Page 10 of Tempt

I shift away from the table, taking my dishes to the sink before turning to head down the hall following his directions.

Inside the bathroom, I use the mirror to check my reflection, then glance at my phone.

Three texts and a missed call from Jules.

I want my friend to be happy. But can’t she be happy without leaving me? It’s not like her girlfriend never stays over. Maybe she can move into Liv’s room.

I’m being a shitty roommate.

I hit Jules’s contact.

“Hey.” She answers on the first ring. “Liv said you heard. I’m sorry it came out that way.”

“It’s fine. Better than fine. Be with Tess.”

“You mean that?” Her voice perks up. “I didn’t think you were her biggest fan.”

I’m also not gonna tell my roommate not to go for it. There are enough people that don’t have your back in the world. I’m one thousand percent in my friends’ corners, no matter what.

“With you and Liv gone, it means more room for my shoes.” I stare in the mirror, pulling my face in different directions as I imagine the empty dorm room.

Sounds from outside enter my head.

“I gotta go. I’ll see you at school.”

“I’m buying you the biggest cappuccino tomorrow. Love you.”

“You too.” I click off.

It’s one thing to feel the exhilarating independence of college with your friends at your side. Another to realize you’re flying solo.

No impromptu late-night drinking games. No sharing clothes in the morning. No pranks or jokes. No holding each other’s hair, no complaining over school or dating or life.

I’m either going to be living alone or moving. The hard truth of that sets in.

When I return, Daniel looks up with a smile.

“Time for ice cream,” he announces.

“You guys eat. I should go.” I collect my bag from next to the coffee table. “Thanks for hanging with me, Andy.”

“Bye, Kat!”

I start toward the hall and Daniel follows.

“If I said something wrong—”

“You didn’t.” I sling my bag over my shoulder.

I’ve always liked guys who’re reckless and casual.

Daniel is the opposite.

Seeing him play house tonight should’ve made him less attractive. But I’m impressed with how seriously he takes his job as a single parent, how much it matters to him.

“I’ll drive you home. Let me get Andy.” He reaches across me for his keys, hanging on a peg hook by the door.

“Is that why you didn’t drink tonight?” I can’t remember the last time a guy was such a gentleman, especially without an agenda.

---