Page 46 of Rebel Spell
“I see how it is.” I turned to walk back into my apartment.
“Diego, why are you being like this?” She caught up with me and touched my arm.
I spun toward her. Before I could hold it back, I barked, “I thought there was something developing between us, but I see I was wrong.”
“Diego…” She sighed. “I don’t know what to say. I’ve enjoyed all the time we spent together, but I don’t want to complicate things. I’m already so confused about everything.”
“I get it. This was just a hookup.” I motioned between us.
“No, it’s not like that.”
“I need to get ready for work.” That was a bullshit excuse since I wouldn’t be going anywhere until sundown, but I had to get away from her. Before she could say anything else, I walked out and closed the door behind me.
Chapter 10
Nova
Wow, I hadn’t expected Diego to react like that yesterday and still didn’t know what to make of it. I sorted through dusty books on the main floor, boxing those I would never read. It was good that he worked last night, as we could both use some space. I still wasn’t ready to deal with what happened as I tried to sort through increasingly confusing feelings. From the first moment I’d met Diego, he’d been a conundrum, and every moment since grew more convoluted.
Yet, I couldn’t deny I’d developed feelings for him. But what could that possibly mean in the scheme of things? It was definitely less complicated if we kept things casual.
I’d worked up the nerve to sleep in my aunt’s bedroom again. Since I’d cleared the space of dark magic, I forced myself not to let myself get spooked. I mean, I was still blown away that I’d even managed to doanythingwith magic. It was strangely empowering.
Fortunately, it was an eventless night.
After breakfast, Gianna came over to help me pack some boxes and bring them to charity. I gave her a quick tour of my apartment and the shared kitchen. Fortunately, none of the guys were around—well, specifically, Diego. No need for the awkward morning after just yet.
When we returned to my living room, Gianna motioned around. “It’s such a great set up. There’s no way your apartment in New York is this spacious.”
“True,” I agreed. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to move here.”
“So stubborn,” she said with a half-smile. “It’s astounding to me that you’d choose some crappy expensive shoebox that you share with others over this.”
“Don’t forget, I work at a publishing house in Manhattan,” I pointed out. “Which is pretty sweet.”
She tapped her fingers on her thigh. “And have you missed it at all?”
Gianna had me there. The truth was I hadn’t missed much—not my job or coworkers, apartment or roommates or the subway hustle to get to and from work each day. I didn’t miss the work since my supervisor asked me to pick up some projects this week.
“I can’t change everything and move here,” I replied.
“Why not?”
Good question. I exhaled with a huff. “I don’t know.” I raised my hand to my forehead and rubbed. “What do I have here besides a house?”
She placed her hand on her chest and arched one of her perfect brows. “Me.”
“Yes, you,” I agreed. “But it’s not like we didn’t talk while I was gone.”
She rolled her eyes. “Talking on the phone isn’t the same. It’s much better when we get together like this.” She tilted her head. “I miss having you here.”
“I miss you, too,” I admitted.
We tackled the numerous knick-knacks in the living room, from figurines to empty planter pots to candle holders.
“You sure you can’t think of anyone who might want any of these?” I asked as I picked up a ceramic figurine of a woman.
“No. This stuff might have been sentimental to your aunt, but…” She shrugged.
