Page 244 of The Perfect Spiral
We release breathy chuckles and Kyle leans back to open the door, revealing Andy standing there in his hoodie and leggings. He extends a hand to her, inviting her to join us. She hugs both of us and Kyle grins, “My girls,” he murmurs, planting a kiss on both our heads while holding us tight.
“I love you, Andy,” he murmurs into her hair, and she freezes. I freeze too, taken aback by his bold declaration. We both pull back, staring wide-eyed at him. I glance over at Andy, shocked that those words have just left my brother’s mouth.
Tears start to stream down her face, and he begins to panic. “Shit! I’m sorry, you don’t have to say it back. I—I just... shit! I ruined it, didn’t I?” He covers his face, trying to hide his embarrassment.
Kyle has never said those words to any girl before, at least not outside of our family. Andy continues to let the tears fall down her flawless face, and she reaches up to gently remove his hands from his face.
They stare at each other for a few moments, and I feel like an intruder. “Do you mean it?” she manages to ask through her tears. He slowly nods, unsure if she’s about to start crying again.
“You don’t have to say it back. I just thought it would be a good time to tell you... It’s cool if—”
“I love you too!” she interrupts, whispering the words just after he confirms his feelings. His eyes widen, and they both break into lovesick grins. He leans in to kiss her, and I let go of the moment.
Chapter 87
As they lose themselves in each other, I notice another figure at the door. Knox is leaning against the wooden frame, silently observing the scene.
A single tear slips down my cheek, a silent wish for someone to love me like that. I quickly wipe it away and turn my gaze to the window.
“You alright?” Kyle asks, pulling me back to the present. I turn back to face the couple, nodding and forcing a smile.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just so happy that you’ve found each other,” I reply, and they pull me into a group hug.
I catch Knox’s gaze in the middle of our embrace. I look away, focusing on the floor as I step back from them. I think Andy senses my discomfort. “Hey, so we’re going to go and—” Kyle starts.
“Just go, I don’t want to know!” I laugh, covering my ears to protect what little innocence I have left.
“Just make sure I can’t hear you both! Please,” I call after them as they walk hand in hand out the door. The thought of them together sends a shudder down my spine. So gross.
I unwrap the towel around me and hang it on my heater to dry. I grab a fresh towel from my wardrobe and place it on the heating rack in my bathroom, so it’ll be warm when I step out of the shower.
Turning around, I collide with a hard chest and stumble back, only to be caught by an arm snaking around my waist. My hands instinctively find his shoulders, helping me regain my balance.
My gaze flickers from his lips to his eyes, and I immediately regret it. Seeing his eyes dilate sends my heart into overdrive.
His hot, minty breath fans my lips, and I snap out of my daze, trying to push him away. But he’s much stronger than I am and doesn’t budge.
“You can let go of me, I’m fine,” I insist.
“No,” he whispers, his words brushing against my skin. “Stay away from Caleb,” he pleads, his eyes filled with sincerity and protectiveness.
“Why? It’s none of your business, Knox!” I retort, frustration bubbling up inside me. He steps back, locks the door behind us, and moves closer to me.
“Because he’ll use you, Alex! That’s why,” he sighs, running a hand through his hair. He bites his lower lip, and I have to resist the urge to do the same. Stop that.
“So? All guys use me. I’m used to it by now. Who would want me, right?” My voice starts to crack, the facade I’ve been maintaining finally crumbling.
Seeing Andy and my brother so happy has made me realize that no one will ever look at me like that.
“Alex, stop saying that! Just stop! I’m serious.”
“No, Knox! No! Drew used me, you even used me—”
“Don’t you dare say I used you! I didn’t use you, Al—”
“Then what did I do wrong? What the fuck did I do wrong, Knox? Huh? Am I not pretty enough? Am I too awkward? Am I not skinny enough? What is it?
Why does everyone leave me? Why doesn’t anyone want to bewith me?” I break down, burying my face in his chest. I feel so weak.
