Page 15 of Sins of a Rebel

He, on the other hand, is making it hard to focus. His hair is grown out longer than normal, but I like it. My fingers itch to run through the strands, tugging on the ends when he pulls me in for a kiss.

His shirt is off, slung over his shoulder, and his black jeans show a hint of the happy trail disappearing beneath his waistband.

“I’m down here with your brother.” He motions toward the shop.

I nod. “I guess you gotta go then?”

I wonder if he can hear it in my voice, even though I’m fighting and failing at not letting my emotions show. His gaze flicks over to Ivy as if checking to see if she’s listening, and my stomach sinks.

Why do we have to hide what’s going on between us?

He takes a step toward me, reaching for my hand and lacing our fingers together. His brows deepen, staring down at where he rubs his thumb over my skin.

I want to ask what’s bothering him, and he shakes his head. It’s as if he can sense the question lingering in the air, but he’s asking me not to say it out loud.

“Tysin.” I hear shouted in the distance. The voice is familiar, and we both look to find Madden stalking toward us.

Tysin sighs and steps back, releasing my hand.

Ivy mutters under her breath, “She doesn’t deserve to be kept a secret.”

His brow furrows, looking back over at me.

“What are ya doin’?” Madden barks, clapping Tysin on the shoulder as he looks between the three of us.

“Where’s Brix?” Ivy asks, changing the subject. “I didn’t think the three of you went anywhere without each other.”

“He had some business with his mom to tend to before practice, I guess,” Madden says. “We’re meeting him back at Tysin’s in a few.”

Madden doesn’t notice the change in topic, and I’m thankful for the distraction. I don’t doubt Ivy knows the answer to her own question, but it deflects his attention away from Tysin and me.

My mind soaks in his comment about them heading back to Tysin’s place, wondering what else he’s been doing since we were last together. Why hasn’t he reached out to me or stopped by Breaking Waves? Has he thought about our time together or wanted to see me?

Ivy steps up to the counter and places her order, asking me if I want anything. I shake my head but then ask for a water.

I’m fighting against every urge to look at Tysin. I wonder if he feels the magnetic pull, holding me to him too. It’s as if every second that ticks by and we’re near each other, my body feels his presence, luring me to him.

“You ready to go?” Madden asks, elbowing Tysin before glancing at me.

For a second, I wonder if he picked up on it too, if he sensed the tension building between us. I give in and flash my eyes over to Tysin, finding him staring back at me.

My tongue darts out of my mouth, wetting my dry lips.

Where the hell is my water?

Tysin’s throat bobs at the sight of my tongue. He clenches his jaw and turns toward Madden, nodding his head.

“Let’s go,” he replies flatly, his voice firm.

If I didn’t know him better, I’d think he was angry. He’s not, though, and something about knowing I have this effect on him with my brother mere inches away sends relief rushing through me.

It doesn’t answer the question as to why he’s been so distant lately, but the voice in the back of my mind tells me maybe there’s more to it.

“See ya,” they both say in unison. Tysin lifts his hand in a short wave.

Ivy turns back toward me, snow cone in hand, and hands me my bottled water. I quickly uncap the top and take a long drink as she scoops a large bite of her flavored ice into her mouth.

“Why don’t you just tell Madden what’s going on? Rip off the Band-Aid, so to speak.” Ivy asks.

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