Page 40 of Off Limits

“I guess now I have an extra reason to be excited for you to come visit.”

“I told Chelsea today.”

“How’d that go?” His voice changes from fun and flirty to more serious.

“I think it went okay. I told her that John wanted to take me away for Valentine’s Day and then she assumed we were having sex, so I kind of had to let her know. She was mad I hadn’t told her.”

“That’s kind of awkward.”

“Yeah. I mean, it was for me. As far as she’s concerned, it was John. But knowing that I was telling her about our first time and that it was really you and notJohn,was kind of strange. Made me feel weird.” I pick at some pilling on my comforter.

“I can imagine. I’m sorry, baby.”

“It’s okay. Nothing I can do about it. I knew at some point she’d figure it out or I’d have to tell her sex was involved. It’s just a matter of who it’sactuallywith.”

“How much did you have to give her?”

“I tried to be as nonspecific as possible. Said around New Year’s, that we were watching TV, and you, he, you…this is confusing. I’m going to say you, because obviously it was with you.” I’m rambling from a mixture of excitement and leftover nerves from telling Chelsea. “Anyway, I said we were watching TV, you kissed me, and that one thing led to another.” My fingers work a string loose from the stitching on my blanket.“That’s it?”

“Yup.”

“And she was okay with that?”

“I kind of gave her a hard time that it’s personal. She was pissed I didn’t tell her earlier, since it was over a month ago.”

“I hate that she’s so in your business,” he grumbles.

“I mean, hello, she’s in yours too.”

“Shethinksshe’s in mine, but she doesn’t really know anything. I let her believe what she wants, correct her when it’s important. I mean, shit, Shay, she reads your messages. I can’t send you half of the things I want to in a text because she may see.” Irritation hangs off his words, and I know it’s because of the situation. If he had it his way, she’d already know.

“I like our cryptic messages. It’s kind of our thing.” My voice is mousier than I like, feeling less enthused about our way of communicating.

“I do too. Itisour thing. But there are things I’d like to be able to say to you that I’m not sure I can because I’m worried about Chelsea seeing it.” There’s a softness to his tone as he reassures me.

“You can say them now.”

“I know. It’s just frustrating.” It’s disheartening, to say the least. My shoulders slump as I internally deflate. It’s my fault he feels this way, my fault he’s frustrated.

I bite my lip, not really sure what to say. There are tons of things I want to be able to tell him that I can’t because it would be clear as day that I’mnottalking to John.

“I’m just excited that I’ll be able to hold you again in a few days.” His voice is low and throaty. It sends a tingle through my whole body.

“Me too. I’m taking shirts home with me, so if you’re going to be picky about what’s missing, have some ready.”

He chuckles, making my heart flutter. “Okay, I’ll be sure to make you a pile. Should I wear them for a little bit first?”

“Oh, yes, please. Especially if you’re wearing your cologne.”

“I’ll wear each one for about an hour before you come on Friday. What time do you think you’re getting in?”

“My class ends at eleven thirty. I figured I’d leave from there. It’s a little closer than home, so I’m thinking around three? Maybe three thirty? Chelsea said something about grabbing lunch and giving me some sort of pep talk first. For what, I have no idea. But if we do lunch, I’ll make sure it’s quick.”

“Okay. Just make sure it doesn’t get too late. I’ll feel better if you’re not driving in the dark.”

Even before we started dating, he was protective of me. Then, I’d always assumed he was just being nice, looking out for his sister’s best friend. Now, I know it was because he had feelings for me.

“I will. I’m far too eager to be there to waste even a second.” I take a deep breath, looking at the time. It’s getting late. I have an early class in the morning. But saying goodbye is the worst part of my day.

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