddenly, I’m sober.I knew I wasn’t imagining his cold shoulder.It never crossed my mind that my flirting might actually be hurting him. “Then talk to me about it, please.”
“I just can’t take the hot and cold with you, Jenna. I told you I like you, but I’m trying to be careful. One minute,you’refreezingmeout, making it seem like it’s the last time you’re going to seeme. The next, you’re putting your hand in my back pocket.” He drags his palm down his face. “It’s really confusing.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper again, suddenly embarrassed by my behavior. Miles has been nothing but kind to me. He doesn’t deserve this roller coaster I’ve put him on. I sigh. “I guess I am wrestling with the idea of starting something with you when I’m not planning on staying. I don’t want to hurt you.”
Miles lets out a dry laugh. “Hurt me? I’m worried about hurting you.”
I crack a smile. “So, we’re both looking out for the other.” I bite my lower lip, hoping it will entice him.
“I guess so,” he rasps, looking me in the eye. My stomach flutters, and I don’t look away.
“So, now what?” I ask, not bothering to hide the hope in my voice.
Miles sighs. “Now, I take you home. And maybe we try to stay in the present moment and not worry too much about what comes next.” He shifts the car back onto the road.
“Okay. I can do that.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’m glad we had that talk,” I say, resting my head on the seat. “And even more glad you didn’t drag me into the woods and murder me.” I giggle.
For the first time tonight, Miles smirks at me. “Yet. I didn’t murder youyet.” He winks, and his smile turns genuine.
I’m devastated when he pulls up in front of my house.
“Okay, this is your stop.” He looks at me, his eyes suddenly tender, like he doesn’t want me to go.
“Miles,” I murmur.
“Yeah?” He asks, his voice quiet but earnest.
