Page 34 of You Will Bow

I put a shaky hand on her waist, leading her quickly down the road.

“I…umm. Same. Went for a walk.” I look over my shoulder again, picking up my pace. “You need to get out of here.”

The last thing I want is anyone to see her and assume that she had something to do with Cade’s demise, if his disappearance and death should ever come out.

“Maddox.” She chuckles. “What’s the matter with you?”

“Nothing. Why?”

“You’re acting like you just saw a dead body.”

My eyes widen. “What? Why would you say that? I’m fine. There’s no dead body.”

“It was a joke. But seriously, is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine.”

“Well,” she drawls. “You’re acting really strange, but I will say, I’m glad you’re finally talking to me.”

For a second, I forgot I was even upset with her. Truth is, I don’t want to be. I hate avoiding her. I actually miss her. A lot. And being with her now gives me a sliver of comfort. If anyone can make me forget what just happened, it’s her.

I dig up some of the gravel with the toe of my shoe. “Yeah. Me, too.”

“Soooo. Is it safe to assume you skipped class today to avoid me?”

“Pretty much.”

“Hmm.” She bites her lip nervously. “Care to tell me why?”

My arms stiffen with my hands pushed deep in the pockets of my jeans. "I saw you, in bed, with Ridge."

"I know, you told me when you were drinking last night. I'm sorry, Maddox. We haven't labeled what we are and I… It's…"

I let out a strained laugh. "Not what I think?" I mock. "That's what they all say."

I pick up my pace, trying to remember back to when I was drunk last night. I remember going up to the tower, but I don't remember talking to Riley.

When I woke up with a shattered phone in my pocket, I briefly remembered the conversation with my father, but after that, it's blank. I don't even remember dropping my phone.

I only just returned from getting a new one when I decided to run by and check on Cade.

We make the turn onto campus, passing through the open gate. Low branches droop down full of colorful leaves. Thoughts of the approaching holidays enter my mind. Before long, we’ll be going home for Thanksgiving. I can’t help but think about my relationship with Riley. Would things still becomplicatedby then? Would we even be friends anymore? The thought of being anything less pains me.

“You like him?” I quip, holding my breath as I await her response.

She stops walking, though her gaze lingers past me. “I like you.”

“That’s not what I asked.” I know Riley likes me. There’s no doubt about that. Neither of us can deny the way we’ve connected over these past few weeks. I’m just not sure it means anything if she likes another guy more.

Her lips roll together and she inhales sharply. “Ridge is…confusing. The way I feel about him is even more confusing. I just…yeah. I guess I do.”

I nod repeatedly before my feet move again. “Gotcha.”

“Maddox, wait. I like you, too. So much.”She jogs at my side as I pick up my pace. “Why are you giving up on us so easily?”

How the hell am I supposed to fight for her when she gives me no indication she wants to be fought for? When I told Ridge how I felt about Riley, he was willing to let me have a shot at winning her over, but he wasn’t backing down either. I thought I might stand a chance, but it seems he’s come out on top.I need to just walk away while my dignity is still intact.

Just as we are rounding the corner of Riley's dorm, she plants herself in my path. “Will you just talk to me?”

---