Page 35 of Awakened in September (Sleepless November Saga 4)

As soon as they’re both gone, and the door closes behind them, I snicker in disbelief. “I hate that girl.”

Kayleigh giggles. “I don’t know why. She’s such a ball of sunshine.”

I can’t help but stop and look down at her as she lies next to me. Her hair is disheveled from my tickle onslaught. Her shirt is slightly raised, showing a small section of her skin.

Her eyes look like the feeling of home, and it all causes a smile spreads across my face. She’s gorgeous.

“What?” She asks, fixing her shirt.

I snap out of it and shake my head. “Nothing, sorry. Want to finish this?”

Thankfully, she doesn’t question it further. Instead, she nods and sits up before pulling the computer onto her lap. She starts to type up the report, since she’s faster at typing than I am. Apparently, my hunt and peck method is outdated.

The two of us go over everything as she types our observations into the essay. I finally feel like we’re getting to the point where we could be considered at least acquaintances. However, that gets ripped away from me as soon as we finish.

“Thank god!” She exclaims. “Now I don’t have to deal with you anymore.”

I chuckle slightly, thinking she’s kidding. When she maintains a straight face, my heart sinks. “Seriously?”

“Yes, seriously.” She sneers. “You couldn’t have possibly thought I wanted to be your friend, could you?” I bite my lip and swallow harshly. “Oh, you did.” She laughs. “That’s adorable.”

I don’t understand the sudden change in attitude, but my defense mechanisms kick in immediately. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

She rolls her eyes as if I’m an annoying pest. “You’re what’s wrong with me. Now leave, there’s no reason for you to be here.”

Her words feel like taking an ice pick straight to the chest. I never thought someone not wanting to be around me could hurt so bad. Unsure of how long I can control my emotions, I quickly get up – grabbing my keys and my jacket. Just as I get to the door, I stop.

“Fuck you, Kayleigh. And fuck me for ever thinking you’re something better than you are. Have fun starving yourself.” I growl and walk out the door, slamming it closed behind me.

IF I’VE LEARNED ANYTHING over the past month and a half, it’s that I have no control when it comes to Kayleigh Jacobs. She’s the only person who can pull me in and push me away like I don’t matter at all. More importantly, she’s the only person who makes me give a shit about it – hence why I’m at this dingy bar. Thank God for turning 21 over the summer.

“Drinking away your problems?” A familiar voice says from beside me.

“What are you doing here, Laci?”

She shrugs. “A little birdie told me you were here. Thought I’d come see what had you so down in the dumps.”

I groan internally, not wanting to deal with her shit right now. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Aw, what’s wrong, H? A little brunette stomp on your heart?”

My eyes narrow on her. “My girlfriend is blonde.”

She smirks. “I wasn’t referring to your girlfriend.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Laci chuckles and looks at me knowingly. “Please. I saw the way you looked at her on Friday.”

“Oh yeah? And what way was that exactly?”

“The same way your girlfriend looks at you, just maybe a little more intense.”

“Bullshit.” I deny it, but it sounds as weak as it feels.

She lightly grazes her fingertips down my arm. “Prove me wrong, then.”

I look around to see if there is anyone I know, but the only person I can see is Jason. I know he can keep a secret, so I grab the back of Laci’s head and pull her lips to mine. The two of us end up in a heated make out session. She grips the back of my neck as I lift her onto my lap. Once she’s straddling me, she grinds down on my crotch but gets no response. After a few minutes, she pulls away, looking obnoxiously satisfied.

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