Page 62 of Midnights
I sigh dramatically and roll onto my back, staring at the ceiling like it owes me an explanation. “It’s not like that. Kane’s existence is pissing me off.”
Rachel’s mouth twitches, and I can see the amusement flicker in her eyes, but she wisely stays quiet as I sit up, rubbing my temples.
“He’s annoying,” I continue, the words just spill out like I’ve ripped open a dam. “He’s never serious about anything. He’s bossy, smug,andhe thinks he knows everything.”
I let out a breath and roll off the bed, pacing the room like a caged animal. The energy needs to go somewhere, and apparently, lying down isn’t cutting it.
Rachel watches me like she’s watching her favorite TV show. “Yeah, why don’t you tell me how youreallyfeel?”
I stop, whipping around. “I just did.”
Rachel hums, full of judgement and not an ounce of subtlety. “Mmm. Sure. I happen to know you also think he’s gorgeous. I know you get all hot and bothered every single time he looks at you. And Idefinitelyknow you’re in denial about your feelings for him.”
I scoff. Loudly. “Excuse me?”
But she’s already smiling ear to ear.
“All you’ve done is think about sucking his face off. Or maybe…” She pauses for effect. “... you’re wishing to suck something else off.”
Heat rushes up my neck like I’ve been set on fire, and I gape at her, choking on my own air. “Rachel!”
She just grins, looking way too pleased with herself. “Just saying, babe. Own it.”
“Oh, absolutely not.” I throw my hands up like I’m warding off a curse. “Nope. We are not going there. Delete that thought from your brain. Burn it. Bury it. Immediately, no.”
Rachel winks. “Too late.”
Groaning, I grab a pillow and hurl it at her head. She dodges like a damn ninja, cackling.
“You could not be further from the truth.”
“And you’re inso much denial,”she sings, tossing the pillow right back at me.
It smacks me right in the face.
The thing is, she’s not wrong.
These are feelings I haven't really examined, nor do I want to. I like things the way they are and the moment that line is crossed, everything changes.
And that’s not an option.
Besides, we’re in another country. I’m going home eventually. And Kane? He’s the kind of man who leaves a mark and I’d rather not find out firsthand just how hard he’d be to forget.
“Oookay,Miss Perfect, let's talk about how you have a boyfriend at home who refuses to commit, and you’re over here with an equally gorgeous man willing to commit to at least one good orgasm.” I give her a pointed look, crossing my arms. “Are we going to dive intothatwhile we’re at it?”
Rachel’s smug expression vanishes, and her mouth opens then closes. Like a fish gasping for air.
She exhales loudly, visibly regrouping. “We’re just friends. And you’re right about one thing, it’s definitely complicated.” She hesitates, absently playing with the edge of her coffee cup. “Bobby’s great, and he’s going to propose… eventually. He just has a few…” She pauses. “Commitment issues.”
I tilt my head, arching a brow. “Afewcommitment issues?”
Bobby is a fucking joke. He’s been stringing her along for years. It's the same story every time she brings up taking the next step. He pulls away, goingradio silent for days, sometimes weeks. Then, like clockwork, he shows back up, acting like nothing happened. And she forgives him. Again.
“Okay, fine. More than a few. But it’s not all bad.”
She groans, and her tone shifts, softer now, like she’s trying to convince herself.
“And yeah, I know Cam’s hot. We’ve been over this. I'm not blind.” She gestures vaguely. “I love knowing that I don’t have to worry about him making a move or reading into things. I can actually breathe around him. I’m not into Cam like that.”
