Page 82 of Never With You
“Carly?”
My head lifts just as I collide with Isaac and Lauren—more specifically, I run into their joined hands like I’m playing a mortifying game ofred rover. It takes a second to untangle myself from their arms. Why didn’t they just let go in the first place?
“Oh, hey!” I say, swiping my hair back as I gain my footing.
They are dressed up for the night, making me feel stupid in my jean shorts and cropped t-shirt.
“You really should watch where you’re going. You’re in a cool city. You can look at your phone some other time.” It’s then that Isaac notices I’m alone and feels the need to point it out. “Where’s Nate?”
“That’s who I was texting.” I hold my phone up and just as quickly take it away in case Isaac confiscates it to catch me in my lie. “We got separated and were just trying to find each other again.”
“Separated?” Lauren’s brows lift. “I would never let go of Isaac’s hand in a scary city like this.”
If thered rovergame is any indicator, she’s telling the truth.
“Well, I’m pretty capable. I don’t mind exploring or traveling alone.” I say it with a smile, but I mean it as a dig.
“Being capable isn’t some big flex, Carly,” Isaac chides as he puts his arm around Lauren’s waist and pulls her closer. “Men like women who let them lead out. You probably won’t get married until you learn that skill.”
My heart bangs with anger and embarrassment. I want to retort with some clever reply that puts Isaac in his place, but he’s stripped me of my confidence and made me feel small. Too small to stand up for myself. Just like when he broke up with me.
“There you are!” Nate’s arm is suddenly around my shoulder as if I conjured him up from thin air. “I’ve been looking all over for you.” He shoves a bouquet of colorful flowers into my hands. “I got you these. They’re not as beautiful as you—nothing is—but it’s the best I can do.”
He presses a soft trail of kisses that I wasn’t expecting but am equally grateful for from my cheek to my jaw and down my neck. I’d enjoy it more if I weren’t staring Isaac in the eyes, watching his jealousy unfold in real time.
Nate nuzzles his nose into my neck, saying loud enough for our audience to hear, “What do you say we get out of here and go back to the hotel? I’ll rub your feet and your back, and then”—his smile tips to something sultry—“we’ll put you to bed.”
Before I can even respond, his head lifts.
“Oh, hey, guys,” he says to Isaac and Lauren like they’re an afterthought. “Sorry about that tender display of affection. I didn’t see you there, or else I wouldn’t have broadcast our after-midnight plans.” The arm around my shoulder somehow slips to my waist, pulling me closer.
I respond by placing a hand on Nate’s chest, rubbing my fingers back and forth as I curl my body into him. My head lifts, glancing up at Nate with the flirtiest smile I can fake. “Babe, I think you’re right. We should get out of here. I’ll let you lead out.” My pointed stare lands on Isaac. “See you guys tomorrow.”
We turn around and walk off with arms wrapped around each other’s waists. The lovey-dovey position makes each footstep more difficult, but the show is worth it.
“Thank you,” I say under my breath. “You arrived at the perfect time and saved me.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
We walk a few more steps when Nate slips his hand into my back pocket.
“Seriously?” I snap, pinching his waist. “Are you fourteen?”
He laughs as he tries to dodge my fingers. “The hand in the back pocket never fails.”
“How do you even know Isaac is still looking?”
“Trust me, I know.”
In that case, I suck in a deep breath and slip my hand into Nate’s back pocket too.
Who am I?
I don’t even recognize myself anymore.
Once safely around the corner, I pull my hand out. He does the same, but not before patting my butt twice.
My eyes seethe. “A restraining order would go great with your red flag.”
