Page 37 of Awakened in September (Sleepless November Saga 4)

“Kayleigh.”

He’s quiet for a moment before he starts to laugh. “I did not see that one coming. Did she slap you?”

The thought of her kissing me back makes me break out in a wide smile. “Nope. Just the opposite, actually.

“Wow.” He says, surprised. “I-is she going to tell Bree?”

To be honest, the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. I can only imagine how heartbroken my girlfriend would be if she found out. “I don’t think so.” I answer, but it doesn’t sound convincing. “I didn’t ask.”

“Well, do you plan on staying with her, or are you going to leave her for Kayleigh?”

“I haven’t thought about it. I don’t even know if that’s an option. It was only one kiss.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying. Don’t throw away something good, for something that may not even happen.”

As much as he normally makes me feel better, this time he’s only making it worse. However, I know he has a point. I sigh as I think it over. Bree is a safe bet. I already know she likes me, or loves me as she claims. Kayleigh, though, she’s a risk. Her hot and cold act is something I

still haven’t been able to figure out.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“I’m not saying it’ll never happen. I’m just suggesting you don’t jump the gun. No one is telling you to choose right now, so just take some time to think it over.”

I thank him for his advice and the two of us get off the phone. As soon as I put it down on my bed, it vibrates. I pick it back up and feel slight disappointment when it’s not Kayleigh.

Bree: Hey babe. Want to hang out tonight?

Guilt washes over me. I don’t think I could face her tonight after knowing I just kissed one of her closest friends. Besides, I’d rather not cover the feeling of Kayleigh’s lips on mine just yet.

Me: Sorry, not feeling well. Rain check?

I END UP AVOIDING Bree for most of the week, but Friday eventually comes and I can’t keep away from her any longer. She knows the fraternity hosts a party every weekend, and it wouldn’t be the slightest bit believable if I said I wasn’t going to be there. I’m telling the new guys their duties for the night when I feel two arms wrap around me from behind. Brianna.

I’m not going to lie, I did miss her. I turn in her grasp and place a kiss on the top of her head. However, when I see Kayleigh standing behind her, I freeze. She’s wearing a black dress that I’ve seen on Bree, but that doesn’t begin to compare to how it looks on her. My eyes widen as I look her up and down.

“Kayleigh.” I try to mask my emotions. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“She talked me into it.” She says, pointing to my girlfriend.

Bree hands Kayleigh her bag and excuses herself to go get drinks. It leaves Kayleigh and I alone together and it’s obvious neither of us know what to say. After a minute or so, she speaks.

“Can we go talk?” She sounds nervous but I nod anyway – leading her over to the side of the house. I lean up against the wall and wait for her to say what she wanted. “I don’t know how long I can keep this a secret for. The guilt is killing me.”

Her voice is a little high, so I motion for her to quiet down, looking around to make sure no one heard. “I know. It’s been eating at me, too.” It’s not exactly a lie. I have felt guilty, but I’m sure not as much as her.

“So, why don’t we just tell her?”

Okay, that did not just come out of her mouth. I shake my head rapidly. “Are you out of your mind? We can’t.” For one, I haven’t figured out what to do yet. And two, it would ruin their friendship entirely.

She messes with her hair. “We could just explain it was an accident. Maybe she’ll understand.”

Oh, honey. It was no accident. “No! Absolutely not.”

A cold, determined expression comes across her face. “Well, I can’t promise I won’t say something.”

The sound of Brianna calling our names turns my attention to the front yard. Kayleigh must hear it too because she tenses. I use the opportunity to step closer to her and place my lips as close to her ear as I can.

“You tell Bree about the kiss, and I tell everyone about your little problem.” It’s a total bluff but it’s guaranteed to buy me more time.

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